Google TV Smart DNS Services Compared
Google TV is a Smart TV platform and the predecessor to Android TV. Through the service, users are able to browse the internet and utilise a range of online apps. This, in turn, enables access to various streaming media websites, including Netflix, allowing their content libraries to be streamed directly onto a HD television.
Most of the apps and websites make use of an automatic region detection process, which determines a customer's location based on their internet settings. Some streaming services are off limits to people living in certain countries, while Netflix content libraries for other regions are also inaccessible.
One of the best ways to get around this problem is through the use of Smart DNS technology. When used in conjunction with the Google TV platform, it allows its users to change their region at will and gain access to online content which was previously unavailable to them.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Google TV
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Google TV
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- 1 Month: $4.90
- 3 Months: $12.90
- 12 Months: $39.90
- 24 Months: $49.90
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- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Apple TV,
- Boxee,
- Chromecast,
- Google TV,
- iOS,
- Kindle Fire,
- LG Smart TV,
- Mac OS X,
- Nexus Player,
- NOW TV Box,
- Panasonic Smart TV,
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- PS 4,
- PS3,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Sharp Smart TV,
- Sonos,
- Sony Smart TV,
- Toshiba Smart TV,
- WDTV,
- Wii,
- Wii U,
- Windows,
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Smart DNS
A relatively new technology, Smart DNS was created for use with video on demand and other streaming services. It works by redirecting part of a customer's internet connection, sending it via a proxy server in another region. This process of re-routing makes the user appear as if they are in the location of that server.
Essentially, Smart DNS can be utilised to trick streaming media services. For instance, if a Netflix customer from the United Kingdom connects to a server in the US, their internet connection will seem as if it is originating from the US too. As a result, Netflix will automatically load up its content library for that region.
The technology has numerous advantages over alternatives, including VPN. It does not reduce internet speeds in any significant way and is compatible with a wide range of devices. Moreover, the user's local IP address stays the same and only visits to supported websites and services are affected by the redirection process.
When you sign up for a Smart DNS service, you will be provided with new DNS settings. These settings must then be adjusted on the device you wish to use the service on. In order to do this with Google TV, follow the steps below. It may also be worth taking a note of your current DNS settings, in case you ever wish to switch back.
Note: The Google TV service is provided on a range of different platforms, including Blu-ray players, Smart TVs and various other internet-enabled devices. Different manufacturers may have slightly different implementations of the product, so the instructions below should only be used as a general example.
- From the Google TV menu, choose 'All Apps' and then go to 'Settings'.
- Click on 'Network' and then select either the 'Ethernet' or 'Wi-Fi' option, depending on how your device is connected to the internet.
- When the 'IP Settings' sub menu appears, set it to 'Static'.
- On the next page, take a note of the number written below 'IP Address', as this may be needed later on.
- Scroll down to the fields entitled 'DNS 1' and 'DNS 2'. Enter the DNS settings given to you by your Smart DNS service provider.
- Click 'Set' to complete the setup process.
Restart your Google TV device before continuing. Assuming your device has its own web browser, you can log in to your Smart DNS client area and check that the connection has been established. However, there is a final step which must be completed before you can actually make use of the technology.
IP Address Entry
The last part of the setup process requires your Google TV device's IP address to be registered with your Smart DNS provider. With many Smart DNS services, this can be achieved by logging in to your account using the device's web browser. From there, simply click on an activation link and your IP address will be verified.
Some services, however, will require the IP address to be added to their database manually. Fortunately, you already took note of your IP address in the step-by-step guide above. So if this is the case with your provider, simply go to their website and follow their instructions. It is worth remembering that each time your IP address changes, it will need to be registered with the provider again.
After the address has been registered and verified, you are now ready to make use of Smart DNS. Region settings can be adjusted from within your Smart DNS account. After choosing your region, close down the web browser. The next time you load an app, you should have access to the content library for the region you opted for.