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?
DOES NOT WORK WITH FIREFOX OR SAFARI ……. ONLY MICROSOFT VIRUS SUPPORTER ….. I MEAN INTERNET EXPLORER
LOL … MICROSOFT SUCKS
Bravo Zulu Mark, just tried out Hot Spot Shield, five minutes later Hulu, Jay Leno, and Larry King popped up without kicking me off for being proudly Canadian. Being alienated from other countries content is ridiculous. Especially between the U.S, Canada, this is a policy supported by the broadcasting conglomerates. :)
Hotspot Shield is just one of many free VPN services, and it isn’t the best one. Hotspot Shield is also one of many VPN services that are blocked in China, which makes it useless to users like me who live there.
If you are looking for a program which is not blocked in China, you should try Freedur. It works like a charm.
Thanks Marc- I’m running it on a PC and its working perfectly. This is so much fun!
Marc,
Where do you live? HSS does not work for me.
I would like to mention that I found a way which works, which does NOT use a VPN but I’m afraid if I mention it it will get blocked again. If you want to know how to access it without a VPN (though technically you are using it) but without the bandwidth lag, send an email across to Souljah ||at|| hushmail ||dot|| me.
[...] said I would like to mention that I found a way which works, which does NOT use a VPN but… on Psst! How to access U.S.-only sites, like [...]
I downloaded it but then my email wouldn’t send?
I uninstalled and everything was fine again?
[...] be ways to get around the restrictions (something akin to the methods outlined in Marc’s post Psst! How to access U.S.-only sites, like Hulu, for example), but those ways will very probably be cumbersome and inelegant. In time, the [...]
I’m in Canada and I installed Hotspot Shield late last night and it seemed to work OK, although when visiting sites like major US-based networks there was a bit of a lag when the videos were buffering, but they seemed to be pretty clear and look good when maximized to full screen. On some sites you can play them in HD or 1080p (good for HD television sets) if your bandwidth can handle it.
I also use Boxee (http://www.boxee.tv) to manage my on- and off-line videos and it works well under that too. Boxee is actually a really good application for managing your favourite shows and movies. Now that I’ve installed Hotspot Shield, I can access WAY more content.
The only trouble I had was with Hulu – it knows that I’m connected via an “anonymous proxy server” and denies me access to their content. No worries though, you can find just about everything it has online elsewhere.
I’m a fan of Boxee as well. I haven’t had any problems with Hulu though. Thank you Hotspot Shield.
[...] are some free VPN services as Marc discussed in an earlier post and while these can be useful in a pinch they do have some downsides. Free VPN services are usually [...]
[...] are some free VPN services as Marc discussed in an progressing post and while these can be useful in a splash they do have some downsides. Free VPN services are [...]
Hi Mark,
i downloaded Hotspot shield for my Mac but am having trouble with it. I went to Hulu and everything starts but then it stops and says can’t stream…have i done something wrong? i also cant find any add-ons to try and fix it. I am using safari 5.0.5 and i have tried firefox 4.0.1 any suggestions?
You can download Tunnelbear (http://www.tunnelbear.com/)