Unauthorized copies are less convenient (especially since mainstream playback devices won't play them) and frequently of lower quality. HD .mkv files can be vi

Unauthorized copies are less convenient (especially since mainstream playback devices won't play them) and frequently of lower quality. HD .mkv files can be viewed on virtually any device, including "smart" TVs long forgotten by their manufacturers which do not support Netflix/Roku/whatever apps, open source devices, smartphones, or regular computers. Usually, you just need to plug in a USB drive and press play. They can also be of arbitrary high quality. And usually higher, not lower than streaming sources which adjust to network conditions. It's true that the plans at legitimate distributors are currently very inexpensive. A good seedbox will run higher than Spotify and Netflix subscriptions plus a bowl of nachos but neither the quality, nor the choice, or convenience are even close to piracy.