Netflix via Chromecast - methods of success in NZ?

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jonathan18

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#151379 23-Aug-2014 11:49

Hey there

I picked up a Chromecast the other week, but without doing necessary due diligence to discover the issues in getting Netflix working on it. I've scanned through the long thread on Chromecast so am aware from this (and elsewhere) that one solution to this is using DD-RWT, however even if my router supported this (I don't think it does) I really don't want to have to go to this hassle. Indeed, if it's not possible or too tricky, I may just look at getting a second ATV for this (the kids') TV.

So... I've read elsewhere (eg here) of alternative methods: eg "you can do a static route on your router, basically when the destination is the google DNS servers, you reroute to somewhere else on your network, which then uses the Unblock US DNS servers instead of the hardcoded google DNS ones."

That linked-to page is based on using UnBlockUS, however I assume the same principle and method would apply no matter what unblocking service is used or where the user is located?

Anyway, before I make an attempt at following such instructions, I thought I'd better see if others have had success following such a method here in NZ, and if they can offer any specific tips or clear and accurate instructions for doing so.

I'm with Snap UFB, using a Fritzbox 7390 router, and my DNS service is Getflix .

theoilslickjim

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#1114034 23-Aug-2014 12:45

Hi - I have been through all the different ways to get Netflix running on both the PS3 and Chromecast and can tell you that without a service like Unotelly (or similar unblocking service) you will run into continual geo-location type problems.

I am with Slingshot so was realising that global mode was available signed up for Netflix. At first everything was working on the PS3, then after some time it began to block - maybe their DNS look-up improved? I also used static routes in the router with limited success. It was all a bit hit and miss really, sometimes it'd work then others it wouldn't. Really it became more of a frustration so I looked into paid services like Unotelly. Global mode on Slingshot is really just a bit of an advertising gimmick.

I trialled unlocator, smartdns and am now on Unotelly. I found the first two made my speed slow down, Unotelly not at all. There are some 30 day free trials available if you look them up for Unotelly. Since then no problems and I can now switch between any Netflix region so can access their full catalog.

Cheers.

BarTender

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#1114058 23-Aug-2014 13:33

I personally use a VPS in the US and have a separate SSID that the Chromecast connects to. Works most of the time and have to reboot the router if the VPN goes down. Took a bit to get it setup but happy it is working now.

jonathan18

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#1114059 23-Aug-2014 13:33

Thanks for the information. As I mentioned, I already am using an unblocking service - in my case it's Getting. I have perfect service from Netflix on all current devices - laptop, IPad, Mac Minis, phones, G-pad and Apple TV. Only Chromecast has this problem, damn it!

A VPN is more hassle and cost than I want to go to, considering no other device has any issue.

theoilslickjim

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#1114062 23-Aug-2014 13:47

I guess your service isn't working so well with Chromecast; all I know is that Unotelly works without a glitch. Only time I experienced an error was switching regions on Unotelly and the Chromecast then remembering the previous geo location, so I turned the TV off and it then went back to working.

It might be an idea to trial Unotelly or Unblock-Us and see if there is a difference.

I'm sure you've done your reading but being a Google product it's more in tune with geographic dns settings than your laptops, tablets etc.

Good luck.

jonathan18

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#1114093 23-Aug-2014 14:45

Thanks for all the responses.

With a bit more digging (and embarrassing to admit I didn't do this prior!) I found that my DNS service - Getflix - provides detailed information and instructions on how to deal with this exact problem including specific instructions for Fritzbox routers.

Overview here

Specifc Chromecast info (incl. links for some specific router brands, eg Fritzbox)

I followed these instructions and I now have Netflix and iPlayer working perfectly via the Chromecast! (from iPad anyway; haven't tried other devices but can't see why it wouldn't also work).

While other DNS services may work 'out of the box' in these circumstances, this wasn't a big hoop to have to jump, and once again I'm impressed with the information provided by Getflix for its clients (esp. given its low cost).

I've posted the links above should anyone else have similar questions to mine in the future.