SmartFlix

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Finch

2669 posts

Uber Geek

#190754 11-Jan-2016 13:41

Hey guys.

Recently I stumbled upon SmartFlix (Via Cheapies). I currently don't subscribe to Netflix or any other video streaming sites, but I am tempted now.

Just wondering if anybody has used it before, what did you think?

Also, whats the legality around it? I mean, if Netflix wanted all their content to be available on one system, no matter where you are in the world, wouldn't they do it?

I guess there is licenses and what not, but if SmartFlix can do it, why cant Netflix?

Don't want to turn this into a discussion about Netflix, try and keep on SmartFlix if possible :)

wasabi2k

2092 posts

Uber Geek

#1467584 11-Jan-2016 13:51

This has already been discussed to death probably in this forum so in summary:

1. You are probably violating Netflix's Terms of Service by using an unblocking service
2. You are not breaking any laws
3. The services like this get around the restrictions by making it appear you are elsewhere
4. Netflix may choose to remove your account for violation of ToS - but they have not been seen to do this up till now.

SmartFlix, GetFlix, UnblockUs are just some of the services that provide this - there are tons more. All have the same issues as above.

edit: I use Getflix, have done for a long time. Lots of people use these services and have done for some time.

Finch

2669 posts

Uber Geek

#1467590 11-Jan-2016 13:55

wasabi2k: This has already been discussed to death probably in this forum so in summary:

1. You are probably violating Netflix's Terms of Service by using an unblocking service
2. You are not breaking any laws
3. The services like this get around the restrictions by making it appear you are elsewhere
4. Netflix may choose to remove your account for violation of ToS - but they have not been seen to do this up till now.

SmartFlix, GetFlix, UnblockUs are just some of the services that provide this - there are tons more. All have the same issues as above.

edit: I use Getflix, have done for a long time. Lots of people use these services and have done for some time.

Thanks for the reply.

I assumed SmartFlix was a new service thats all. I hadn't seen it advertised or anybody speak about it before, not that I was looking for it.

rb99

1642 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1467593 11-Jan-2016 13:58

If it actually aggregates all Netflix regions into one guide that you can directly access from your TV or wherever, then it'll be great, but I would imagine it can't do that so not sure if does anything more than Filmify/Unotelly.

rb99

1642 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1467606 11-Jan-2016 14:05

Sounds like it does actually aggregate stuff for you to watch on a PC, which is promising, though guess you'd still be restricted to NetflixNZ, or whatever, on your actual TV. Wonder how it would interact / interfere, if at all, with Unotelly....

rb99

michaelmurfy

/dev/null
9393 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1467686 11-Jan-2016 15:28

I've got DNS4ME running (via a custom unblocker) so DNS traffic goes straight through to my router regardless so this app can't use that.

In my testing of this app it contacts to a proxy server in the country you're streaming on which is a little concerning since it is something Netflix could pick up on rather quickly (instead of using a US proxy full-time). I have not seen many reported cases of Netflix blocking accounts for this reason but is something to be aware of. The Netflix auth is done via a standard Netflix login (SSL, using Netflix's SSL cert) and the app is simply a Chrome wrapper. Is a rather smart way of unblocking content and I could see many people I know wanting something like this (especially those who won't get off damn Hola).

But for me it has very limited use because of no Chromecast support + no Chromebook support of where the bulk of my streaming comes from but seems to work incredibly well via my OSX machine.