Netflix crackdown - Apple TV or HTPC?

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blairm

54 posts

Master Geek

#191217 27-Jan-2016 21:54

Hi,

Given Netflix's latest crackdown, is there any advantage to a HTPC over Apple TV or similar to access the US version of Netflix? Have seen posts on the web saying it's easier to sidestep the NF actions from a PC, but not sure why that might be.

Cheers,
Blair

Yabanize

2350 posts

Uber Geek

#1480290 27-Jan-2016 22:57

Netflix in a browser cannot perform DNS lookups to other servers, which is a way Netflix can tell if you're using a proxy, Where as alot of the device apps have other DNS lookups

michaelmurfy

meow
13257 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1480299 27-Jan-2016 23:53

HTPC is easier if you're just using the browser. It still limits what you can do on the network (eg, if you don't redirect Google DNS you'll get almost every app time out or complain about a proxy). Personally, Chromecast + Fire TV + Android / iOS clients work really well for me since my unblocking solution just works and has done for years without fail.

Go take a look at the Netflix Unblocking FAQ thread if you have not already. It'll help if we knew what your router model was since it might already have a solution (then once you've redirected Google DNS you can Netflix away).

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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Paul1977

5047 posts

Uber Geek

#1480444 28-Jan-2016 09:13

I don't use either, so won't comment on which is better. I just wanted to comment that since it is still in the early days of Netflix renewed efforts to block us, I wouldn't spend more than you are willing to lose should the solution stop working in the coming weeks.

I just bought a new router that supports DNS redirection to circumvent the blocking, but that is a cost I am willing to wear in the event that Netflix gets cleverer and that solution stops working.

tripp

3848 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1480458 28-Jan-2016 09:21

I have had appletv, firetv, chromecast etc

At some stage I have had issue with all of them, either apps being updated and blocked with google dns coding into them or not being able to stream media from my main pc etc

I ended up buying a small form PC (atom, 2gig ram) like this one and just plugging it into the hdmi.

It also has the plexTV viewer that reads media from my main machine. Also network shares and can play files via vlc

I have found the PC better than any of the other devices and never had any issue with vpn/dns etc