Sony Smart TV Smart DNS Services Compared
Sony are one of the market leaders when it comes to electronic devices, and their range of Smart TVs enjoy great popularity, allowing users to enjoy the usual benefits of HD TV, as well as numerous added extras. One of the major plus points of a Smart TV is its ability to connect to the internet. This opens up the possibility of streaming films and TV shows directly onto a television via services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.
However, some streaming media services are only available to customers in specific regions, while other services offer a better range of content in one country than in another. Fortunately, Smart DNS services can be utilised in conjunction with a Sony Smart TV, ensuring that customers can access a great range of services and content.
Best Smart DNS Services to use on Sony Smart TV
» View the Step-by-Step Smart DNS Setup Tutorial for Sony Smart TV
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- 1 Month: $4.90
- 3 Months: $12.90
- 12 Months: $39.90
- 24 Months: $49.90
- Life Time: $150
- 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,
- Philips Smart TV,
- PS 4,
- PS3,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TV,
- Sharp Smart TV,
- Sonos,
- Sony Smart TV,
- Toshiba Smart TV,
- WDTV,
- Wii,
- Wii U,
- Windows,
- Windows 10,
- Windows Phone 8,
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
30 Days Moneyback Guarantee
- 1 Month: $4.95/Mo
- 6 Months: $4.58/Mo
- 12 Months: $4.16/Mo
- 24 Months: $3.29/Mo
Smart DNS
Smart DNS services were designed to allow for region switching on online streaming services. Some websites, including Netflix, automatically detect a user's location through their internet settings and load up the relevant content library for that region. Smart DNS offers a way to circumvent this automatic region detection, by making it appear as if the customer is based elsewhere.
In simple terms, the technology works by re-routing the DNS queries of a customer through a proxy server. As a result, a service can be tricked into believing the user is in the location of the proxy server. This re-routing process only takes place on supported websites and services, so other internet usage is unaffected.
As an example, a customer who uses Smart DNS to connect to a US server will appear as if they are in the United States, unlocking a range of US-only content. Unlike with VPNs or other similar technology, Smart DNS does not cause an internet connection to slow down, which ensures it is perfect for streaming content on a Sony Smart TV.
After finding a suitable Smart DNS provider and signing up to their service, a customer will be given new DNS settings, which must be changed manually on the device they wish to use. To do this on a Sony Smart TV, simply follow the instructions below:
- Press the 'Home' button on your Sony Smart TV remote.
- Go to 'Setup' (or 'Settings'), then 'Network' and then 'Network Setup'.
- Choose either 'Wired Setup' or 'Wireless Setup', depending on how your device is connected to the internet.
- Select 'Custom', then under 'IP Address and Proxy Server', enter the DNS settings provided by the Smart DNS service you are using. It may be worth writing down the previous DNS settings, in case you ever need to go back to them in the future.
- Under 'Proxy Server', choose 'No'.
- On the confirmation screen, click 'Continue', then choose 'Save and Connect' to establish a connection and finish the process.
By logging into their Smart DNS account, users should be able to select their desired region and make it appear as if their internet connection is originating from that country. As a result, they will be able to access previously unavailable services, or a different content library on services like Netflix.
IP Address Entry
In order to work with a Sony Smart TV, your Smart DNS service will also need the device's IP address. With many Smart DNS services, the IP address can be detected automatically by logging in via the TV's built-in web browser. However, others require the IP address to be input manually.
If this is the case with the service you have opted for, your IP address can be found on the TV by following the step-by-step guide above, up to point number 4. Simply write down the IP address shown, then enter it manually on the Smart DNS provider's website.
It should also be noted that the IP address can change on occasion, such as when your router resets. When this happens, the Smart DNS service will need the updated IP address. If your service automatically detects IP addresses, you can simply log in via the web browser and follow the instructions to update your internet settings. If your Smart DNS service requires manual IP entry, you will once again need to find your IP address on the device and enter it onto the service's website.
Update List of Apps
After successfully setting up a Sony Smart TV with a Smart DNS service, it may be necessary to refresh the list of apps available, in order to gain access to various online streaming services. To do this, follow the instructions below:
- Press the 'Home' button on your remote.
- Go to 'Setup' (or 'Settings'), then 'Network' and choose 'Refresh Internet Content'.
- After the Sony Smart TV has finished updating its list of apps, press 'Home' and then go to 'Internet Content' to find the apps available to you.