How to beat Streaming Quality as a Pirate
- My HD Piracy Setup
- Media
My HD Piracy Setup
Security and Privacy tools
-
You will need a good (reliable) VPN that will let you download at high volumes.(Mullvad is the most secure due to its privacy emphasis, although Nord does support torrenting as well) Not using a VPN can get you in legal trouble in some countries.
-
As an extra layer you can use a privacy browser. Brave and Dolphin Anty are good options. Privacy: Use Proton for email and SearX for search to enhance your privacy. Avoid using your main email or password for piracy sites.
-
qBittorrent is the new favorite amongst pirates after uTorrent got sold to a private company.
-
Adblockers and Pop-up blockers: Most torrent sites will have pop-ups so these will come in handy.
Adblocking: Use uBlock Origin for browsers and AdGuard for mobile devices. A Redirect Skipper can help bypass annoying countdowns on streaming sites.
Websites and resources
Links that will come in handy (bookmark these)
Reddit’s piracy megathread : https://old.reddit.com/r/Piracy/wiki/megathread
Fmhy: https://fmhy.net/
(This is a comprehensive resource that can help a lot)
My main site for mainstream movies: https://1337x.to/
Private tracker that takes Bitcoin and other cryptos (shitcoins)
https://digitalcore.club/ (You may need to pay or have a very high seed to leech ratio)
Advanced Tips
Torrenting Bind VPN to Torrent Client: Ensure your VPN is bound to your torrent client to prevent IP leaks if the VPN connection drops.
By following this guide, you’ll have a robust setup for high-quality piracy, ensuring both security and performance.
Media
Try both 4K remux and compressed files to see if you can notice a difference on your setup. This can help you decide whether the extra storage and bandwidth for 4K remux are worth it.
Understanding 4K Remux vs. Compressed Files
1. Choose Remux for the Best Quality
- Choose Remux for the Best Quality For the highest quality, opt for 4K remux files. These are uncompressed and offer superior audio and video quality, providing a viewing experience that closely matches the original Blu-ray or UHD Blu-ray discs. Remux files keep the full audio spectrum intact, often including lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA, which are crucial for an immersive home theater experience 1.
Pros of 4K Remux:
Uncompressed Audio and Video: Offers the best possible quality with no loss in audio or video fidelity. Future-Proof: Ensures that future generations can experience films as their creators intended. Lossless Audio: Preserves surround sound channels and provides a flawless audio experience.
Cons of 4K Remux:
Large File Sizes: Typically range from 30GB to over 100GB, requiring significant storage space. Storage Costs: Investing in external hard drives, NAS, or cloud-based solutions may be necessary to manage your collection. 2. Consider Compressed Files to Save Space If storage is a concern, compressed 4K files can be a good compromise. These files are encoded using efficient codecs like H.265 (HEVC), which offer high quality at lower bitrates. Compressed files around 20-30GB can still provide excellent quality, making them a viable option for those with limited storage.
Pros of Compressed 4K Files:
Smaller File Sizes: Usually around 20-30GB, making them more manageable for storage. Efficient Codecs: Use advanced compression techniques to maintain high quality at lower bitrates. Cons of Compressed 4K Files:
Quality Compromise: May not offer the same level of detail and clarity as remux files, especially in complex scenes or dark environments. Audio Quality: Often reduces audio quality, eliminating surround sound channels and using compressed audio formats.
Additional Tips for Choosing High-Quality Files
3. Check File Sizes and Bitrates
File sizes and bitrates are crucial indicators of video quality. A typical 4K remux can range from 50-75GB, while compressed versions are usually 20-30GB. Bitrate is equally important; 4K remux files often have bitrates around 50-70Mbps, whereas compressed files might be 20-25Mbps. Higher bitrates generally indicate better quality, but this can vary depending on the encoding efficiency of the codec used.
4. Consider HDR and Dolby Vision
HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision can significantly enhance the viewing experience by providing a wider range of colors and contrast. Ensure your files and setup support these formats to fully appreciate the benefits of 4K content. Many modern devices and streaming services now support Dolby Vision, allowing for a cinema-like experience at home.
5. Organize Your Library
Mixing 4K and 1080p files in the same library can be managed effectively using media servers like Plex or Jellyfin. These servers allow you to browse your library by resolution, making it easier to choose the best quality for your current setup. Additionally, you can use the ‘Choose Version’ option when watching to select the preferred quality manually.
6. Future-Proof Your Collection
Investing in 4K remux files can be seen as a future-proof investment. As display technologies and home theater setups continue to evolve, having the highest quality files ensures that you can take full advantage of new advancements without needing to re-download or re-encode your content 1.
By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about which 4K movies to download, ensuring the best possible viewing experience for your setup and preferences.
Best media boxes to enjoy your content
When it comes to choosing the best media box for a high-quality 4K streaming experience, several devices stand out for their performance, versatility, and support for advanced audio and video formats. Here’s a detailed look at some of the top contenders:
1. Nvidia Shield Pro
Versatility: The Nvidia Shield Pro is a standout choice for its balance of streaming services and local media playback. It is often cited as one of the best Plex streaming devices, making it an excellent all-in-one solution for those who want to mix 4K remuxes with streaming services. Dolby Vision and Atmos: While the Shield Pro supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, it’s important to note that it doesn’t support all Dolby Vision profiles, particularly the Full Enhanced Layer (FEL) profiles. This means that while you can enjoy enhanced color and contrast, the experience might not be as immersive as with devices that fully support FEL. Plex and Streaming: The Shield Pro excels in both Plex and streaming app support, making it a great choice for users who want a device that can handle both local media and streaming services with ease. Its AI-powered 4K upscaling is also a significant advantage, enhancing the quality of non-4K content on 4K TVs
2. Zidoo Z9X Pro
User Experience: The Zidoo Z9X Pro is praised for its user-friendly interface and robust local media playback. Users often highlight its quick setup and intuitive menus, making it a great choice for those who prioritize ease of use The Zidoo Z9X Pro is praised for its user-friendly interface and robust local media playback. Users often highlight its quick setup and intuitive menus, making it a great choice for those who prioritize ease of use. Format Support: The Z9X Pro supports a wide range of video and audio formats, although it does not fully support Dolby Vision FEL. This makes it a versatile option for users with diverse media libraries, but those who require full Dolby Vision support might need to look elsewhere.
3. Dune HD
Dune HD offers a range of media players that are highly regarded for their format support and customization options. They are particularly popular among users with extensive local media libraries, as they provide a high degree of control over playback settings and support for a vast array of codecs.
References: https://www.reddit.com/user/theonlineforyou/comments/1gxuokb/why_remux_4k_movies_are_the_gold_standard_for/
https://www.dacast.com/blog/best-video-codec/
https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/1gjrg6m/what_quality_media_do_you_acquire/
