Smart DNS

[anonymous-user]

I've tried a few VPNs to watch French TV online but the sites seem to have got wise to them (one used to detect that I was in the UK, when I used a US-based VPN company it detected I was in the US).

Are there any reliable (and cheap) Smart DNS companies I should try? That seems to be the next step if VPN isn't working.

[seveb]

Try using a VPN and picking a server that when you go to https://www.whatsmyip.org/more-info-about-you/ shows you to be in the city you chose. Some VPN server IP addresses don't show a location for some reason - those usually won't work.

Also most apps now also use your local time zone - so set the time zone and time for the location your chosen server is in.

Nord VPN is one of the better services and will still work with most TV apps.

Amazon and Sky are two that hardly ever work these days with a VPN.

[independentLee]

I use SurfShark VPN

https://surfshark.com/deals?coupon=sharkspecial&am...

[NorthDave]

I have a setup where my router in France connects to my router in the UK - its a bit of a faff but it does work reliably and I dont think they can ever really block me.

Might be worth a go if you have the option.

[NorthDave]

I have a setup where my router in France connects to my router in the UK - its a bit of a faff but it does work reliably and I dont think they can ever really block me.

Might be worth a go if you have the option.

[MellerT]

Check your browser settings too. If you change the IP but browsed previously from your ISP IP then the browser might save some information and you will be identified as a "different location" (clean cashe/cookies then). Never heard of DNS bans though, only IP, Surfshark was mentioned here and I have used it to bypass geo-blocks, worked flawlessly. They're going for 1.99$/MO deal now so it's one of the cheapest options out there ATM.