CyprusLiving

by **bsharpish** » 30 Jun 2012 00:08

THIS ONLY WORKS WITH A VPN ROUTER !!!!

I know for a fact that by using a vpn router - BBC iplayer works on Samsung smart TV's as it removes geo blocking ...... If you can download ( via the smart tv interface ) other applications that are UK specific these should work as well.

However

With the co- operation of another CL member ( thanks ..... You know who you are

) the following equipment has also been proven to work when attached to a VPN router

Mid - high range Sony blue ray players with smart functions - NOTE - BBC iplayer is in catch up mode only

I've checked the BBC site and they do provide a list of devices that are BBC " approved "

Link here - http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/h ... et_iplayer

If you click on the relevant Category it will list by manufacturer devices with BBC iplayer installed or that can have it installed via the Internet .

I stress again ..... To get this working you will need -

1. An internet connection - ideally 4mb or better
2. A VPN account - typically about €35 per annum
3. A DD-WRT based VPN router ...... Either buy a suitable router and flash it yourself (€50 ish cost and some time) or buy a preconfigured router (€80-€100 cost) and either set up the VPN account yourself or get a technician to do it ( should be about €25).
4. Optional but recommended ( if your TV is remote from the router) is a pair of power line adapters to take the Internet from the cyta router to the VPN router and game console/media device/smart tv/blu-ray player ..... €60-€70 a pair

So if you already own a suitable device ( as per BBC LIST) you can get more out of it

Other features I've seen on various devices include -

Netflix
C5 on demand
Sky news
You tube
Love film

Which will all work in this configuration.

This solution does not offer the flexibility of filmon/apple TV etc ...... But the video and ,especially, sound quality seems better and if, like me, you miss the quality of BBC programming but don't want to invest heavily in an IT based solution ...

**Sponsor**

by **bsharpish** » 30 Jun 2012 00:32

For example - this should work well and it's heavily discounted as its an old model ..... Probably still filling the shops in Cyprus as a latest version though :lol:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-BDPS480B-C ... 943&sr=8-5

by **Happy in Cyprus** » 30 Jun 2012 00:58

bsharpish wrote:With the co- operation of another CL member ( thanks ..... You know who you are )

Can't think who you're talking about, really I can't $:-\$

Seriously Paul, thanks for the great job you did for us today. Soon got the hang of the iPad and Apple TV and, quite joyously, watched News at Ten on ITV tonight (using ITV Player) - what a luxury!

To other members: anyone who has read bsharpish's recent postings on the subject, this guy really knows what he is talking about! He set our system in the way described above, namely:

bsharpish wrote:1. An internet connection - ideally 4mb or better
2. A VPN account - typically about €35 per annum
3. A DD-WRT based VPN router ...... Either buy a suitable router and flash it yourself (€50 ish cost and some time) or buy a preconfigured router (€80-€100 cost) and either set up the VPN account yourself or get a technician to do it ( should be about €25).
4. Optional but recommended ( if your TV is remote from the router) is a pair of power line adapters to take the Internet from the cyta router to the VPN router and game console/media device/smart tv/blu-ray player ..... €60-€70 a pair

This really appears to be a good way to go. Even with our modest 3-4mb Cyta connection we experienced no buffering and 90-95% normal picture quality on our widescreen TV. Now considering upgrading with Cyta, just to be on the safe side.

Thanks Paul, we could never have done it without you :-bd

by **jimgward** » 01 Jul 2012 13:17

Can I ask which VPN you have gone with?

Thanks

JimW

by **Molly** » 01 Jul 2012 13:24

What is a VPN Router?

by **bsharpish** » 01 Jul 2012 18:57

I've used a few VPN services ...... Consistently the best in my experience - Strong VPN

A VPN router is a device which allows you to host a VPN and serve it to all downstream devices.....

Or more simply ( sorry if it patronising :mrgreen:

)

It takes the output of your router (local cyprus Internet ) and turns it into UK Internet for everything in the house.
It does this automatically and once set up requires little or no input from the user.... You simply connect to wifi or Ethernet and all blocking of UK content is gone.

You can achieve a VPN connection directly on your pc ( or similar device) for little or no cost, however, these are generally not capable of shared connections, require that you connect to the VPN manually and can be erratic.

by **Molly** » 01 Jul 2012 19:04

What does VPN stand for..?

by **Sinbad** » 01 Jul 2012 19:39

Very Pink Nose :))

by **Molly** » 01 Jul 2012 20:45

Sinbad wrote:Very Pink Nose

Is that via a router............lol

by **Molly** » 01 Jul 2012 20:54

Its ok Sinbad, I'm only teasing........I had a blank couple of seconds...

I know what it is.........

by **Stank Olly** » 02 Jul 2012 01:41

Molly wrote:What does VPN stand for..?

Virtual Private Network

I've been considering a set up as described for a while but am concerned by 2 things

(a) your internet is only as fast as its slowest link, VPNs typically slow things down. I use a free one at the moment & it drags my 3MB Cyta connection down to 1MB

(b) who are these VPN people & what security risk does it pose running a home network through one?

(a) is solved by getting a good commercial VPN I guess, so any suggestions for 8MB+ VPN network throughput much appreciated

(b) is trickier. I'm not sure that having the cruddy Cyta modem broadcast on G for laptops/tablets/phones then slaving something better to use N (& being flashed to be always via the VPN) for TV/PS3 etc shuts all the doors behind it security wise.

Having spoken to someone who seems to know their onions the only truly secure way forward is to have 2 seperate internet connections & that starts to get a tad expensive

by **bsharpish** » 02 Jul 2012 09:34

I can only give you my own experience on speed.....

Using an 8mb cyta connection/tp link 941 nd router flashed with DDWRT /strongvpn

Using a variety of test sites and devices to test with ( iPad ,iPhone ,windows xp/vista/7 based pc's and laptops and even a Ubuntu based netbook

) I get an Median ping time of 313ms and speed of 5.62 Mbps down and .71 Mbps up.

This is across about 150 tests and 30 days

Best speed achieved 7.2 and worst 1.96 ....these are 1 offs though and the average ( as opposed to median) is 5.34 Mbps

With My private network the numbers were much poorer and hide my ass was somewhere in between.

I settled on strongvpn for stability and consistency of connection.

The only real security issue ( on the "feed" side of my connection) I've encountered is the increasing number of people ( hate to say it but primarily Russian ) wandering around my complex trying to access other people's wifi.
Using WPA2 and a long alpha numeric password with the odd $ symbol inserted puts paid to all but the most determined and expert hacker.

The bulk of security breaches I encounter on my travels are device based and usually user instigated ...... Executing unknown applications, running "too good to be true" software, accessing dodgy websites for titilation purposes :roll:

or free stuff and finally ......installing "cracked" programmes/operating systems to save money.

As to wireless G and N standards - these are really transmission protocols rather than security issues ?

To be honest I've yet to find a DDWRT build and router brand that supports wireless N in a stable manner and I always "lock down " the router to wireless G as I prefer stability and reliability to theoretical speed..... Also if you can only pull 8mbps through the dsl connection it's kind of an arbitrary issue whether you transmit it at 54 mbps or the "higher" N standard (I have a router on my network which is claimed to do 450mps - by the way it doesn't in the real world ).

I could waffle on for hours ,however, at the end of the day I suppose it all boils down to personal preference and performance criteria

by **deegee** » 04 Jul 2012 21:10

fiddling around on firefox today and found an addon called anonymoX. gives you uk or us vpn with a click. free and no ads

by **deegee** » 04 Jul 2012 21:15

correction.....some ads

by **trevnhil** » 05 Jul 2012 07:19

Thanks for that tip. I loaded it last night and it works brilliantly.

EDIT. With the free version you only get so much usage. But you can turn it OFF when you don't need to use it, and therefore the counter is not running.

Cheers, Trev..

by **bromerzz** » 05 Jul 2012 09:55

I have also gone down a similar route, and I am not a particularly tecchie person. I flash and jailbreak and enable the devices myself.
Currently using a Linksys wrt54gl flashed router to dd-wrt with Strong Open VPN installed.
I tried a total of 8 vpns but Strong VPN eventually worked as the most consistant and able to install an OpenVPN onto the router. I was "shy" at first about entering a chat online with one of their tecchies when i had a file install issue. Pondered for several days and many hours, could not find a solution and neither could my local tecchie wizard, then bit the bullet. Online they fixed the problem in less than 2 minutes....the set up file that I had been sent for my router was duff and he needed to simply reinstall an older version.
Jailbroken Apple tv2. Pretty easy to do and install all necessary repositories and add ons. Just time consuming!
Although I already have a Sky sports subscription used on my main tv and also magic eyed to tv in the basement. I also have gone for flashsportstreams on my atv i can then move a 3rd tv ( its a good job flat screens are so light!) outside Cypriot style, and watch via the atv or indeed keep an eye on more than one sports event at the same time...you know cricket on ss1 and golf on ss2 that sort of thing!
I find the iPlayer add on works well for the BBC programming.
4on demand, 1Channel, Project Freetv and Tubeplus are also excellent. Loads of other avenues as well.
Catchup tv add on however still a no go for me.
I must have a very stable connection with Cytanet as I simply am not experiencing any type of buffering. Thanks to all for sharing their knowledge on line and also by PMs and emails.

by **lion** » 05 Jul 2012 11:29

bsharpish wrote:I can only give you my own experience on speed.....

Using an 8mb cyta connection/tp link 941 nd router flashed with DDWRT /strongvpn

Hi

Which vpn package do you use ?

The one they recommend restricts you to 5 server changes per month.

by **Bazzra** » 05 Jul 2012 17:03

Perhaps like many I am very interested in a router with DD-WRT that will remove much of the fiddle factor we, in Cyprus, have to put up with. Unfortunately, being a slow learner, I find Comms a daunting subject and am happy to read what bsharpish says on the subject. He certainly knows more than the average guy.
However, trawling through tech sites I notice Buffalo routers (or some of them) come preinstalled with DD-WRT. My question is: 'Does anyone know if they are suitable for use here in Cyprus, and if so, has anyone installed one'.

by **lion** » 05 Jul 2012 17:58

The buffalo should work.

Take a look for DD-WRT recommended modems.

The big issue to me is getting good VPN service provider.

Been trying Hide My Ass but very poor for me. Also trying Overplay which is proving better at the moment - which seems much better.

Using a VPN modem does make life a lot easier.

The first reading is HMA and the second one is Overplay

by **bsharpish** » 06 Jul 2012 08:39

lion wrote:
bsharpish wrote:I can only give you my own experience on speed.....

Using an 8mb cyta connection/tp link 941 nd router flashed with DDWRT /strongvpn

Hi

Which vpn package do you use ?

The one they recommend restricts you to 5 server changes per month.

I've only changed the server once in six months and that was out of pure curiosity ...... That's why I recommend them ;-)

by **bsharpish** » 06 Jul 2012 08:41

Bazzra wrote:Perhaps like many I am very interested in a router with DD-WRT that will remove much of the fiddle factor we, in Cyprus, have to put up with. Unfortunately, being a slow learner, I find Comms a daunting subject and am happy to read what bsharpish says on the subject. He certainly knows more than the average guy.
However, trawling through tech sites I notice Buffalo routers (or some of them) come preinstalled with DD-WRT. My question is: 'Does anyone know if they are suitable for use here in Cyprus, and if so, has anyone installed one'.

I've used a buffalo clone with ddwrt installed and it's performance was ok

by **deegee** » 06 Jul 2012 19:24

http://www.worldtvpc.com/internettv/ think i may have posted this before,but here you can get bbc1-4 live.movies for men and hundreds of other channels

by **trevnhil** » 07 Jul 2012 06:56

Presumably you need a VPN. I have just tried BBC 1 and the message came up 'not available in your area'

Trev..

by **lion** » 07 Jul 2012 07:41

Yes Trev.

It really is worth considering buying a router with DD-WRT installed, then that way all devices connecting to that device have 1 shared VPN - saves configuring each device individually.

The best selling routers for this

The RT-N16 sells for £60-70.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-RT-N16-Wir ... 739&sr=8-1

routers.png

by **trevnhil** » 07 Jul 2012 08:58

I don't believe I would be able to do that . I am with Digby's Holitec and obviously the equipment including the router belongs to them. It does all work very well, but there are three or four computers connected to it 3 wirelessly.

I did download a free VPN (Anonymox) a couple of days ago and initially it worked fine and we became hooked on BBC iplayer. However yesterday it stopped working and would not let me uninstall it. My laptop spent a few hours at Computer SOS yesterday and thanks to them it is fine now.

I am still looking for a RELIABLE VPN. Focus has been suggested but I have yet to look into things.

Trev..

by **lion** » 07 Jul 2012 09:20

Try Overplay VPN www.overplay.net

They also have SmartDNS https://www.overplay.net/smartdns/setup.php

Using a router with DDWRT means you do not have to install software on the Laptop/PC and you can connect by wire or wireless.

There is also a website listing VPN suppliers and their free trial periods.

by **trevnhil** » 07 Jul 2012 10:24

Thanks for that information Lion.

Trev..

by **bsharpish** » 07 Jul 2012 13:56

On that list I'd go for the linksysy/Cisco gear

The Asus is a fine and flexible product but a bit " tweaky" in nature.

Bear in mind you will not be replacing the holitec router -

You take an Ethernet cable from the LAN connections on the holitec device and connect it to the WAN input on the DDWRT router.

Set this up with a UK based VPN and anything you connect , either wired OR wirelessly , to this DDWRT device will think its in the UK.

by **deegee** » 07 Jul 2012 16:46

trev. sorry anonymoX mucked you up. have a look at i-portal.me. that's the vpn i use. been with them about 5 years since we never got anything from astra 2d due location.never had any problems,doesn't slow down my connection.and any queries have been dealt with quickly and efficiently 5 euro a month or 50 euro a year, down to 40 for the year if you are a senior

by **trevnhil** » 07 Jul 2012 18:25

Yes it was a shame about anonymox especially as I downloaded the one for Firefox which is what I use.

I will have a look at the other one that you mentioned.

At the moment we would like to get I player and live TV from BBC and ITV, which we realise will have to be via the internet.

But it is at this point that the certainty ends. And it does not help, that I am not a techie and have no idea about most things computer wise.

We have seen boxes advertised that you can connect to your TV. Then you need a cable to the router and you can watch many channels this way. The cable would be a problem to us as the router and TV are at opposite sides of the room and there is a doorway between.

You can buy or use a computer/ laptop that is connected wirelessly (doorway problem solved) to the router and you can use an HDMI lead to the TV. You can then use a programme like Filmon to watch UK TV.

You can do all the above, and you can pay to have TV channels put on your computer and then pay so much a month to watch them.

If I use a VPN on a laptop for say €4-99 a month. Will this one payment cover more than one computer in the household, or will I need in my case more than one subscription to use a VPN on at least two computers.

It has been hinted that I can get a VPN router, which is just a fog to me. I assume that it will run (wirelessly) more than one computer. BUT how does the computer know which router to tune in too.

Questions...... all these questions. On this topic the SKY engineers are short of work now. But surely there is an opening for people/ engineers to go round to peoples houses and sort out ..... TV over the internet.

Trev.. Bewitched, bothered and bewildered most of the time.

by **lion** » 07 Jul 2012 19:31

"Will this one payment cover more than one computer in the household, or will I need in my case more than one subscription to use a VPN on at least two computers."

Yes depending on how fast your internet connection is.

"It has been hinted that I can get a VPN router, which is just a fog to me. I assume that it will run (wirelessly) more than one computer. BUT how does the computer know which router to tune in too."

You do it manually in Windows 7 its a matter of double clicking an icon

"Questions...... all these questions. On this topic the SKY engineers are short of work now. But surely there is an opening for people/ engineers to go round to peoples houses and sort out ..... TV over the internet."

Good point but its a different skill set.

I think to configure and supply a VPN router is going to to cost £90 (without in home installation)plus monthly VPN subscription. Its the potential customer support which is a unknown factor. Will the market take these prices

The new unit called YourView and a VPN router seems to have potential to me. Cost £350 plus VPN subscription.

by **Stank Olly** » 07 Jul 2012 23:22

Isn't it the server that dictates where the outside work thinks you are?
If so I can see a scenario where 5 changes per month might be restrictive for some if they get a taste for flicking between e.g. i-Player & Hulu thus having to frequently change between UK & US servers

by **Jim** » 08 Jul 2012 06:00

If you can receive Digby's internet service you will not need a VPN or any other device, I have been watching BBC and ITV with no problems, the service if available to you gives good BB access and a separate 2 megs streaming for TV, works great for me contact Digby for cost's I do know the set top box with remote once the system is fitted cost around €198.... very reasonable to get back BBC & ITV plus other channels too. Contact the man.

by **Sinbad** » 08 Jul 2012 06:57

Trev how come you are looking to a VPN when as Jim says above you do not need one with Digbys system ? :-?

by **trevnhil** » 08 Jul 2012 07:12

Because Jim's statement is not strictly correct. MOST of Digby's customers have a VPN, but not Polemi so I have been told.

Trev..

by **Sinbad** » 08 Jul 2012 07:22

Ahh , thanks Trev .

Re VPNs , I use one called Black it has been good for me.

by **Jim** » 08 Jul 2012 13:37

Trev you seriously think I know all who have VPN's out there? I am correct in my post!! if you have any questions ask Digby, all I can say it works fine in my area I can watch BBC/ITV and no problems only the odd freeze. BBCIplayer and ITV Player also work well, with no personal VPN. Very happy at the moment and that is thanks Digby! :-bd

by **trevnhil** » 08 Jul 2012 14:52

Hi Jim. I too am happy with Digby. I was just relating what one of his Techies told me yesterday. There is no VPN enabled on the Holitec Polemi transmitter.
So I assume all his customers in this area have not got a VPN from him, but I have not actually been told that in so many words That is the reason I am looking around for a reliable one.

At this very moment I keep getting Avast warning that they have just saved my computer from crashing due to AnonymoX... And yet it works fine for some people.

I will continue my quest. Cheers. Trev..

by **trevnhil** » 08 Jul 2012 15:54

On the subject of a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer, I have been recommended to try Focus. Is anyone else using this one successfully.?

Trev..

by **Jim** » 08 Jul 2012 17:21

As posted I have no problem using BBCIplayer...but I am not in Polemi.

by **trevnhil** » 08 Jul 2012 19:27

That made me smile Jim.

we used Anonymox last week and for two days it worked well. But I will be at SOS tomorrow because I have had around 30 avast warnings today all quoting Anonymox.

Trev..

by **deegee** » 08 Jul 2012 19:34

after reading about these warnings for anonymox have taken it off. thankfully i removed it without any problem

by **dynamo12345** » 15 Sep 2013 11:55

Trev,

I and many other friends use "UNBLOCKUS"

I have been told it is more than a VPN but not sure why.

I know you can easily switch NETFLIX from UK to USA versions very easily which is a plus.

Worth looking at their web site and using the free trial.

Geoff

by **trevnhil** » 15 Sep 2013 13:06

Hi Geoff. I am sorted now but I did try one that you could put on a Router. Unfortunately we could not get it to work on my set up.

I looked at reviews for different VPN's and went for 'Private Internet Access' which works well for us. One plus point is that is can be used on up to 5 devices at the same time, not that we ever do. Also the coast is 50 pence a week.

We can access all that we require and all the iPlayers and on demand services.

Cheers. Trev..

by **Jim** » 15 Sep 2013 16:09

OK here I go again head banging the wall it seems, I have used the free Ex-PAT Shield VPN for many years now with no problems at all, even with BBCI player (and all other UKTV) that I do use most days, never had any AV warnings and as long as you disconnect WHEN you finished you will have NO loading problems, so why pay?

The gloom and doomsters here would have you believe it is a problem, well it's not, simples.

http://www.expatshield.com/

by **deegee** » 15 Sep 2013 19:07

having read trev's post,thought i would give private internet access a month's trial,as my i-portal sub still has some time to run. duly paid for my month. all ok. month came and went and pia is still connecting,and sometimes stays connected even when the little icon is red and saying not connected. we shall see how long it lasts!!

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