Newbie to online streaming: Installing BBC iPlayer on LG TV

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gustov

155 posts

Master Geek

#191155 26-Jan-2016 05:59

I have a smart LG WebOS TV and wanted to install BBC iPlayer as my first foray into streaming (probably will trial with dns4me). However the only countries I can select from are in the APAC region, no UK option to choose, so I can not even download the iPlayer app to my TV.

Is there a solution to this for the LG TV? If not, what third-party interface is a good one to consider purchasing here in NZ to be able to use streaming services outside of the APAC countries available on my LG TV.

Thanks for any advice.

Rikkitic

Devastation by stupidity
12256 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1478742 26-Jan-2016 08:50

There has been a discussion here about smart TVs and I think most people agree that they are not so smart after all. I have a smart Sony and have never activated the on-line features. Too much hassle, too inflexible, don't work the way I want them to, unsupported by the manufacturer. I have found that a streaming computer connected to the TV works best for me. Most people seem to use other devices and I'm sure some will chime in here. I like the computer because of the flexibility it gives me.

If you insist on using the TV, you will probably need to install a DNS proxy on your router. That may get more complicated than it used to be because of efforts to block unblockers. Again, there is another thread on this subject (Netflix). I can't help you with specific devices other than the PC since I don't use them, but others here will know a lot more about that.

I don't think there is ever a bad time to talk about how absurd war is, how old men make decisions and young people die. - George Clooney

DaveB

1139 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1478779 26-Jan-2016 09:37

Hi Gustov

Can you change the LG Service Country as follows? -> (Settings -> General -> Location -> LG Services Country)

If the product is unsuitable for need, is it too late to change to a Sammy? They are quite simple to change and work extremely well including live streaming of BBC

Steelbadger

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1478859 26-Jan-2016 10:26

Have to agree with DaveB. I am far from an expert, but have spent hours on the LG related forums and experimenting with the device. By breaking into service mode it is possible on some models to reset the region code (not country code) to a region that will include UK. In the user available settings, the region is APAC so the countries are all down this part of the world. Friends with the Sammy units can easily switch to UK. I support the comment that even having done this, the user experience of WebOS is pretty average.

I have Apple TV (4) and use a combination of native apps (list is growing) and iPhone/airplay to watch BBC, ITV and 4. works pretty well (mostly), though my wife might not agree...

gustov

155 posts

Master Geek

#1478861 26-Jan-2016 10:27

Hi DaveB

no, as I mentioned in my original post, the countries I can switch to are APAC countries, not the UK.

jmh

458 posts

Ultimate Geek

Subscriber

#1478863 26-Jan-2016 10:28

I have a Samsung Smart TV (bought the brand based on comments on this site). It's fairly easy to change the smart hub region which saves me lugging my laptop over to the TV. Can access all the UK on demand channels at the moment.

gustov

155 posts

Master Geek

#1478871 26-Jan-2016 10:41

What third-party interfaces will work to received BBC iPlayer. Will the US-made Roku do it?

littleheaven

2074 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1479301 26-Jan-2016 19:28

gustov:
What third-party interfaces will work to received BBC iPlayer. Will the US-made Roku do it?

I have an Apple TV 4 with the BBC iPlayer app on it and it works brilliantly - streams in at least 720p and works very smoothly. I also use it for Australia's Channel 10 and 7 plus US Netflix and Hulu, and what's cool is that they all live happily together on my home screen and work regardless of which region the ATV is set to. Note that you will need a UK, US, and Australian iTunes account to download each country's apps, but they're easy enough to set up. My biggest challenge is remembering the logins and passwords for them all :)

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

Currently using: Custom-built AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Desktop, HP M6-1017TX Laptop, iPad Pro, iPhone 7, iPhone XR, AppleTV4.

silverlake

142 posts

Master Geek

#1479849 27-Jan-2016 13:46

I use a "Now TV" box - available from Tesco or Curry's/PC World for about 12 quid. You need to open an account - and that means using a UK bank account and address. The box has all the UK ap's on it - BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4OD, 5OD. The box also comes with vouchers that enable watching BSkyB content on "Now" - including Sky Sports.

BTW: Although you need an account - you do not need to spend anything on it - once setup - it's free to watch BBC/ITV/Channel 4/Channel 5.