Best overseas service for movie watching

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nate

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# 100901 20-Apr-2012 15:42

Have been using Netflix + Hulu Plus for some months - no issues with Hulu Plus for the most up-to-date TV, am disappointed with the poor movie offerings of Netflix.

What are others using here? (I'm looking for legitimate, subscription based service please)

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# 612452 20-Apr-2012 15:46

I assume you mean movie watching?

I have never used vudu but others have said good things.

Klipspringer

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# 612454 20-Apr-2012 15:48

nate: Have been using Netflix + Hulu Plus for some months - no issues with Hulu Plus for the most up-to-date TV, am disappointed with the poor movie offerings of Netflix.

What are others using here? (I'm looking for legitimate, subscription based service please)

Your only "legitimate" option is probably Quickflix or Casper.

I have been using Amazon and Vudo instant video, its very good but its mainly PPV. But like the others, not really "legitimate"

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# 612460 20-Apr-2012 15:58

iSky has some reasonable titles on it if you can "borrow" someone elses details.

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# 612466 20-Apr-2012 16:06

Those US services used over a VPN are legitimate, no different than you buying a book from a DVD over there and bringing over (the whole NZ Censor thing aside).

I tried Vudu and was disappointed with streaming. I still prefer iTunes, but that's PPV. Amazon is not bad, but also PPV.

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jbard

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# 612467 20-Apr-2012 16:08

Possibly it depends on the type of content you like, I know netfilx.co.uk has a much different range of content than netflix.com. I guess if you prefer British TV that may be the way to go?

geekiegeek

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# 612468 20-Apr-2012 16:08

I also use iTunes US. Good selection of PPV. Then I use Netflix for older stuff and docos etc.

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nate

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# 612480 20-Apr-2012 16:22

(thanks to the mod who changed the title, must be Friday...)

Anyone used Amazon Prime?

sbiddle

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# 612486 20-Apr-2012 16:27

I very much subscribe to the opinion (unofficially shared by several well known IT lawyers in NZ) that using a VPN to bypass geo-location blocking is entirely legal in NZ and no different to our parallel importing laws. NZ allows parallel importing, something that isn't permitted in many countries.

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# 612756 21-Apr-2012 10:32

freitasm: Those US services used over a VPN are legitimate, no different than you buying a book from a DVD over there and bringing over (the whole NZ Censor thing aside).

I tried Vudu and was disappointed with streaming. I still prefer iTunes, but that's PPV. Amazon is not bad, but also PPV.

Without steering this too much off topic here is a snapshot from Hulu's T&C.

My view on this one is a little different. I see it as being slightly dishonest when purchasing that book in the US because its only available to people living in the US. And the author of the book has ONLY agreed to sell the book in the US, he has not agreed to sell it to people living in NZ. There are export controls on some of the movies showing on Hulu and Netflix. Masking ones self as a "Us citizen" and entering a "US address" to gain access in my mind is not really legitimate and probably breaking some US laws.

Anyway, its an interesting topic none the less, probably one that needs some more discussion on another day

International Use. We are a company based in the United States. Hulu's goal is to bring you as much Content as is legally available. That said, we are limited by the rights that our content licensors grant to us. Using technologies to access the Content from territories where Hulu does not have rights or does not offer services is prohibited. Hulu Plus is not accessible through any devices from outside the United States.
Export Controls. Software and the transmission of applicable technical data, if any, in connection with the Hulu Services are subject to export controls. You agree to comply with all applicable laws regarding software and the transmission of technical data exported from the United States or the country in which you reside.

Choice of Law and Forum. These Terms of Use are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. In the event of a claim by you against Hulu, you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the Los Angeles County of the State of California. In the event of a claim by Hulu against you, you agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts located where Hulu pursues its claim against you, which may include courts in the Los Angeles County of the State of California.

No Waiver/Reliance. If you see other parties violating these Terms, we would appreciate it if you would let us know at feedback@hulu.com (subject line: "TOU Violation"). Precisely how Hulu responds to a party that is violating these Terms will be determined after carefully analyzing all of the facts and circumstances of a particular case.

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# 612858 21-Apr-2012 16:36

freitasm: Those US services used over a VPN are legitimate, no different than you buying a book from a DVD over there and bringing over (the whole NZ Censor thing aside).

I tried Vudu and was disappointed with streaming. I still prefer iTunes, but that's PPV. Amazon is not bad, but also PPV.

I have streamed movies on Vudu to my PS3 (I usually choose HD which is 720p because my TV is only capable of that resolution) and I have been very pleased with the service. I have watched an entire movie in HD with no buffering.

The Dolby Digital + provides great audio.

I am not using a VPN but UnblockUs which works fine on a PS3 which does not use port 80 so isn't caught up with a transparent proxy. A VPN might be a bit slower, I don't know but I don't need one.

I also watch Amazon Instant Video occasionally on the PS3 and Roku box and that is fine also. Amazon Prime provides free movies and TV shows (but the choice is of the same vintage as Netflix), otherwise PPV is about $3.99 for a 48 hour rental for a current release.

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Lizard1977

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# 613153 22-Apr-2012 14:35

I'm in a similar boat to the OP. I've been trialling Quickflix for the last couple of weeks, but content is a bit limited (for now) and the quality is marginally acceptable. So I'm also keen to explore the overseas options.

I currently use unblock-us, which allows me access to BBC iPlayer. The desktop app is great, because it allows series record. I'd also like to make use of Netflix, Hulu+, Vudu, or Amazon Prime. But it's a hassle having to plug in the wife's laptop every time we want to watch something, because our Panasonic TV and Blu Ray player, while both net-capable, can't download the apps that access those services. What is the best single device that allows acess to BBC iPlayer (poss. including series record), and any or all of Netflix, Hulu+, Vudu and Amazon Prime? I've been wondering about Roku or Boxee, but I'm reluctant to shell out the cash if it won't access those services in NZ over unblock-us.

On a side note, I tried to sign up for Amazon Prime with a NZ credit card (through unblock-us), but it didn't work. Is it because of the NZ credit card, or do you need a proper VPN? How do other people here access Amazon Prime?

nate

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# 613165 22-Apr-2012 15:07

Lizard1977: I've been wondering about Roku or Boxee, but I'm reluctant to shell out the cash if it won't access those services in NZ over unblock-us.

I'm using a Roku over Unlock US. Works like a champ.

Lizard1977

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# 613174 22-Apr-2012 15:24

nate:
Lizard1977: I've been wondering about Roku or Boxee, but I'm reluctant to shell out the cash if it won't access those services in NZ over unblock-us.

I'm using a Roku over Unlock US. Works like a champ.

What services can you access on your Roku - BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu+?

semigeek

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# 613195 22-Apr-2012 16:08

There is another one, which is ok and that is Crackle.
www.crackle.com

semigeek

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# 613236 22-Apr-2012 17:27

semigeek: There is another one, which is ok and that is Crackle.
www.crackle.com

And CinemaNow is another option. Blockbuster also does OnDemand too.

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