Archive for the ‘Netflix’ Category

How to Use Netflix on the Apple TV 2 From Outside the US

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

So you have gotten hold of one of the new Apple TVs, and you are sitting comfortably in your couch ready to watch Netflix – only to find out that the service is blocked from usage outside the US.

Fortunately there is a way round this problem. I have written articles on how to use Netflix on the iPad and iPhone already, and both approaches make use of a VPN connection. VPN stands for private virtual network and it basically connects you to a server in the US making Netflix think you are located within the US. A VPN service is not free, but it is a small and very helpful investment. The best VPN service I have come across after trying a few is Hide My Ass .

The Apple TV however, is different from the iPad and the iPhone as it does not have a VPN client build in. Instead we need to use a router that can connect directly to VPN. Not many routers can do this, but I have come across the ASUS RT-N16 that will allow you to do just that. As a matter of fact Hide My Ass recommends the router for their network, so that works out pretty sweet.

 

How to Watch Netflix on the Apple TV with VPN

So that is basically it – you need a VPN account from Hide My Ass and get an ASUS RT-N16 . After that it is simply a matter of joining the network you set up from your Apple TV and change the location to the United States.

Remember to use a 5 digit zip code when signing up for Netflix. If you have a 4 digit zip code just put a zero in front. Otherwise just pick a random set of numbers.

Use Netflix on the PS3 and Xbox 360 Outside the US

As a side note it is worth mentioning, that this will make all devices on your network capable of using Netflix – not just the Apple TV. Even the PS3 and XBOX 360 you have sitting around will now be able to connect to Netflix even though you are not in the US.

Posted in Apple, Apple TV, Netflix, Tutorial | View Comments

How to Use Netflix on the iPhone From Outside the US

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

So Netflix has launched their long awaited Netflix app for the iPhone but you can’t get in on the fun because you live outside the US? Well fear not – I have been trough the whole thing before with the iPad and the same cure works for the Netflix in the iPhone.

If you already have the app installed skip ahead to step 2»

1. Download the Netflix App for the iPhone

Skip this step if you already have access to the the US store. The assortment in the App Store varies from country to country and the App is only available in the US store. So first you need to trick the App Store into thinking you live in the US.

Go to ebay and look for an US iTunes giftcard. These giftcards contain a code you can redeem for money in iTunes and the App Store. Since these cards are issued in the US they are equal to using an American creditcard. When you redeem the card just fill in a fake US address and you can now access the US App Store on your iPhone and download the Netflix App.

2. Trick Netflix into thinking you are in the US

As you might have figured out already the Netflix app is restricted to streaming in the US only. The way to get around this if you live in Europe, South America, Asia or anywhere else outside the US is to use a VPN connection. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and what this does is connect your iPhone to a server in the US that will act as middleman for your connection to Netflix. It might sound complicated but it is really not. A VPN service is not free but it is extremely useful. I have used Hide My Ass on both the iPad and iPhone with great success. I suggest you go for the 6 or 12 month package as you will get the best discount. Check out their site here.

Once registered you will receive a setup mail containing your account info. Now all you have to do is pick up your iPhone and go to Settings > General > Network > VPN and add a new connection and fill in the new connection info. Once you have done that you can turn on the VPN and as soon as you see a small VPN icon in the upper left corner you are ready to go – almost.

3. Sign up for Netflix

Before you can start using Netflix you of course need an account. Simply install the Hide My Ass app on your computer and then connect to t a server in the US. Then start the sign up process and remember to use a 5 digit zip code when. If you have a 4 digit zip code just put a zero in front. Otherwise just pick a random set of numbers.

Fire up the Netflix app and stream away outside the US.

This is also a pretty cool solution for Americans travelling abroad who still want to use their Netflix account on the go.

IMPORTANT: You need to enable vpn before you sign into the app. Otherwise you need to go to settings and reset the app and log in again.

Posted in iPhone, Netflix, Tutorial | View Comments

How to Use Netflix on the iPad From Outside the US

Monday, April 19th, 2010

So recently I got myself an iPad brought over to Denmark by a friend of mine. Armed with a couple of US gift cards for the iTunes store I soon got access to the app store and the large amount of apps ready for the iPad on launch day.

One of these apps was the Netflix app. For those who don’t know, Netflix is an online streaming service that gives users access to a large amount of movies and tv-shows. Sort of like Blockbuster on steroids – but without the late fees.

But Wait I can’t see the Netflix app in the App Store?

That is because the app is only available in the US version of the App Store. In order to get access to it you need to change your account to an US account. Apple will check your credit card to see if you are from the US or not when signing up for the US store. Thankfully you can also get access by using a US iTunes giftcard as payment instead of a credit card. All you need to do is go to eBay and get a giftcard and redeem it: Get a giftcard here.

Anyhow, since Netflix is provided for US customers only the app can’t be used from Europe. To the rescue comes our good old friend VPN. After doing a bit of research I came across Hide My Ass VPN.

Setting up the connection is pretty easy. Go to Settings > General > Network > VPN and put in your account info from Hide My Ass and off you go. Here I have chosen the San Francisco connection – once you have ordered the connection here you will receive a mail with all the info for the servers with username and password.

Netflix for iPad works if you set up a VPN connection on the iPad

As a sidenote this works for the ABC app, Pandora radio too – basically it works for all apps restricted to use in the Usa only. So you are in Europe, Asia or anywhere else outside the us then VPN is the way to go.

Get the Hide My Ass package here.

Extra info for the Netflix signup: Install the app from Hide My Ass on your computer and connect to a VPN server in the US before you start the sign up process for Netflix. When you need to input a zip code simply use a 5 digit zip code – any will do.  Sign up for Netflix here

Posted in iPad, Netflix, Tutorial | View Comments