We all like to watch TV and Movies, however using US services like HBO, FOX, Netflix or Amazon Prime can be problematic for the Brits, just as watching BBC iPlayer and Sky Go can for the Americans - even when you travel too. Dam those regional restrictions.
Want to work round that ?
Great, although VPN isn't supported on Chromecast because you need both server and Chromecast client to be on the same LAN / Network, using SmartStream from StreamVia you get just this.
Due to the way SmartStream works you will not notice any slow-down of your internet connection, only the UK & USA sites that SmartStream supports are unlocked and all other local sites continue to work as normal. There is no software to install just a simple configuration change and then sign in to authorize your connection! **
SmartStream also works on devices that would otherwise be complicated to connect to a traditional VPN service - such as games consoles, Internet TVs, media streamers etc - but it can also improve the streaming performance of regular devices, such as computers, phones, tablets etc, when compared to using a VPN.
So how do you get this good stuff, easy, click the StreamVia link on the right of the page and sign up for UK / US VPN, you will get SmartStream included in your package, unlike other vendors who just give you DNS.
Change your router DNS look up, everything on your LAN working with SmartStream, including your Chomecast, laptop and mobile phones.
We recommend changing the router because you don't have to change every device, its just a one off change, to one device. Check your router manual for how you do that, normally you have to log onto the default gateway which is something like http://192.168.x.x.
Open the below website on your SmartStream configured device to ensure that a) it has been configured correctly and b) is compatible with your router or Internet connection, in your browser goto
If the above test passes you likely need to sign into SmartStream with your VPN username/password to update your IP address in their system, each time your broadband IP address changes you need to complete the below.
Sign on using the StreamVia credentials you made during setup, then you are done.
Enjoy international content on your Wii U, Playstation, PC, whatever, including Chromecast and its associated services.
Remember for chromecst you will need to obtain various "overseas" apps they may not be in your local Google Play store. How you do that is down to you, and of course the risks that brings.
** Please be aware this method was tested on an older unit when we received Chromecast back in August. The UK model may differ from whats being mentioned here. You may need to force DNS and IP address settings via MAC address to the Chromecast to get it to work with Streamvia's service. Some routers may not have this ability, tested on a Netgear 600U.
Update October 21, 2014: Alternatively you can get root access to your Chromecast so you can force the Chromecast to use Streamvia's DNS servers. We are not responsible for any damage done to your Chromecast nor do we provide support for the process. This method was developer by the awesome users over at XDADevelopers:
- Root your Chromecast: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2452838
- Install the Flashcast changer to Unlocator http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2455888
A video tutorial is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6c34jqFHxY watch and root !