Friend MTS Aims at IP Video Piracy

At CABSAT 2016, Friend MTS is launching Viper, an automated IP video anti-piracy service intended to counter the threat from illegal IPTV set-top boxes.

Viper uses the company's proprietary technology to monitor the boxes, identify the source of each illegal channel feed and shut it down. The service is designed to identify illegal broadcast streams that are hidden behind a paywall, and not usually detectable by normal anti-piracy searching methods.

Illegal IPTV set top boxes are available for as little as £250 ($365 U.S.) a year, the company says, and come fully loaded with major broadcast channels from around the world as well as VOD content and live sports.