Psst! How to access U.S.-only sites, like Hulu
If you spend anytime online, then you’re likely aware every computer has its own unique “IP address,” which is also linked to your general geographical location. This is why you see “google.ca” (Canada) in your browser window even though you typed google.com (U.S.). Here, we discuss a trick for disguising your IP address.
How does Facebook know to show you ads for your local gym, supermarket or college? This is because your computer’s unique Internet Protocol (IP) address, assigned by your Internet Service Provider, reveals your whereabouts on this planet (not your exact address).
Even if your computer generates a different IP address every time you boot up or log online, this number (e.g. 220.195.109.12) can still tell of your general geographical location.
Those who are a bit paranoid about this — or criminally inclined — have found ways to surf the web anonymously. These services typically act as a proxy between you and your ISP, and they claim that your PC’s identity cannot be detected.
And so about two years ago, I became frustrated at not being able to access videos on the super cool Hulu website and its huge colection of free, on-demand TV shows, movies and other video content — unless I was traveling in the U.S. Hulu only has the rights to distribute this video content in the U.S. and not other territories.
Then I tried to use one of those “IP masking” programs that hide your location, but I found they were too tricky to use or didn’t work properly (one program asked me what country I’d like my PC to “be” in, and though I typed in “U.S.” it made me from Germany).
Soon thereafter I discovered the amazing Pandora streaming radio service, but alas, it wasn’t available to Canadians either.
What to do?
Now I’ve discovered AnchorFree’s Hotspot Shield, free software for Windows PCs and Macs that grants you anonymity while surfing the web.
It essentially hides your IP address by creating a virtual private network (VPN) between your laptop (or iPhone) and their Internet gateway, preventing thieves and ISPs from viewing your web browsing activities, downloads, credit card info, instant messages, emails, and so on. This software is ideal for shopping online and reducing the likelihood of identity theft because you’re not leaving a digital footprint (including cyber-snoopers at Wi-Fi hotspots, hotels, airports, and so on).
It took about 3 minutes to download and install Hotspot Shield, which is ad-supported but spyware free (says the company), and I immediately went to Hulu.com to see what would happen. Within a minute I was streaming the latest Family Guy episode. Su-weet.
Readers, have you tried this software? Or any others like it? What are your thoughts on restrictions against accessing U.S. content from Canada?
Installed it ok on IE8 – but it did not like Firefox. Then tried to access HULU through IE8 ……….and was promptly told that I cannot view anything because I’m “outside” of the U.S.
“Hotspot” is now uninstalled.
P.S. – there were too many “addons” as well
Hi Karlo,
I’m on IE8 too, and it worked like a charm. Yes, you’re right it prompted me to install a few add-ons for the service and it all looked good to me so I clicked “yes.” This is the first software I tried that actually did what it said it would do.
Marc
any thoughts on why it did not work ? the download (Hotspot) was accessed through Firefox – would that have an impact ?
Hey Marc, I have to admit I find your opinion very refreshing. Well, I am a transplanted Canadian in the US and I want to access Canadian content shows that I crave for my own peace of mind. So could I use this process as well to view some of the online Canadian shows?
Hey J-Me,
Thanks for the note.
Yes, I asked U.S. colleague of mine to check out a Canada-only site today and he said it worked, but it depends on the site. Rogers on Demand Online, for example, looks for one of its own IP addresses for authentification, so if it can’t verify the site it probably won’t let you access those online videos.
Have a good weekend,
Marc
Hey Marc. Would you post an update on this in a few weeks. I don’t want to try it out right away . . . . would prefer to wait to see if there are any problems. I often too-quick jump on the band wagon and end up with issues that make me wish I hadn’t proceeded. Just sayin . . .
Tried Hotspot in the past and never worked for me. Did a google search and found that Hulu has started blocking HSS-leased IP addresses from where Abovenet Communications in White Plains, NY.
If you read here:
http://patricksoon.blogspot.com/2009/05/hulu-detecting-proxy-servers.html
there may be a work around but have worked for me so far.
Also if you’re running Snow Leopard, you need to install Rosettta to get this thing working.
Edit: I mean’t to say none of the work arounds have worked for me so far.
Tried on Foxfire and it didn’t work. My Safari is tempermental.
Hi Marc,it worked for me. I was able to access shows on abc.com. Network Magic has something up saying it is protecting shared folders because I am connected to more than one network.
I’ve used Hotspot Shield for almost a year and have never had an issue with in.
You mention that you had to install a few ‘add-ons’? I’ve only had to install the native Hotspot Shield installer and nothing more.
Who needs cable when you have Hulu?!
I came across Hotspot a week ago and haven’t looked back. Running snow leopard and using up-to-date firefox. I wasn’t asked to download any add on’s either. it just worked!
I’m now exploring Hulu, Boxee (most awesome! Especially with the Iphone app) and of course, Pandora!
No problems, no slow downs, no add-ons. just real access.
For fun, I tried accessing isohunt.org (the torrent site) using Hotspot Shield, but was turned away due to restrictions in the US. But, after turning Hotspot Shield off, I was again able to access isohunt :)
1st time I tried it,it didn’t work so I
uninstalled it.
2nd time I installed it I said yes to
everthing and now it works just fine. The
toolbar can be easily disabled so accept it
and then disable it.
I have to say there is a lot of lag. The video on hulu or abc.com starts then stops to buffer then starts again. It does this repeatedly. I have cable and don’t have this issue when viewing on Global or CTV.
Hi Bob,
Yep, I installed all the programs it suggested except the toolbar and I can now access any website (like Hulu) no problem,
Marc
Has anyone told you you look like Ray Romano?
If you can’t be bothered with all the add-ons and want some dedicated bandwidth, I paid €5 to try TUVPN.COM solution. Provided PPTP, OpenVPN, and High Anonymity Proxy in one account. Worth a try. http://www.tuvpn.com
Downloaded it with Firefox,and use it with IE8–no problems viewing at Hulu, ABC,NBC ect.
Is there a way of stopping it from auto loading at boot up? There isn’t anything in the startup that I can disable.
Hulu blocks anonymous proxies, Hostpot Shield, amongst others. I’ve been searching hard and haven’t really found a good alternative to access Hulu, but you might want to check this site out: tvgorge.com. It’s great and reliable, although the shows are pulled from sites like Megavideo (most of the time). Still, it’s worth it and less hassle than trying to get “into” Hulu.
not true for me. I had no problem signing up and accessing Hulu content. I’m watching right now. Also, try with Boxee – you won’t be disapointed.
I got pulled in by Marc headline immediately as i have wanted to watch Hulu in the past. However, I agree with Jay B. There are better sites on the internet. I am going to try some listed here. The best one I have found is F a s t p a s s t v . c o m
they update it really fast after the show has been broadcast. You have to click through some ads if you don’t click quick enough. It refers you to othersite and gives you ranking on whether it worked or not. This is way better than the will it work or won’t it options out there. I like that it streams. I am not into downloading. I rarely get lags. I wish there
was a site like this for audiobooks. If the online banking security etc. feature is what you want it maybe wrth your time but you can get so much on this site that Hulu may be irrelevant.
Dave
Hey Dave/Jay
Thanks for the links. Nothing to download and install, works pretty good.
Incredible – I’ve been missing Pandora for a long time now. I installed Hotspot, declined the toolbar and homepage and everything comes up like a charm.
Hi Jay B,
Hulu was the first site I tried (using Hotspot Shield) and it worked no problem.
Dave, the issue I have with streaming sites (with optional BitTorrent downloads) like Fastpasstv.com, is all the pop-up ads, possible spyware (my Norton Internet Security warned me there was somethign funky going on) and the quality of the movies in theatres looks terrible.
Marc
I downloaded and installed on Snow leopard, Rosetta was also installed right after but I am still being blocked.
ie non US site
Hi Marc. Thanks for the tip. I just installed on Firefox and it works like a charm!
Here is my browser.
Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.1.8) Gecko/20100202 Firefox/3.5.8
Gotta go. House is ON!!
DO NOT DOWNLOAD ….. ITS A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME FOR MAC USERS
not true. I’m running snow leopard (10.6.4) and using firefox (3.6.8). The install went quick and smooth. Never asked to download extra software or toolbars. It just works! I’m streaming HULU right now. I listen to Pandora too.