Netflix Question

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BigMal

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#136809 9-Dec-2013 16:03

Hi,

I want to buy a device for watching Netflix so I can get rid of MySky.

My requirements are:

1. Must be able to set DNS on the device
2. Must have a pretty and FAST UI (for wife/child approval) I heard Netflix updated their UI recently

From what I can tell my only option is an ATV3 as the Roku doesn't allow for DNS changing. Is there anything else I should consider?

I have XBMC running on a NUC but it's running Openelec so can't use the Netflix plugin. Should I consider installing WIN7 on the NUC with XBMC and Netflix?

Also how do you change unblock-us regions on a device like an ATV? I understand how to do it form my browser but that wouldn't impact the device - would it?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

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#948193 9-Dec-2013 16:14

WDTV Live works too - but interface is sluggish at best.
You can get around the issue using DHCP reservations - depending on what device is doing your DHCP.

Apple TV lets you set country on the device which controls access to the app selection.

Unblock-Us lets you change region on their web control panel - not sure if that would require the ATV region to match too.

Klipspringer

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#948194 9-Dec-2013 16:15

If you have a PS3 just use that.

You will be hard pressed to find a better device for Netflix.
The PS3 DNS settings can be changed as well.

myopinion

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#948201 9-Dec-2013 16:26

Apple TV is pretty good for Netflix. Set it to US store (so you can see it!) then setup as per UnBlock-Us website:

http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/291549

trig42

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#948204 9-Dec-2013 16:29

I use an AppleTV for Netflix, and it is very Wife Friendly.

You just change the iTunes store location on the ATV to USA, and Netflix will appear on the menu (after you have changed the DNS to the UnblockUS supplied one). You do not need a US iTunes account to do this.

You change the Netflix region by browsing to the UnblockUS webpage and choosing where you want to be. Next time you go into the Netflix app on the ATV, it will be in the region you have chosen.

Your other option is something like a smart Bluray player (Samsung) and set it up as if it is US based. The ATV is much prettier (and probably cheaper). Also pretty cool if you have an iPad/iPod Touch or iPhone for Airplay.

BigMal

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#948250 9-Dec-2013 18:16

Thanks all for the advice. I have a PS4 but it's not wife/child friendly enough. Looks like ATV is the only viable solution.

In saying that I'll give Win7 and XBMC with Netflix a crack first and see what that's like.....might save a few $ :-)

BigMal

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#948344 9-Dec-2013 22:09

Thanks for the tips guys. I grabbed a refurbed ATV off the Apple store for $75 USD. Looks like it'll do the trick.

Now to find an HD Tivo for freeview.......

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NonprayingMantis

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#948369 9-Dec-2013 23:09

I use apple TV with netflix. Even my 4 year old can work it. :D

BigMal

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#948458 10-Dec-2013 08:44

NonprayingMantis: I use apple TV with netflix. Even my 4 year old can work it. :D

Just what I wanted to hear as I have a 4 yr old too :-)

Apple cancelled my ATV purchase as the refuse to ship to remailers......will wait for the xmas sales.

stevenz

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#948461 10-Dec-2013 08:47

The Netflix plugin for XBMC is a waste of time, it rarely works.

For simplicity, go with an AppleTV.

@KnightNZ

Klipspringer

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#948471 10-Dec-2013 09:16

stevenz: The Netflix plugin for XBMC is a waste of time, it rarely works.

For simplicity, go with an AppleTV.

For simplicity the Roku is really a perfect device too. My wife uses the thing nearly every single day and has no complaints.

Only hassle though is that it does not allow you to configure the DNS. But thats an easy fix and I am just using the unblock-us DNS on my router. This gives me the ability to watch netflix on any device on the network without having to configure it. Even my Android phone and tablet use the Netflix apps and it works brilliantly. I also dont need to configure the DNS on my laptops.

So while the roku does not have the DNS functionality you want, there are many benefits to configuring unblock-us on your router.

BigMal

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#948498 10-Dec-2013 09:49

Does setting the DNS to unblock-us at the router level have any drawbacks? Does it negatively effect surfing etc?

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Klipspringer

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#948505 10-Dec-2013 09:57

BigMal: Does setting the DNS to unblock-us at the router level have any drawbacks? Does it negatively effect surfing etc?

Been using it for over a year now and have not had any hassles.

It just seems to majically do what its suppose to do. We use our internet connection quiet intensively, I work from home on occasion and need access to my companies VPN, I also use my PlayStation sometimes for gaming and it does not seem to have an affect.

Others may have a different opinion?

BigMal

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#948511 10-Dec-2013 10:00

Been using it for over a year now and have not had any hassles.

It just seems to majically do what its suppose to do. We use our internet connection quiet intensively, I work from home on occasion and need access to my companies VPN, I also use my PlayStation sometimes for gaming and it does not seem to have an affect.

Others may have a different opinion?

Good to know thanks for that.

I just realised that I can set my laptop DNS to that of my ISP if need be and leave the router set at unblock-us. Sweet!

Roku is back in the mix :-)

Klipspringer

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#948516 10-Dec-2013 10:05

BigMal:

Been using it for over a year now and have not had any hassles.

It just seems to majically do what its suppose to do. We use our internet connection quiet intensively, I work from home on occasion and need access to my companies VPN, I also use my PlayStation sometimes for gaming and it does not seem to have an affect.

Others may have a different opinion?

Good to know thanks for that.

I just realised that I can set my laptop DNS to that of my ISP if need be and leave the router set at unblock-us. Sweet!

Roku is back in the mix :-)

Just keep in mind that unblock-us won't work on all ISP's.

nathan

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#948526 10-Dec-2013 10:18

does unblock route you to local Youtube CDNs now, have they fixed that?

One of the reasons I went with a 2nd router with VPN instead

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