Can I use Roku Internationally?
Dec 18, 2014, 1:43 am
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2009
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Can I use Roku Internationally?
Anyone know if Roku itself can be used internationally?
It seems that between Slingbox and Crackle, I can get the main things I want without international restrictions - just want to make sure Roku itself will work.
Additionally, anyone know how to get around the international issues for stuff like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc. specifically for Roku? I can watch on my computer, but I hate connecting my computer and then not being able to use my computer or not being able to control the TV without sitting right next to the computer.
If Roku won't work, any recommendation on a better streaming stick?
It seems that between Slingbox and Crackle, I can get the main things I want without international restrictions - just want to make sure Roku itself will work.
Additionally, anyone know how to get around the international issues for stuff like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc. specifically for Roku? I can watch on my computer, but I hate connecting my computer and then not being able to use my computer or not being able to control the TV without sitting right next to the computer.
If Roku won't work, any recommendation on a better streaming stick?
Dec 19, 2014, 12:12 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
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Posts: 2,273
You pretty much need a VPN to get around the geo restrictions.
In hotels, I tend to hook my laptop up to the TV via HDMI, and extend the desktop onto the TV. TV = TV, laptop screen = work. When I want to lay on the bed, I use a wireless mouse to control it without getting up. I watch all of my stuff via Slingbox, or occasionally direct on the channel's website.
The only other idea I can think of is a tablet with HDMI output (or whatever the combo usb/hdmi is called these days). Hook it up and free up your laptop
In hotels, I tend to hook my laptop up to the TV via HDMI, and extend the desktop onto the TV. TV = TV, laptop screen = work. When I want to lay on the bed, I use a wireless mouse to control it without getting up. I watch all of my stuff via Slingbox, or occasionally direct on the channel's website.
The only other idea I can think of is a tablet with HDMI output (or whatever the combo usb/hdmi is called these days). Hook it up and free up your laptop
Last edited by bchandler02; Dec 19, 2014 at 1:14 pm Reason: added Slingbox
Dec 20, 2014, 7:43 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SFO
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I've had good luck with the service "unblock-us.com". It uses a replacement DNS server to make Netflix, etc. think you are in the US while you are traveling. I have used it on my Mac, iPad and Apple TV. I'm pretty sure that a Roku box will also allow you to change the DNS server address to use this service.
Update: I checked the unblock-us.com site, and it looks like Roku has recently made it much harder to get around the geo restrictions on Netflix - http://support.unblock-us.com/custom...rticles/323038 . In this case, I would recommend an Apple TV as a better streaming device (for Netflix - no Amazon Prime).
Update: I checked the unblock-us.com site, and it looks like Roku has recently made it much harder to get around the geo restrictions on Netflix - http://support.unblock-us.com/custom...rticles/323038 . In this case, I would recommend an Apple TV as a better streaming device (for Netflix - no Amazon Prime).
Last edited by KevinSFO; Dec 20, 2014 at 7:49 am
Dec 20, 2014, 10:20 am
#4
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You pretty much need a VPN to get around the geo restrictions.
In hotels, I tend to hook my laptop up to the TV via HDMI, and extend the desktop onto the TV. TV = TV, laptop screen = work. When I want to lay on the bed, I use a wireless mouse to control it without getting up. I watch all of my stuff via Slingbox, or occasionally direct on the channel's website.
The only other idea I can think of is a tablet with HDMI output (or whatever the combo usb/hdmi is called these days). Hook it up and free up your laptop
In hotels, I tend to hook my laptop up to the TV via HDMI, and extend the desktop onto the TV. TV = TV, laptop screen = work. When I want to lay on the bed, I use a wireless mouse to control it without getting up. I watch all of my stuff via Slingbox, or occasionally direct on the channel's website.
The only other idea I can think of is a tablet with HDMI output (or whatever the combo usb/hdmi is called these days). Hook it up and free up your laptop
I ended up going for Chromecast as that should help with the majority of what I want to do without needing to pay for a VPN, and I'll still be able to watch Slingbox, Netflix, Hulu, Xfinity, and Amazon Prime.
Do you mean the geo-restrictions for Netflix, or the Roku itself?
What do you mean regarding the tablet USB/HDMI?
I've had good luck with the service "unblock-us.com". It uses a replacement DNS server to make Netflix, etc. think you are in the US while you are traveling. I have used it on my Mac, iPad and Apple TV. I'm pretty sure that a Roku box will also allow you to change the DNS server address to use this service.
Update: I checked the unblock-us.com site, and it looks like Roku has recently made it much harder to get around the geo restrictions on Netflix - http://support.unblock-us.com/custom...rticles/323038 . In this case, I would recommend an Apple TV as a better streaming device (for Netflix - no Amazon Prime).
Update: I checked the unblock-us.com site, and it looks like Roku has recently made it much harder to get around the geo restrictions on Netflix - http://support.unblock-us.com/custom...rticles/323038 . In this case, I would recommend an Apple TV as a better streaming device (for Netflix - no Amazon Prime).
Dec 20, 2014, 4:32 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SFO
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