Stream Safely: Friendly Tips from InfoWest – The Internet People
Streaming your favorite shows and movies has never been easier. With so many platforms and devices available today, entertainment is just a click away.
However, as streaming continues to grow in popularity, we’ve started receiving more questions about certain devices that can cause unexpected problems. We want to help you stay informed and avoid headaches down the road.
Be Cautious of “Superboxes” and “Free TV Boxes”
We’ve received several calls about so-called “free TV boxes” or “Superboxes.” These devices promise unlimited access to movies, shows, sports, and games with a one-time purchase, no monthly subscription required.
While that may sound like a great deal, there’s often more to the story.
These devices typically advertise access to premium content without legitimate subscriptions. In many cases, the content being streamed through these boxes is unauthorized.
What You Should Know
- They can cause internet issues.
Some of these devices use unreliable or unstable streaming sources, which can create buffering problems, slow speeds, or unusual traffic on your network. - They may put your devices at risk.
Because these boxes often rely on unofficial apps or software, they can expose your home network to malware, security vulnerabilities, or privacy risks. - InfoWest cannot provide support for these devices.
We’re here to help with your internet service, but we’re unable to troubleshoot or support superboxes or third-party streaming devices that use unauthorized services.
Quick Note About Legal Risk
It’s important to understand: the physical box itself isn’t necessarily illegal. The issue is how it’s used.
Many of these devices provide access to copyrighted content without proper licensing or valid subscriptions. Streaming or distributing copyrighted material without authorization can violate U.S. federal copyright laws.
While enforcement typically focuses on distributors, users can still face service disruptions, account issues, or other consequences.
The Safer Alternative
To protect your internet service, your devices, and your personal information, we recommend using trusted, legitimate streaming platforms and devices.
These services:
- Provide secure, high-quality streams
- Protect your personal information
- Offer customer support
- Operate within copyright laws
Popular, reputable streaming services include:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- YouTube TV
While these require subscriptions, they offer reliable performance, legal access to content, and peace of mind.
