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lchiu7

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#95352 31-Dec-2011 20:24
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I just tried to use Netflix on my PC today and got the message that my geo area was not serviced by Netflix.  I am using the unblock-us service.

I did a check and unblock-us displayed  a message that said

Unfortunately our service is not compatible with your provider at this time.

And in more detail

Unfortunately some providers are using transparent proxy servers, which can break connection to our system OR forwarding all users DNS requests to their own servers aka "DNS hijacking" (see below).
  

“Black List” of providers with proxy servers:
  
  1. Vodafone - New Zealand: You MUST have static IP to use our system with Vodafone. They don't forward users with static IP through their transparent proxy.
  2. TelstraClear - New Zealand
etc.

 

That might explain it except Hulu still works and Netflix and Hulu work fine on my Nexus One, Xoom tablet and other portable devices that all use the same router with their DNS addresses?

 

One of their solutions is

 

Most likely you won't be able to connect to our system if your provider is using transparent proxy. DNS hijacking problem can be solved if you have router with DD-WRT firmware or can start local DNS server (most Mac's have one).

I guess I could try starting a local DNS service but since I don't really watch Netflix on my PC's it is hardly worth the effort if the portable devices work fine.

Just wondering if anybody else had had this problem?

 

Thanks




Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD.  https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd  PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.


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codyc1515
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#563382 1-Jan-2012 01:02
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TelstraClear (to my knowledge, as do Vodafone & Telecom) run a transparent proxy which means that this service will not work without being removed from the cache.



lchiu7

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  #563395 1-Jan-2012 06:27
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How would you do that?

Thanks




Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD.  https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd  PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.


sbiddle
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  #563405 1-Jan-2012 08:49
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There isn't really a way to get them to remove a single service.

unblock-us appears to just be a proxy server itself. The best (and guaranteed foolproof method) is to use a VPN service.




lchiu7

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  #563415 1-Jan-2012 10:00
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sbiddle: There isn't really a way to get them to remove a single service.

unblock-us appears to just be a proxy server itself. The best (and guaranteed foolproof method) is to use a VPN service.



Well it might be a nuisance more than anything else. I got an email back from unlock-us explaining why they think it doesn't work with a standard browser but works fine on clients. I have checked and Netflix still works fine with my PS3, Nexus One, Motorola Xoom etc.

They said Netflix servers check source IP in both HTTP and HTTPS which is why they complain. However most apps (which I use) for Netflix and Hulu only use HTTPS which go to the "right" servers which they know how to handle.

So the only annoying thing for me is if I want to change some details on my Netflix account. I then then to find a VPN service to do that. But for regular access I have no problems.

The other solution was to switch to DD-WRT in my router and given my router is supported this might be the motivation to do that for other reasons.

Interestingly it's only Netflix that complains - Hulu doesn't.




Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD.  https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd  PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.


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