Is your TVPad not working? You’re not alone. Many TVPad users have been reporting that their streaming device is offline and it isn’t user error.
Unbeknownst to me, a court battle has been raging in the courts against TVPad — the streaming device that allows one to watch Chinese programming outside of Asia. From a March 19th, 2015 Businesswire press release:
DISH and leading Chinese-language television providers sue TVpad manufacturers and dealers for copyright and trademark infringement… joining DISH as plaintiffs are China Central Television (CCTV), China International Communications Co., Ltd. (CICC), and TVB Holdings (USA), Inc. (TVB USA). CCTV is the largest television broadcaster in mainland China, and TVB USA’s parent company, Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), is the largest television broadcaster in Hong Kong. DISH holds certain rights to transmit CCTV and TVB television programming in the United States.
To break it down, it was basically TVPad vs. DISH and SlingTV, CCTV, TVB and CICC. Eeek, if you’re familiar with those Chinese channels, that’s not looking good for the little TVPad.
That battle ended as expected. TVPad was ordered to cease selling their streaming TV boxes waaaaaay back in June for illegally distributing Chinese TV programming. As of late October, TVPad access was being blocked for many users, including my mom:
It has been a few days that a lot of people are experiencing connecting to TVpad server with no luck. The reason why is “In a default judgment, a California judge ruled against the companies behind the TVPad device” Due to copyright laws. All of there support, website, social media and forum are either down or no one responding.
My mom had been using the device for approximately a year and a half; watching Chinese movies and Hong Kong new channels until recently. She told me just yesterday that TVPad was blocked for her and all her friends in Chinatown are experiencing the same. She mentioned that some of her friends have successfully returned the device for a refund.
Some TVPad websites have been in and out and their social media accounts have been dormant. This looks like the end of TVPad for *most* users. Apparently, there are ways to get around the injunction and blackout, but will require tech-savvy children. You can follow the TVPad saga and workarounds at TVPadTalk’s forum.
Where can I return the box and get money return?
Not sure — I heard from my mom’s friends that some were able to get refunds. Not sure when they requested them. Might be too late now, but worth a shot by asking the retailer that sold the TVpad to you.
all you dumb stupid mothers fuckers buying crap boxes you got what you paid for You used it aint no return dumb fuck being retard buying shit boxes you deserve to be scam
Or get free TV for 3-5 years instead of paying $40 (at least) a month?
Remind me, whose getting scammed again?
MY TVPad works, but just can’t connect to the channels the internet is fine its just weird
What do you mean by “just weird” — how so?
I would like to know what happen my tvpad2 is not working so far 2days.
Hi Daniel — did you read the article? The company was shut down from providing the streaming service because was deemed “illegal”
I talked to a salesman and was told if I install a router for $99. it will activate TVPad2. Is it true?
I haven’t heard of this method — can anyone confirm that adding a router will solve the issue?
Solution is to change DNS server to 49.213.10.163.
After change, turn off TVpad and unplug power cable.
Put the cable back and start Tvpad then it should work.