Apple TV is popular mainly for the on demand videos and files that get streamed over the internet. But, due to geo restrictions, users who are located outside the US would not be able to view the contents. US based video streaming websites like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora etc. would not be available for people who live outside US. In addition to this, popular television programs such as Cartoon Network, USA Network etc. cannot be viewed from other countries.
Popular on demand and showcase video streaming websites such as Netflix, Hulu etc. would have obtained mutual agreements with most of the popular movie production units such as Warner Bros, Columbia Pictures etc. and all these agreements would have been stated in such a manner that, their movies cannot be streamed outside the US. Although few of these video streaming websites are starting to extend their broadcasting zone outside US, the contents that get streamed on a US Netflix website would not be available on a Canada Netflix website.
This would create disappointment and frustration for US citizens who travel outside their home country for business or for leisure. And for users who love to watch the best movies available would not be able to access the US website. To overcome all these restrictions and to be able to view contents without any blockade, the best method is through a Virtual Private Network. There are different types of VPN service providers in the market. Business owners and professionals would be able to make use of a VPN service to improve data security and anonymity. Business organizations might be looking for a higher VPN package due to the demand on security front. But, for individuals who simply want to unblock certain websites can obtain a low cost VPN package. The only feature to consider while choosing a VPN is to know the number of servers possessed by the VPN service provider and whether the servers possessed by the VPN is in the country from where the website gets streamed.
Setup VPN on an Apple TV
Apple TV, unlike iPhone or iPad does not have in built support features for VPNs. There are two methods using which users would be able to setup VPN on an Apple TV. Both the methods are discussed in detail below.
Wireless VPN Router
Setting up Apple TV using a router based setting is quite simple. Two things necessary for this to be in place is a VPN subscription and a router which would support VPN features. It is necessary to obtain a router which would support VPN protocols. While buying a router, the user should make sure that, it supports VPN parameters. Based on the make or type of the router, the VPN setup procedure would differ. User manual of the respective router can be read thoroughly to setup VPN on an Apple TV. Once the setup procedure on the router end is done, the next step would be to make the necessary changes on the TV. Wireless network pertaining to this router should be chosen on the Apple TV. Now, the complete process is done and the user would be able to access all the popular video streaming websites from their home.
Network sharing type
This particular method is for those who do not want to buy a new VPN enabled router or those who want to setup VPN using their present router. In this type, the computer or laptop can be used as a VPN router. The Ethernet chord from the Apple TV can be connected to the computer. The VPN software should be downloaded onto the computer or laptop and should be present before this process is initiated.
- Control panel of the computer or laptop should be opened. Network and Sharing Center should be accessed from control panel.
- Adaptor properties of the Manage Wireless Networks setup should be selected. Adaptor setting should be modified into either USB settings or Ethernet port settings.
- Network sharing setup should be changed into a tab which would state “Allow Other Network Users to Connect through This Computer connection”. Setup process is done. VPN connection can be enabled using this and the user would be able to obtain uninterrupted access to all their favorite websites.
These are the two steps using which users would be able to setup VPN on an Apple TV and as a result of which, they would be able to view most of the well-known video streaming websites.
| Rank | Provider |
Starting Price | MoneyBack |
Visit Website |
 |
ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | 30 Days |  |
| 2 | VyprVPN | $14.95/month | 7 Days | |
| 3 | IPVanish | $10.00/month | 7 Days | |
| 4 | Hidemyass | $6.55/month | 30 Days | |
| 5 | StrongVPN | $21/ 3 Months | 7 Days | |