DS Forums

 
 

Netflix is Coming


Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 14-02-2012, 19:41
BKM
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,288
Is everyone using Unblock US or has someone found a free alternative? My trial is up and whilst I'm happy to sub to Netflix I really don't want to have to pay for IP changing software.
How does this compare to Hotspot Shield (VPN rather than DNS solution) which I have used before (for free) on a PC? I see that HS now also have an iPad App (but this is about £0.99/month)
BKM is offline   Reply With Quote
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
Old 14-02-2012, 21:46
wakey
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,763
Do the manual DNS server fields reset when you click obtain automatically? Thinking you could leave the IP in the box and just hit the auto button for UK stuff.
As my Sky Netgear router ignores the Address reservations I have to set the IP's Statically on my devices which removes the ability to choose Obtain Automatically. Otherwise that would maybe work
wakey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-02-2012, 21:54
wakey
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,763
How does this compare to Hotspot Shield (VPN rather than DNS solution) which I have used before (for free) on a PC? I see that HS now also have an iPad App (but this is about £0.99/month)
Unblock.us is much better in my experience than going through a VPN. A VPN will almost always see you take a noticeable hit in speed so much so that on my connection I couldn't get HD on all but one of the VPN's I tried (and the one I could struggled) so streaming the same content from the US and UK would see a noticeable performance difference.

Using unblock.us and their DNS method HD is no problem and quality between US version using it and UK version is identical.

Obviously using a VPN also brings other benefits that the DNS method doesn't but if you just want to view videos on one of the geolocked sites that they support it seems the best option by far
wakey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-02-2012, 23:47
BKM
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,288
Im paying for unblockUS now. I couldnt find a free alternative.
It only works out at about £3ish a month.
Just curious now! If unblockUS is purely a DNS server cannot the same effect be created for free by defining netflix.com (as an example) manually in local IP address files?????
BKM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-02-2012, 00:50
coachtrip_fan99
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,127
Just curious now! If unblockUS is purely a DNS server cannot the same effect be created for free by defining netflix.com (as an example) manually in local IP address files?????
ive no idea, sorry.
i juse used unblockUS because thats what was recommended on here.
coachtrip_fan99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-02-2012, 17:02
kyresa
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 15,659
Just curious now! If unblockUS is purely a DNS server cannot the same effect be created for free by defining netflix.com (as an example) manually in local IP address files?????

Did it on my Wii and my ps3 and they are still working fine.

Don't know about pc.
kyresa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-02-2012, 19:23
daleski75
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Northampton
Posts: 1,014
Unfortunately it's not as easy as that as unblock-us also does geo-blocking as well so they cannot work out that you reside from outside of the USA.

I paid for a year in advance on unblock-us and a free for now alternative is playmo.tv
daleski75 is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 15-02-2012, 20:05
Matt D
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 13,064
Did it on my Wii and my ps3 and they are still working fine.

Don't know about pc.
Do you mean you simply specified the Unblock-US DNS in your Wii & PS3 settings?

I believe BKM was asking whether you can avoid Unblock-US completely by manually defining the US IP address(es) for Netflix.com in the hosts file on the computer.

As daleski75 said, it's not that simple.


A name server (DNS) takes a domain name (e.g. netflix.com) and translates it to the actual IP address. So, when you visit Netflix.com, your normal DNS translates that to the actual IP address for Netflix.com.

If all you needed for US Netflix was the IP address of US Netflix itself, you could specify it in the hosts file, avoiding the need (on a computer) for an alternate DNS like Unblock-US.

But it's not as simple as that. It isn't a case of accessing US Netflix, it's a case of making Netflix think you are in the US.

I believe Unblock-US works by routing you to Netflix.com via a US-based proxy of some sort. Instead of sending you straight to Netflix, it sends you in a way which makes it look like you are in the US.
Matt D is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 17-02-2012, 20:15
Bumtiddlywinks
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,173
anyone got that link to the site that lists all the content on netflix uk?
Bumtiddlywinks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-02-2012, 15:40
Dancc
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 50,507
Anyone else slightly disappointed by the lack of new content recently? I thought they would be adding stuff more regularly. Every time someone asks on Twitter they get the usual "we'll continue to add new titles over time" response but so far there doesn't seem to be much evidence of this, despite them promising a raft of new TV content a few weeks ago which didn't materialise, except for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia which they specifically stated would be coming.

That said, there's still plenty of the existing content that I want to watch, so I'm not stuck for things to see yet. But I think if they want to retain subscribers they will need to up their game fast. The next month could be crucial as most trials will have come to an end and once the billing starts if content doesn't improve there could be a fair few cancellations.
Dancc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-02-2012, 15:45
barneyman
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: west sussex
Posts: 119
Anyone else slightly disappointed by the lack of new content recently? I thought they would be adding stuff more regularly. Every time someone asks on Twitter they get the usual "we'll continue to add new titles over time" response but so far there doesn't seem to be much evidence of this, despite them promising a raft of new TV content a few weeks ago which didn't materialise, except for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia which they specifically stated would be coming.

That said, there's still plenty of the existing content that I want to watch, so I'm not stuck for things to see yet. But I think if they want to retain subscribers they will need to up their game fast. The next month could be crucial as most trials will have come to an end and once the billing starts if content doesn't improve there could be a fair few cancellations.
agreed, my first bill appeared on the CC bill and the wife said..but we haven't watched any yet...couldn't argue...will give a couple of more weeks and then decide...but i need to see more...
barneyman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-02-2012, 17:47
-GONZO-
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kent
Posts: 8,954
Anyone else slightly disappointed by the lack of new content recently? I thought they would be adding stuff more regularly. Every time someone asks on Twitter they get the usual "we'll continue to add new titles over time" response but so far there doesn't seem to be much evidence of this,
I've seen plenty of new stuff, but at the moment I've not got time to watch everything I want to watch now as at the moment I'm making my way through 24, It's Always Sunny in Philedelphia, Firelfly, Faulty Towers and a couple of other things I'm also watching on the US stream.
There's still other stuff I intend on watching providing its still available when I've seen what I'm already watching and by that time there's bound to be more stuff available.
-GONZO- is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-02-2012, 18:33
RaptureRider
Guest
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,796
Anyone else slightly disappointed by the lack of new content recently? I thought they would be adding stuff more regularly. Every time someone asks on Twitter they get the usual "we'll continue to add new titles over time" response but so far there doesn't seem to be much evidence of this, despite them promising a raft of new TV content a few weeks ago which didn't materialise, except for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia which they specifically stated would be coming.

That said, there's still plenty of the existing content that I want to watch, so I'm not stuck for things to see yet. But I think if they want to retain subscribers they will need to up their game fast. The next month could be crucial as most trials will have come to an end and once the billing starts if content doesn't improve there could be a fair few cancellations.
I've just cancelled due to the lack of new content. I expected them to maybe start adding a lot more once the first month was out the way but there have only been a few more titles added from what I can see. I did rate films and filled out my likes and dislikes etc. so that they could recommend me more titles but it didn't seem to make a difference.

Saying that, I've been incredibly impressed with the quality of the streaming and ease of the service. I'll definitely head back in a few months to see how much more content has been added.
RaptureRider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-02-2012, 20:48
slick1two
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,796
I've been using Netflix for a week now. No new material added since I began my trial. Will see out the month, and cancel before they start billing me. Unless of course they dramatically add some more movies. Even the television shows they have are pretty old. Movies, many of which are what you will find in the bargain bin at Asda. Very poor. Seen a couple of movies, but there just isn't enough by way of choice for the subscriber.

May try out love film next.
slick1two is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-02-2012, 22:13
markybaby
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: worcs
Posts: 195
I am really impressed with the service. £5.99 a month? Seriously that is very little for what is on offer. Loads of TV stuff that I can watch (working through Coupling at the moment), the kids love what is on offer. Devastated to see 52 episodes of The Super Mario Show available. I may have to hide that one for fear of losing the telly for a whole day. The films? Well there are some good ones on there, not the latest but hey, it is £5.99 a month. I chucked sky a while ago and have more than enough to watch with freeview, iplayer and netflix.
markybaby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-02-2012, 22:53
chopoff
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,726
I've been using Netflix for a week now. No new material added since I began my trial. Will see out the month, and cancel before they start billing me. Unless of course they dramatically add some more movies. Even the television shows they have are pretty old. Movies, many of which are what you will find in the bargain bin at Asda. Very poor. Seen a couple of movies, but there just isn't enough by way of choice for the subscriber.

May try out love film next.
How dare you lie, they've been adding a season of some crummy programme every week.

So yeah, not impressed with new additions so far. It is a catch-22 though I'm sure. Content providers will not want to commit if there's not the subscriber base and they won't get the base without the big movies and TV shows.
chopoff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-02-2012, 00:49
unotelly
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
For those who are searching an alternative, we offer a free plan as well as premium plan @ UnoTelly.

Not promoting here but just helping since some member asked about free alternatives.
unotelly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-02-2012, 19:51
Bumtiddlywinks
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,173
im into the second month of using netflix now.

it has got a good selection, the problem is ive seen most of the good stuff :/

so im left with the dregs so to speak

im going to give it to the end of this month and if they havent sorted themselves out ill probably cancel

i mean they could quite easily shove a load of classics shows on that noone else is showing and ild be as happy as a pig in muck

like cheers, taxi, park and recreation, community, buffy, west wing, oz, the wire, 3rd rock from the sun, arrested devlopment,
Bumtiddlywinks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-02-2012, 19:57
RaptureRider
Guest
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,796
im into the second month of using netflix now.

it has got a good selection, the problem is ive seen most of the good stuff :/

so im left with the dregs so to speak

im going to give it to the end of this month and if they havent sorted themselves out ill probably cancel

i mean they could quite easily shove a load of classics shows on that noone else is showing and ild be as happy as a pig in muck

like cheers, taxi, park and recreation, community, buffy, west wing, oz, the wire, 3rd rock from the sun, arrested devlopment,
I made the mistake of watching everything I wanted to during my free trial so wasn't left with very much when it had finished.

Btw, Parks and Recreation is awesome. You can watch it here http://www.1channel.ch/watch-10728-Parks-and-Recreation.
RaptureRider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-02-2012, 20:35
NigelM
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 3
i mean they could quite easily shove a load of classics shows on that noone else is showing and ild be as happy as a pig in muck

like cheers, taxi, park and recreation, community, buffy, west wing, oz, the wire, 3rd rock from the sun, arrested devlopment,
Would like to see the others on Netflix too, but the whole of Arrested Development is already there, in HD as well
NigelM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-02-2012, 20:56
daleski75
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Northampton
Posts: 1,014
I made the mistake of watching everything I wanted to during my free trial so wasn't left with very much when it had finished.

Btw, Parks and Recreation is awesome. You can watch it here http://www.1channel.ch/watch-10728-Parks-and-Recreation.
Don't promote illegal sites or you'll probably get banned

Back on topic still using unblock-us and working great and still waiting for the UK side to add more decent content.
daleski75 is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 21-02-2012, 22:15
Matt D
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 13,064
I made the mistake of watching everything I wanted to during my free trial so wasn't left with very much when it had finished.

Btw, Parks and Recreation is awesome. You can watch it here http://www.1channel.ch/watch-10728-Parks-and-Recreation.
Parks and Rec is on US Netflix.
Matt D is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 22-02-2012, 00:06
Densino
Inactive Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mayo,IRE
Posts: 3,104
Hey guys
Is there anyway of using Netflixusa on xbox360??
Densino is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 22-02-2012, 00:24
Densino
Inactive Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mayo,IRE
Posts: 3,104
Actually I figured it out!!

If anyone wants to know...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHVtQEsWuDw
Densino is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 22-02-2012, 00:45
Matt D
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 13,064
Yup. That video tells you how to use Unblock-US.

Officially you have to pay ($4.99/month after a one week trial), however people have apparently found that (at the moment at least) it still works on a 360, PS3, etc. etc. without actually paying. It only seems to block non-customers from using it via a PC, not via a console etc.
Matt D is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
 
Reply




 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 07:00.