Smart TV / Smart DNS

£15 · 11 Dec 2014 at 17:27

I've just signed up to a VPN service provided by 'Private Internet Access' and I got thinking on what it can do for me. One thing is enable access to US Netflix on my Sony Smart TV.

I've been online and it appears there are two options: 1) VPN and 2) Smart DNS.

1) VPN requires either a VPN router, or connect the TV directly to a PC with the VPN software running.

I'm with BT Inifinity and have a Home Hub 5. I'd rather not have to spend more ££ buying a new router, but if I did, any recommendations? (I'd like gigabit and wireless-AC) I guess the advantage of this option would be all my devices would then be connecting to the net via the VPN, including my NAS (synology & download station).

My new laptop doesn't have an ethernet port (just wireless AC). So this option would require the purchase of a USB-ethernet doo-dar? Regardless, it seems like a pita to do this.

2) SmartDNS will require another service subscription and may not work with my ISP? (BT) But it will still allow my kids to access BBC iPlayer and I can access US Netflix, without having to do anything special to switch between the two.

I mean, I've just forked out for PIA. :rolleyes:

I'm thinking out loud and hoping someone has been here before and can offer some advice.

Bluecube · 11 Dec 2014 at 22:35

I use unblock-us.com for exactly what you're after. All I had to do was sign up, activate my external IP address on the website(easier than described), enter the DNS server addresses into my TV and voila.

It's probably not a good thing to have all your devices connecting via a VPN as you'll end up with US versions of everything including websites - ads on the BBC website anyone?

£15 · 12 Dec 2014 at 18:06

How about getting VPN working on my Synology DS412+ and get my Sony TV to access the internet via that and hence, the VPN? Is that possible?

Everything in my home is connected via a patch panel and switch, so I can jiggle cables around.

I suppose this will still result in US versions of websites when I don't want them. I really need to be able to switch servers as and when I need. That's going to be easiest on my laptop and share the internet (with TV) via that...

Bluecube · 12 Dec 2014 at 18:20

Possibly. It does sound like a heck of a lot of fiddling about for what should really be a five minute job if that.

£15 · 12 Dec 2014 at 18:25

I know, I know. But I've just signed up to PIA VPN and I wanted to use that before I signed up to something else. Money doesn't grow on trees!