How can I use the Netflix Player by Roku in Japan?

December 8, 2008 5:56 AM

How can I use the Netflix Player by Roku in Japan? Officially the Netflix streaming service is only available in the 50 U.S. states.

I live in Japan and want to subscribe to Netflix so I can use their streaming service for movies and TV shows. I have a U.S. address where I can sign up and have a DVD or two delivered. But I assume Netflix will block the streaming service to non-U.S. IP addresses. I know how to use a proxy server like Hotspot Shield to get around this on my PC. But how do I do it with a device like the Roku player? The Roku would be connected either directly to my router (fiber-optic -- Japan broadband rules!) via Ethernet or wirelessly via the built-in Wi-Fi in the Roku.

posted by jgt246 to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

You would probably set a proxy in the Roku, but if you have to ask for help in circumventing, you probably shouldn't do it.
posted by rhizome at 12:16 PM on December 8, 2008

Could you use that service on your (presumable) laptop and then run some sort of video cable to your television? Our has a VGA (monitor) input on it, so we ran the Watch Instant as a second monitor on our television.
posted by santojulieta at 1:10 PM on December 8, 2008

Best answer: Basically you need to mess with the data stream a little. Either build a proxy server (Google: build proxy server) or you could try getting a second NIC, a crossover cable, and running the Roku through your PC where (theoretically) Windows Internet Connection Sharing and Hotspot Shield would help route its' traffic through a US IP.
posted by mysterious1der at 7:46 PM on December 8, 2008