WARNING: AzBox Premium HD Plus counterfeit units now being sold in the North American market!

hags said:
I was trying to come across as tongue in cheek w/o getting rude.

If there are in fact clones that are so distinguishable from the real deal let's see them side by side as a service to your customers as well as others.

Otherwise I get what people are saying, someone maybe wants to be the sole source for these units.
Click to expand...

Oh, Yes I recognized the sarcasm of your post right away..and appreciated it.

PW should understand that killing someone elses property may and should make him liable for the cost of the box to the person who bought an AZ not knowing if it was a clone or not.

Does he really think that when he kills someones box and offers a small discount for a genuine, that those people would actually buy something from him/drsat ?

There are other way's to secure your firmware rather than hurting innocent users that had no idea that they had a clone/ if they did.

As other have posted, concentrate on fixing issues!

If we don't see proof or some solid evidence and explanation here then this will be closed as nothing more than a sales pitch or rumor.
 
el bandido said:
I think there is some good information here. IMO, the majority of what I have read in this thread is not a good idea. Let me explain why.

(1) Somebody produces a receiver which gets copied or cloned.
(2) A clone kill firmware is released to destroy the copied or cloned receivers.
(3) AzBox receivers that are copied or cloned are adversely affected, including some genuine AzBox receivers being disabled by the clone kill firmware.

The clone kill firmware is the way things were done years ago. Is this the best AzBox can do?
Why not tighten up how the firmware is distributed? The AzBox could be updated over the internet or over a satellite as other developers have done.
Why try to destroy a receiver? The anti-clone firmware could be designed to not run except in genuine or designated receivers.

Post some evidence:
All I have seen so far in this thread is one salesman saying not to buy from another salesman. I have yet to see the first clone picture posted here.
Where are ALL the pictures of the clones and where are the pictures of genuine receivers so people can compare them now?
Where is any evidence at all? Be fair and post some evidence instead of just posting a list of distributors and saying they are the bad guys!

I do not support clones, and as far as I know, I do not own any clones.
A few years ago, I had a genuine receiver with all of the correct manufacturer markings that was disabled by anti-clone firmware. How would you feel if that happened to you?

IMO, trying to destroy a piece of equipment that you did not pay for does not make any sense. This clone kill firmware may end up hurting AzBox more than it hurts the illegal receivers. Especially if the illegal receivers produce a way to recover a disabled receiver. EB
Click to expand...

We perfectly understand everyone's concerns about potentially impacting genuine AzBox units as well which is why new firmware updates will only disable clones if they can be identified 100% via software. At this moment, we are still analysing a counterfeit unit internally and if we are unable to find a 100% accurate way of identifying it via software, we will simply display an alert message to the user and prevent certain components from being used instead.

Distributing the firmware via a secure site won't do much as someone will eventually upload the firmware on one of those free file sharing websites if they are forced to create an account before being able to download the update. Having online only updates also is not an option as not everyone has their box connected to the Internet or even have Internet access where the receiver is being used.

Please note that AzBox Canada is the exclusive authorised distributor of AzBox products for the Canadian market and does NOT sell directly to the consumer but via its authorised dealers. We decided not to release a public document outlining all the differences between the Premium HD Plus clone v.s. authentic units like OpenSat did in the past with the Premium HD (non-plus) clones because it would allow the company importing these clones to get their Chinese factory to fix the identified differences and make it harder to identify these in the future. However, we do fully outline all these differences in a customised detailed analysis report for each person who was a victim in purchasing one of these counterfeit units once they contact us.

Regardless, we do understand that some people want to see evidence or are simply curious so we will post the most obvious difference between an AzBox Premium HD Plus authentic unit and a clone which is the layout of the ventilation holes on the top cover above the tuner cards.

AzP+clone_TopVentHoles.png

Counterfeit unit --------------- Reference authentic unit

AzP+clone_TopVentHoles2.png

Counterfeit unit --------------- Reference authentic unit

As you can see with these images, the clone unit clearly has differences with the layout of ventilation holes on the top cover
above the tuners. The reference authentic unit on the right only has two parallel columns of 16 holes each while the clone unit on the left has three parallel columns, the first one with 16 holes and the last two with only 6 holes each.



Best regards,

PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
 
Last edited:
pwrsurge said:
We perfectly understand everyone's concerns about potentially impacting genuine AzBox units as well which is why new firmware updates will only disable clones if they can be identified 100% via software. At this moment, we are still analysing a counterfeit unit internally and if we are unable to find a 100% accurate way of identifying it via software, we will simply display an alert message to the user and prevent certain components from being used instead.

Distributing the firmware via a secure site won't do much as someone will eventually upload the firmware on one of those free file sharing websites if they are forced to create an account before being able to download the update. Having online only updates also is not an option as not everyone has their box connected to the Internet or even have Internet access where the receiver is being used.

Please note that AzBox Canada is the exclusive authorised distributor of AzBox products for the Canadian market and does NOT sell directly to the consumer but via its authorised dealers. We decided not to release a public document outlining all the differences between the Premium HD Plus clone v.s. authentic units like OpenSat did in the past with the Premium HD (non-plus) clones because it would allow the company importing these clones to get their Chinese factory to fix the identified differences and make it harder to identify these in the future. However, we do fully outline all these differences in a customised detailed analysis report for each person who was a victim in purchasing one of these counterfeit units once they contact us.

Regardless, we do understand that some people want to see evidence or are simply curious so we will post the most obvious difference between an AzBox Premium HD Plus authentic unit and a clone which is the layout of the ventilation holes on the top cover above the tuner cards.

AzP+clone_TopVentHoles.png

Counterfeit unit --------------- Reference authentic unit

AzP+clone_TopVentHoles2.png

Counterfeit unit --------------- Reference authentic unit

As you can see with these images, the clone unit clearly has differences with the layout of ventilation holes on the top cover
above the tuners. The reference authentic unit on the right only has two parallel columns of 16 holes each while the clone unit on the left has three parallel columns, the first one with 16 holes and the last two with only 6 holes each.



Best regards,

PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
Click to expand...

I don't see any proof of clones here apart from some holes in a case for ventilation, and you have accused some web stores in this thread with zero proof that they are selling clones.

We at Legit do not condone clones to be clear.

In saying that, since you have stated the next firmware will possibly contain a kill code or message..

I would advise all Azbox owners to stay with their current firmware...Simply do Not update...as the new firmware will NOT fix any issues of your box...but perhaps harm or KILL the box you payed hard earned money for.
 
Pixl said:
Looks like the clone has better ventilation.
Click to expand...

Actually it doesn't. The ventilation holes are supposed to be right on top of the two tuner slots as the tuners can get hot when in use. The counterfeit version only has proper ventilation holes above one of the two tuner slots.


Regards,

PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
 
ViP3R said:
I don't see any proof of clones here apart from some holes in a case for ventilation, and you have accused some web stores in this thread with zero proof that they are selling clones.
Click to expand...

As stated, there are other differences as well but we won't post them publicly in order to avoid them being corrected in the next clone version.
In addition to the physical differences, the serial number of each counterfeit unit being analysed was checked with OpenSat who confirmed that they are invalid.

If you look at any genuine AzBox Premium HD Plus unit, I can guarantee you that you won't be able to find one with the ventilation holes like the counterfeit units have.


Regards,


PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
 
ViP3R said:
I would advise all Azbox owners to stay with their current firmware...Simply do Not update...as the new firmware will NOT fix any issues of your box...but perhaps harm or KILL the box you payed hard earned money for.
Click to expand...

This should NOT be a concern as we will thoroughly test the new firmware on a variety of units before releasing it. If it ever occurs that the new firmware causes issues on a genuine unit, we at AzBox Canada will repair or replace the unit FREE OF CHARGE INCLUDING SHIPPING, regardless of warranty status or where the unit was purchased from.


Best regards,

PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
 
pwrsurge said:
As stated, there are other differences as well but we won't post them publicly in order to avoid these differences being corrected in the next clone version.
In addition to the physical differences, the serial number of each counterfeit unit being analysed was checked with OpenSat who confirmed that they are invalid.

If you look at any genuine AzBox Premium HD Plus unit, I can guarantee you that you won't be able to find one with the ventilation holes like the counterfeit units have.


Regards,


PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
Click to expand...

I understand that..and as stated there are other ways, such as securing your firmware properly. Rather than trying to kill a box that may well be very legit..parden the pun..

And if you are not willing to show all the proof, then you should not be pointing out stores with the lack of it.

I understand you are trying to protect your Brand in Canada.. but it should be done the proper way, otherwise the Azbox name will suffer from this.
 
Hey Mr Power Surge,

Since you are on this board tonight, how about explaining what I asked earlier in the thread. You seem to have skipped over it.

Pixl said:
Mr. Power Surge,

I bought one of your genuine miniMe receivers from Dr. Sat after reading numerous posts from you stating it was customized for N.A., did not have any of the problems of the ME, and was ready to go right out of the box. This was not true, the mimiMe was riddled with problems. All you did was post work arounds, but no fixes. All of your effort and work to attack clones should be put toward fixing the receivers instead of breaking them.
Click to expand...

You promised the miniMe would work out of the box.
You promised the issues would be fixed.
You promise a lot, but don't deliver.
 
pwrsurge said:
This should NOT be a concern as we will thoroughly test the new firmware on a variety of units before releasing it. If it ever occurs that the new firmware causes issues on a genuine unit, we at AzBox Canada will repair or replace the unit FREE OF CHARGE INCLUDING SHIPPING, regardless of warranty status or where the unit was purchased from.


Best regards,

PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
Click to expand...

That's all well and good,, but this will not help innocent people who have bought a clone unknown to them and now have a dead box.
 
Pixl said:
Hey Mr Power Surge,

Since you are on this board tonight, how about explaining what I asked earlier in the thread. You seem to have skipped over it.



You promised the miniMe would work out of the box.
You promised the issues would be fixed.
You promise a lot, but don't deliver.
Click to expand...

Our dealers have sold several miniMe American Edition units and have generally received positive feedback from their customers. It does work out of the box for North American use as long as it is properly configured. The only systems it won't work with at the moment are those using bandstacked LNBF's which we publicly stated in the review we did on another discussion forum before the unit was even launched so there should be no surprises there. However, we will be adding support for bandstacked LNBF's in the near future with a firmware update.

Since we released the miniMe back in late November of last year, we have released 4 firmware updates so far (i.e. versions 1.10, 1.15, 1.17 and 1.20) which means an average of two firmware updates per month so far for the miniMe. This is pretty good considering the fact that we also had to deal with the Premium HD Plus clones issue and had the Christmas holidays during the same time period. As you know, there is no receiver out there in the market which was released with perfect firmware from day one but we at AzBox Canada are committed in bringing the very best FTA receiver for hobbyists in the North American market.


Best regards,

PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
 
Last edited:
ViP3R said:
That's all well and good,, but this will not help innocent people who have bought a clone unknown to them and now have a dead box.
Click to expand...

As stated, we are assisting victims who got tricked into purchasing a clone in getting their money back through various means such as filing a fraud complaint with their credit card company. Fortunately, all the victims who contacted us so far used their credit card to purchase the counterfeit unit and some of them even already got their money back from their credit card company. This is the easiest way for full restitution but there is a time limit that people have to file a complaint like this (usually 6 months) which is why it's important that anyone who suspects having purchased an AzBox clone get in touch with us ASAP in order to get their unit analysed.


Best regards,

PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
 
Last edited:
pwrsurge said:
As stated, there are other differences as well but we won't post them publicly in order to avoid them being corrected in the next clone version.
In addition to the physical differences, the serial number of each counterfeit unit being analysed was checked with OpenSat who confirmed that they are invalid.

If you look at any genuine AzBox Premium HD Plus unit, I can guarantee you that you won't be able to find one with the ventilation holes like the counterfeit units have.


Regards,


PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
Click to expand...

Uh, how are they cloning these units at all if they haven't gotten there hands on a "legitimate" unit?

Also, any counterfeiter could purchase a unit to copy.

By not releasing any info you are, again, going after the end user who will probably go out and purchase another clone.
 
I was seriously considering an AzBox product for 4:2:2, the Premium Plus I think . After reading this thread and searching online I wouldn't get involved with any of this nonsense surrounding AzBox.

Follow the appropriate legal and diplomatic channels like others do.

If you're spending this much time on something like this, in such a manner, who is promoting, selling and servicing your product?
 
pwrsurge said:
As stated, we are assisting victims who got tricked into purchasing a clone in getting their money back through various means such as filing a fraud complaint with their credit card company. Fortunately, all the victims who contacted us so far used their credit card to purchase the counterfeit unit and some of them even already got their money back from their credit card company. This is the easiest way for full restitution but there is a time limit that people have to file a complaint like this (usually 6 months) which is why it's important that anyone who suspects having purchased an AzBox clone get in touch with us ASAP in order to get their unit analysed.


Best regards,

PwrSurge
AzBox Canada
Click to expand...

With limited sales answers like this, it's plain to see why we have very few azbox discussions or members who own one or want to own one here at LegitFTA.

4:2:2 is the only claim to fame of this overpriced box, you may state we have put out x amount of files in a certain time period, but IF they don't fix what needs fixed it's all smoke and mirrors.

See the attached pdf for your consideration. since you did not want to..
 
WorldWideSatellites is finally responding to these false accusations. We want to clear the air, all our AZbox premium HD Plus are 100% original. A particular Retail Vendor is bashing Canadian dealers in order to gain more sales themselves. This is a dirty business strategy and currently were pursuing legal action against this individual. To read more details check out Rick Caylor Forum or worldwidesatellites blog.


Regards,


WorldWideSatellites
 
x302 said:
Glad to see this getting cleared up. So is Worldwidesatellites purchasing their units from Rick?
Click to expand...

Yes, all our stock is coming from Rick Caylor.

"Rick Caylor is a stand up individual and conducts a very professional business. WorldWideSatellites was referred to Rick Caylor from Azbox.com early 2012. From the first transaction to our most recent transaction the service has always been top notch. Fast Shipping, Helpful for technical issues, Installs latest stable factory firmware prior to shipping, Pre-tests each box prior to shipping and provides a master list of serial numbers on each invoice. We don’t get this type of service from any other supplier. We’ve purchased all our Azboxes from Rick Caylor and have no doubts about its authenticity."
 
ok i had not seen this, after reading all this, i will say this to opensat, DO NOT KILL THE CLONED RECIVERS, you can setup the firmware
so it dont load on a cloned reciver and you will have no problem with me, if you kill the cloned recivers then we have a problem, i will find
and remove your clone kill code and i will post a how to recover the cloned reciver.
YOU KNOW WHO I AM AND YOU KNOW I CAN AND WILL.
thanks
 
Back
Top