Warning email from Amazon

[slottedpig]

Tending to agree the recent post about re-encoding is something from the last Widevine lock out. AMZ and NF were the last 2 modules to be reopened.

Before YT-DLP became a thing, I used to just find the video in a cache folder. Then when the browser people complicated things, I then used to use a cache inspector program and 'plucked' the stream from a cache folder (the cache inspector had a sort by time/date function to make it easier, looking for something by file size that seemed right). Taking the cached file never required a re-encode. I know, YT stuff wasn't DRM protected so that is why. But even if it was as described above, wouldn't the cached file just need the DRM removed? Why would they need to process it like a screen recorder?

They don’t, everything is working as expected and hopefully Wilson.Wang can confirm that for us quickly and we can get back to the topic at hand which is the Amazon warning emails and if anyone has gotten one using the new version of the software

[MrGrackle]

Tending to agree the recent post about re-encoding is something from the last Widevine lock out. AMZ and NF were the last 2 modules to be reopened.

Before YT-DLP became a thing, I used to just find the video in a cache folder. Then when the browser people complicated things, I then used to use a cache inspector program and 'plucked' the stream from a cache folder (the cache inspector had a sort by time/date function to make it easier, looking for something by file size that seemed right). Taking the cached file never required a re-encode. I know, YT stuff wasn't DRM protected so that is why. But even if it was as described above, wouldn't the cached file just need the DRM removed? Why would they need to process it like a screen recorder?

[slottedpig]

Everything is working as expected and I’m also not seeing anymore posts about warnings or bans that took place after the update. I think all is good here for now at least. I’m still going to use a burner account as should everyone but I downloaded 3 movies and 2 of them were from p+ through Amazon and haven’t received anything.

[Sebastian001]

I agree with jpp72 und Germania. This website version is still from the DRM lockdown... I was briefly on the site myself before the Amazon email came... If you click on the second tab, you'll see that all modules are stored in download mode...

[jpp72]

Believe what you want to believe. They are the ones that said they are doing it and "the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab" sure sounds like screen recording. As for me, I have no way that I can test it as I'm not going anywhere near Amazon with SF. I value my Prime membership a whole hell of a lot more than I trust StreamFab's methods. And I refuse to throw good money after bad to get a second Amazon account.

That webpage was from the last DRM change from March 2024. They first enabled it for Amazon in 6.1.6.8, Netflix in 6.1.7.0 and Peacock in 6.1.7.8.

It's a known fact that the way StreamFab was requesting the license was not proper so it makes more sense that's what has changed.

To top it all off, Germania has done the actual test and files are identical in 6.2.4.6 and 6.2.4.7.

Wilson.Wang, please clarify if Amazon is pure download or re-encode so we can all move on. Also, tell Erika to update that page to reflect the current situation

[Germania]

Believe what you want to believe.

I believe only what it's true ..
.. and "sounds like screen recording" sounds only like that


"the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab"

If so I would see "Continue watching" or see it in Watch History ..
.. but as I already wrote, that's not the case for me.

[Cats4U]

Believe what you want to believe. They are the ones that said they are doing it and "the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab" sure sounds like screen recording. As for me, I have no way that I can test it as I'm not going anywhere near Amazon with SF. I value my Prime membership a whole hell of a lot more than I trust StreamFab's methods. And I refuse to throw good money after bad to get a second Amazon account.

[jpp72]

I was going to say the same. That link is from the last time they revoked the CDM.

More likely, it's the way they are doing the license request that has changed

[slottedpig]

No way, I watched the CPU and i downloaded a new movie from prime and it never went above practically idle also processing took less then 30 seconds for a 2hr movie....no way its screen recording.

[Germania]

Amazon is not being downloaded now, it is being recorded

If I dl an epi with 6246 and 6247 the result is the same ..
.. therefore, 6247 cannot be switched to "Re-encoding mode".
In addition, the bit rate corresponds to the prediction.

Apart from that, I wouldn't be able to get any movies
in HD with my dual monitor (not HDCP compliant):

If anyone is interested ... I found the problem.

Since it is played for repackaging, the requirement for HD playback must be met.

I had this problem before SF with re-encoders ..
.. it's not HDCP compatible if my switched off dual-monitor (TV) is connected.

Series works in HD but films don't, if Dual-Monitor is connected => Cdm Error (2)

[Xenos]

I just downloaded a TV series from Amazon last night. Each episode took mere seconds. I don't see how that could have been a screen recording.

[Cats4U]

• • 
    #279.1
    Germania commented
    Yesterday, 02:05 PM
    but for amazon Wilson wrote:
    at least that the process is same as watching the video from Amazon website
    when analyzing and downloading videos from Amazon in StreamFab
    => I see only "Amazon_PlayBack.json" in Log Directory

I just stumbled over an explanation for what Wilson is talking about. Amazon is not being downloaded now, it is being recorded. See here: https://www.dvdfab.cn/streamfab-download-status.htm

Specifically, read this:

How Does It Work?


Currently, in the market, there are two methods to save videos, which are downloading and screen recording (details: difference between downloading and screen recording). At StreamFab, we prioritize user experience and strive to provide the best quality download tools for our users. However, as we all know, DRM systems are constantly being updated which can sometimes render download tools ineffective.

To address this issue, it’s important for users to understand the two working modes of StreamFab: downloading mode and re-encoding mode. Download Mode


StreamFab's download mode involves directly accessing the original encrypted video streams from the streaming platform, decrypting the DRM protection, and ultimately generating clear video files.

In various services, the modes we utilize are as follows:

• YouTube Downloader: Always in download mode.
• VIP Services: Download mode + re-encoding (temporary solution)
• DRM M3U8: Always in download mode.
• DRM MPD: It remains in download mode as well, but during DRM upgrades, some websites may encounter failures, requiring patience as we work to resolve them.

Note: Here, we would like to briefly explain the relationship between download quality and playback quality. If you have questions like "Why am I able to stream videos in 4K resolution, but only able to download up to 1080P?", reasons may be as follows:

1. The download quality is based on the playable quality in Chrome/Firefox browsers.
2. However, due to the varying DRM protection types for different quality levels, it implies that not all playable quality can be downloaded.

Of course, we can also utilize some specialized technical methods to enable users to download video quality or Codec that cannot be played in the browser.

For examples:

1. Apple TV+ offers high-quality video content, protected with Microsoft Playready, with a maximum resolution of 480p for streaming on Chrome browser, which means only 480p videos can be downloaded via StreamFab
2. Hulu does not support 4K video playback on browsers, but StreamFab allows users to download 4K content for offline viewing.
3. Amazon users are unable to play H.265 or EAC3 audio in their browsers, but StreamFab allows users to download H.265 and EAC3 for offline viewing.
4. Netflix users are unable to play Dolby Vision and HDR10 videos in their browsers on Netflix, but StreamFab allows users to download them for offline viewing.

Re-encoding Mode


Re-encoding mode is a method that involves downloading the original encrypted stream first and then decrypting it through CDM to obtain the decrypted cached video stream, and ultimately encoding and decoding it to generate Clear video files.

At StreamFab, this is merely a temporary solution to meet user download needs in response to DRM upgrades.

Currently, the following services may utilize the Re-encoding mode:

• Amazon
• Netflix

[theresay]

Like I mentioned before, I'm still downloading from Amazon every day, although I reduced the quantity to one season a day (only because I subscribed to a couple of channels during Prime Day and am catching up on some shows, otherwise I usually don't download that much and not every day). I'm in the US, without ad-free, and I've rented but never watched, no cancellations (I got a reminder over the weekend on my latest rental, so I let it played on my phone while doing other things just to be safe). I'm on version 6.2.3.7. I check my inbox, spam folder, and Amazon messages twice a day, so far nothing.

[jpp72]

I think my plan to start downloading again in September is sound. Seeing some of the issues with downloading certain episodes with 6.2.4.7, I rather err on the safe side. I know that technically, it's a burner account, but I don't really want to be constantly creating new accounts.

By the time I start again, StreamFab should be at v6.2.5.2, and they will have hopefully ironed out all the issues with the "Improvements on the Amazon analysis and download engine"

[IronicMan]

i've been using 6.2.4.4 and they sent me a warning...i thought i was using a more recent version, but when i clicked on "about" it says 6.2.4.4