Streaming shortcut proves a hit

A streaming service provider marketed as “Bye Bye Sky” and a “Netflix killer” is selling fast in New Zealand, despite an internet piracy expert’s warnings that it could be infringing copyright.

NZ Streaming Boxes, branding itself as Bye Bye Sky, has sold 450 of its units in the two months it has been operating. The boxes plug into customers’ televisions and allow them to stream online content.

On the company’s website, under the banner “Say goodbye to Sky and their high fees!”, it says the box gives viewers access to “tens of thousands of channels”.

Director Joe, surname withheld, told the Herald the box has a one-off cost of $140, and runs on open-source Android software. “The idea for me came out of the UK . . . they’re absolutely massive over there. The thing that struck me was the convenience of having everything in one place.”

Viewers can access live streams of channels from around the world. “No content is hosted by ourselves or in New Zealand and we do not have control of any of the content.”

Joe said demand for the devices had been high. “I just can’t get the boxes in quick enough, everything’s constantly on back order.”

He admits the brand name is “inflammatory”, but it was a ploy to encourage awareness of his product.

He said there was no intent to steal any of Sky’s content, although it was possible to view content for which Sky had exclusive rights.

Internet piracy expert Rick Shera said if Bye Bye Sky was simply offering the box without customisation it would not be liable for copyright infringement, but it appeared the service had been customising the box specifically so customers could access copyrighted content.

He suspected Sky would be looking to take action regarding the Bye Bye Sky brand name.

Sky chief executive John Fellet said he had no comment. Netflix has been asked for a response.