Hello, I have a Humax HDR box and was wondering if it is possible to connect via the Ethernet port to watch iPlayer shows. The problem is, I live in Germany.

I was thinking if it was possible to connect via a VPN service, such as this one: http://www.viewtvabroad.com/index.html

But although it's pretty clear how to set up for watching on a computer, I am wondering if it is possible to do this via the Humax Box. Would I need to connect first to a computer, and then through the VPN or is there a way to do this directly?

Thanks in advance.

Sadly - you'd be breaking the Beeb's terms and conditions...

Yep it's possible I did for a friend in the us in October. I used bannana VPN. Seemed to work very well.

I did plan to use a VPN router but instead setup via an extra network card in the pc.

I should add, I didnt do it on a hdr thought, I set it up on a pc and ps3

Thanks aviz_now, I am wondering if I set it up on a router, how would that affect normal internet usage? Would everything I visit see a UK IP address?

On the other hand, if I set up a dedicated net top just for this (and had the router as normal) would the Humax, presuming it is similar to the PS3 here for this purpose, just pipe through the net top and via the VPN? I guess I would need a net top with two ethernet ports, but is that all it needs (and two straight throw ethernet cables?)

@alcockell, sadly the BBC refuses my money. And yes, it is against the BBC's policy, but then, the BBC is breaking EU law by having that policy which was recently shown in court with another broadcaster.

Seriously, I would pay if they let me.

You could use a DD-WRT flashed router. See information at http://www.strongvpn.com/dd-wrt.shtml and also http://www.dd-wrt.com .

I believe a lot of people have got this working. You can either reflash an existing router if it is on their list or buy one already upgraded.

You can find them on eBay. Often they are not ADSL routers, but I think you can plug them into a LAN port on an exiting router in which case only the equipment connected to the dd-wrt router takes up bandwidth on the VPN.

The routers blue platinum talks about are the ones I was looking into, but in the end decided on 2 x network cards as my friend also watches hulu and othe us vod via his net connection so I thought having a desktop shortcut for uk VPN would be more friendly for him.

If you are using a laptop you can either take your Internet via wifi and use the ethernet connection for the hdr or buy a USB network dongle (cheap off eBay) and use the two wired connections.

The only extra thing I had to do was manually input uk dns servers aswell into the pc and ps3 as some services realise you have a uk ip but are using other dns.

I found the VPN company I used very helpful. Which I suppose they would be as they want you to continue to use there service so they keep theyre monthly subscription.

Hope this helps.

Thanks again guys.

Ok, I'm about to test this with my laptop. The laptop connected via Ethernet cable to the Humax, and then via wifi to our router. I have noticed though that the Humax is showing no IP addresses. I have tried the DHCP, but everything is still zero'd. Is there some settings I have to make on my laptop to allow this port to send/receive DHCP requests?

update: I checked the ethernet port on the laptop and it works when I plug it into my router. DHCP seems to be set up on it, but when connected to the Humax, it can't find anything, and the Humax can't set DHCP.

When connecting directly you need a twisted Network cable.
(called "gekreuzt" in the Fatherland). But I'm still not sure that it will work.

For the moment. Quiet rumblings afoot that iPlayer will be available as a more expansive subscription service from the end of Q2.

If you connect your Humax to your router the Humax will send packets to whatever if defined as "Router" in it's network settings. If that was your PC then the packets would go there, If network sharing is turned on the PC then it would forward them to it's default gateway (or to a defined route).

I understand that the BBC may well allow some overseas use in the future - they view it as a possible new revenue source.

Hi REPASSAC, I found details you had posted elsewhere here:

2. Modify connection properties: Networking TCP/IPv4 - Properties - Advanced. - Tick: use default gateway on remote network and Automatic metric.
3. Modify connection properties: Sharing - Tick "allow other network users to connect using this computers internet connection" And "Establish a dial-up connection whenever a computer on my network attempts to access the internet".

I have modified the ethernet adaptor setting to allow Sharing as above (though I can't find the 2nd point where it asks "Establish a dialup connection..." Is this in the same settings.

But I can't find anywhere for Point 2. On the ethernet port, I can select propertoes for TCP/IPv4 and advanced, but I don't see that tick box you mention.

The laptop is running win 7.

The humax won't set a DHCP address :O(

Seriously, thanks guys for all the help you are giving me, I really appreciate it.

Regarding the BBC offering iPlayer as a subscription for overseas people, I would without doubt pay when/if that becomes available. I would pay the full license fee to watch the BBC if they let me ;O) The BBC is well worth it in my opinion.

Yeap, I have a standard "straight through" twisted pair Cat5e cable connecting between the laptop and Humax. It doesn't have to be a crossover does it?

I have modified the ethernet adaptor setting to allow Sharing as above (though I can't find the 2nd point where it asks "Establish a dialup connection..." Is this in the same settings.

Yes - On the sharing tab I see it as the second tick box of three - your ID is an Administrator?

But I can't find anywhere for Point 2. On the ethernet port, I can select propertoes for TCP/IPv4 and advanced, but I don't see that tick box you mention.

It is on the IP Settings tab which is the one you see when you press Advanced.

The humax won't set a DHCP address
The instuctions told you to assign a manual address.

No it isn't, and no it wasn't. Lying does not help your case.

Phazer

Wow, such harsh words. To Lie, means that someone deliberately set's out to deceive another person. I had no such intentions. My knowledge on the subject stems from communication with my MEP who stated that under EU directives, the BBC and all television services within the single market must allow their services to be purchased from anywhere within the specified area within the EU. However, the broadcaster's were ignoring this fact, and my only solution would be to take them to court. Something, I am sure you would agree would be a very expensive and long winded solution.

However, thankfully this has recently been to court and here is the article from the BBC itself.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12355022
Of particular note in that article is the paragraph titled 'Contrary to EU law'.

This corresponds quite well with what my MEP said to me.

So, yes, I would by far prefer not to have to go through a VPN to achieve this, and I would be happy to pay the BBC directly for a subscription.

As you can see, I have not lied at all. Now, granted, EU law and directives are very complicated, and myself not being a lawyer or an expert in this field, it is completely possible that I may not fully understand the true legalities. But lie I do not.

Thanks REPASSAC. I shall look into this tomorrow morning when I get some more time. Once again, I thank you and others for sparing time to assist me here :O)

Note that the instructions on the Astra2D forum assumed that the HDR would be connected to the Router/Hub.
Check also that you get setting the TCP/IP settings for the VPN and NOT the Lan - which may explain why you do not see the tick boxes.

If you get stuck p.m. me and IU willl give you my phone number.

yep - you will need a crossover........
from wikipedia:
An Ethernet crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect computing devices together directly where they would normally be connected via a network switch, hub or router, such as directly connecting two personal computers via their network interface controllers.

Thanks, I guess in this case the Humax is considered a computer, so a connection to a laptop is computer to computer.

Opps. I will have to buy one then. Interesting though... Hmmm, maybe I have an old hub somewhere. Down to the basement first ;O)

Can you not connect the HDR to whatever router/hub/switch you are using?

The BBC is not allowed by its charter to charge UK viewers so the BBC can by this reasoning never charge a subscription to residents of other EU states as that would be discriminatory. The TV licence is a tax on TV receiving equipment it is not a subscription to watch the BBC. It's an entirely different situation for Sky as they should be not be allowed discriminate against residents of other EU states
by refusing to sell them a subscription.

Actually, the cables I have are far too short, and it's not practical at this stage. I will try something like that for the permanent setup. In fact, whilst rummaging through my old cable and bits boxes, I found both an older router and a cross over cable.

The older router may come in handy to set up at a later stage for a permanent VPN connection. But right now I'm going to test with my laptop.

The crossover works a treat, and I can ping the Humax box, so that is a good start. I've requested a 24hr trial from www.watchtvabroad.com which should provide a stable VPN link and once that comes through I'll give it another go.

Did he sign them?