Boxee Smart DNS Services Compared
The Boxee Box is a set-top device created by D-Link, which makes use of the Linux operating system and Boxee media centre software. On the box, customers are able to utilise a number of video on demand apps, including Netflix, allowing for direct streaming onto a high definition television.
Unfortunately, some of these apps are only accessible to people living in certain parts of the world. Meanwhile, services like Netflix provide a different library of content from country to country. This is all achieved through automatic region detection, using a customer's internet settings to ascertain their location.
However, through Smart DNS technology, users are able to change their internet settings and switch their region manually. In the process, they are able to open up access to new services and new content on existing services.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Boxee
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Boxee
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- 3 Months: $12.90
- 12 Months: $39.90
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- Life Time: $150
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7 Day Trial
- 7 Day Trial: $0.99
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Smart DNS
In simple terms, Smart DNS works by feeding a section of a customer's internet connection through a server in another country. In doing so, the user's real location is obscured and their internet connection is made to seem as if it is stemming from the physical location of the server they connected to.
This technology can be used on a Boxee Box, in conjunction with streaming media apps, to trick their automatic region detection. So, to give an example, a British user could connect to a Smart DNS server in North America. Netflix's region detection would then believe the customer is in America, so it would load up its US content.
No changes are made to the Smart DNS customer's local IP address and their internet connection is not slowed down by the process of re-routing DNS queries. Only visits to supported websites are impacted, ensuring no other activity is sent through the proxy server and potentially compromised.
Once you have registered with a Smart DNS service, you should be presented with new DNS settings, which need to be input onto your device. This can be done by following the instructions below. It may also be a sensible idea to take note of your current DNS settings, so that you can switch back to them again at any time.
- From the Boxee Box home screen, press the 'Boxee' button on your remote control, then select 'Settings'.
- Go to 'Network', then navigate the menu on the left hand side and choose 'Network' again.
- Scroll down to 'Configure' and change the setting to 'Manual'. Write down the number next to 'IP Address', as you may require this a bit later on.
- Move down to the 'DNS Server' field and enter the DNS settings your Smart DNS service provider gave you.
- Complete this stage of the setup process by clicking on 'Save and Apply Network Changes'.
At this point, it is important to restart your Boxee Box in order to get the new DNS settings to take effect. Upon rebooting the device, you can continue onwards to the last part of the setup process.
IP Address Entry
In order to complete the setup process, you must register your IP address with your Smart DNS provider. As the Boxee Box has a built-in web browser, this can often be achieved by logging in to your Smart DNS client area and following an activation link. Yet, some Smart DNS services need the information to be added manually.
Fortunately, you already took note of your IP address earlier, but if you forgot to, it can be found by going to 'Settings' > 'Network' > 'Network'. Once you have written the address down, go to your provider's website and follow their instructions for getting your IP address added to their approved 'white list'.
You are now ready to take advantage of Smart DNS technology. Region settings and other options can be adjusted through your Smart DNS account, which can be accessed through the Boxee web browser. It should be noted that IP address entry will need to be repeated each and every time your IP address changes.
Additional Notes
Depending on which version of the Boxee software you have, it may be set to automatically hide applications which are only playable in other regions. This setting can be turned off by going to 'Settings' > 'General' > 'Location' and deselecting the 'Hide feeds and applications that cannot be played in your location' option.
After doing so, you should find that the range of apps available to you on the device has been greatly expanded.
There is a known issue with the Boxee Box, which can cause it to drop its wireless network connection after DNS settings have been changed. Unfortunately, if you experience this problem, it is hardware related. The only reliable way around it is to set up a wired connection instead.