Choosing and configuring VPN-service for IPTV and Smart TV set-top boxes

What is IPTV?
IPTV, or television over Internet Protocol - is a modern method of transmitting digital video. And access to the transmitted content can be enjoyed from any point, which can be connected. The IPTV broadcasting has a mass, which means, that many people are simultaneously transmitting. There is a video on demand, wherever people, who want to watch videos and to make request, get them. There delayed broadcast, as well as games on demand. In short, it's like television of yesteryear, but with far more benefits.

What is a VPN?
VPN or Virtual Private Network, or VPN French – It is the opposite of the Internet. By using a VPN, you have access to remote computers through a local connection. But in general, the use of VPN is mainly used on the Internet to mask the real IP-address of the computer and change it to one or more other addresses.

So, you traced the other person. This gives the advantage of a more or less anonymous, access to inappropriate content in a certain area, and greater security in relation to sensitive personal data.
For IPTV broadcast using internet protocol data. When this service is provided, and is not dependent on the global network. If you are using Internet TV users often encounter some problems, eg, there is no access to the channel Match TV abroad. In this article, we shall understand, how to solve them with the help of VPN-services.

Why use a VPN for IPTV and Smart TV?
Although there are TV shows, on-demand movies and other types of video to IPTV, there are restrictions. eg, Netflix's or Canal + programs are limited depending on your country, your subscription type.

By using a VPN, you have access to another IPTV, which may be free of charge to international broadcasts. VPN is also useful for IPTV, if you are attracted to cheaper subscription for black Providers.

Nevertheless,, This process is illegal, because these providers do not have broadcasting rights. VPN is also used legally for the protection of joints, Regardless, Whether you are on a legitimate IPTV or not. In short, VPN can be used in a good and bad sense.

• Security
  VPN can hide a lot of personal data. browsing the Internet, Regardless, Whether you are using a web browser or IPTV application, using VPN, your data is almost entirely reserved.
  We are talking about safe, because many can boast VPN security services, but in general a bad security. To take advantage of this security, we advise you to choose the best VPNna market. And the most important thing, Avoid free offers.
• Geo-restrictions
  Life is Beautiful, but only so long, until you go to the Netflix and will not find the same series, which has long wanted to watch avidly.
  such as Netflix and HBO GO platform has a different content directories for all of the available regions - and in some of these catalogs content more interesting, than other. Even if it is about the issues of the old TV series, you may well find them in the Netflix library for their country, although in many others, they are easy accessible. offensive, True? Moreover, Many broadcasts are only available in one or two regions. For example, Hulu broadcasts exclusively for the US and Japan, and various BBC channels can only be viewed in the UK. Smart TV set-top boxes give users the opportunity to watch streaming services on a big screen, but they are also subject to geoblocks, as well as any other device. In other words, geoblocks can ruin your plans for a nice evening, when you just want to relax alone with a good movie. The same is true for any device, which supports the application of these services strimingovyh, including Smart TV set-top boxes. With VPN, geo-restrictions no longer exist. You can select the country of origin of their choice, to gain access to prohibited content in the country, where you are actually. eg, you choose Canada, if Canadian content, and it is banned in France.
• Anonymity
  Anonymity is also one of the advantages of VPN. It covers your parishes and Internet access, none of your browsing history is not recorded.

Here are the best we've tested VPN:

What are the problems you might encounter

So, if you have problems with IPTV, more often it is due to the following reasons:

• Antivirus or protection system block program;
• I have not updated DirectX;
• Incorrect settings in the player graphics;
• Incorrect settings of network protocols;
• Disable IGMP traffic;
• Problems with the provider.

Most of them, see how, Settings are easily solved test on the device or player. But some users have experienced problems when watching TV abroad. Prefix can not operate outside the Russian Federation, as the provider, providing these services, It is in another country. When you connect to a network, your device is assigned to the IP-address, who speaks of belonging to a particular network and territory. Another obstacle may be the censorship, does not allow you to view the content of interest. Both of these problems can be solved, using the VPN-services, which will be discussed below.

Solving problems using VPN services

VPN can be called a protected tunnel, This technology helps to create one or more network connections over a different network. With it, after the network entry, you can choose one of the available country services, and your IP-address will be her match. Once connected, simply select settings, from any point of the world you want to go online. This will help to circumvent censorship and, IPTV and watch anywhere in the world, where all have access to the network.

How to connect VPN on IPTV

The first rule - is to carefully consider the choice of service, usually, they are free, but you can choose the option at a discount. Following the acquisition of check, whether your console is compatible with VPN-applications. If Yes, then download and install the application through the set-top box interface, in the second case - it will be necessary to set up a VPN on a router and then set up a virtual connection from your device.

After selecting all the desired region will begin to operate in continuous duty. Stipulate, that a slow connection to the Internet may experience problems with translation, so that this factor must also be taken into account when setting.

What characteristics should have VPN for Smart TV and IPTV

As VPN-services, Smart TV set-top boxes do not look at each other. The most important, you need to know: some models Smart TV set-top boxes support VPN-applications, and some, Alas, No.

For example, if your Smart TV set-top box running on Android OS, it can be installed and VPN-App for Android - and is ready! usually, so is the case with more modern models of Sony and Sharp.

On the other hand, Many Samsung models do not support Android TV, so that they can not just pick up and install the VPN-application.

But even if you can not directly install the VPN-app on your Smart TV set-top box, there is always a way to organize the work - for example,, configuring VPN-router.

By connecting the Smart TV set-top box to the VPN-router, you get all the benefits of a VPN, and even on the devices, that do not support VPN, in principle,. Here we will not describe in detail the whole process, you'll find it in this informative guide for configuring VPN-router, where we describe step by step the entire configuration process.

Taking into account all of the above, let's get a look, what characteristics VPN-service must have consoles for Smart TV and IPTV:

Huge selection of servers, that you have always been able to connect to your favorite strimingovomu service and bypass geoblocks. Most VPN-services offer users thousands of trusted servers worldwide, but there are exceptions.
The fastest speed for good quality viewing without buffering and connection problems. Look for VPN-service, which steadily gaining higher scores in testing for speed.
Useful functions for streaming, so you can always find the right content. It can be a variety of possibilities - from the built-in automatic settings when selecting servers to additional features for those devices, that do not support VPN.
Convenient and intuitive app for Android, which can be quickly and easily installed on any Smart TV set-top box based on this OS.
Compatible with routers, if your Smart TV set-top box is not compatible with VPN-applications. The best thing, Of course, when the provider gives detailed instructions and specialized technical support for custom settings.
Reliable protection - even though, that Smart TV set-top boxes is not a priority, you need strong encryption of data and guarantee of confidentiality. Most VPN-services for your Smart TV set-top box and also the most reliable on the market, and all with support for better security protocol in the industry OpenVPN and strict policy bezlogovoy. simply put, you'll see content safely and confidentially.
Now, when you are aware of the major advantages of VPN for Smart TV set-top boxes (and all, that is necessary for smooth operation of the tandem), it is time to take a closer look VPN-services, who deservedly took the first five places in our rating when tested.

Most VPN providers

Here you will find a list of several providers, considered the fastest and with lots of features:

NordVPN

cost of: from 2,82 before 9,68 dollars a month
more 5 400 servers in 60 countries
Quick access to the most popular services strimingovym
Headquartered in Panama, bezlogovaya strict policy
Just tune in the TV-top boxes based on Android and routers
NordVPN - is a great choice for any platform, and Smart TV set-top boxes are no exception.

With this VPN you can get free access to virtually any online content, including best video catalogs Netflix, BBC, HBO GO, and so on. Thousands fast servers and a private SmartPlay technology make NordVPN service option for those №1, who wants to comfortably view online content, as well as a favorite of users in general.

Android application easily install on any model of TV-top box based on Android OS. you also get the protection of the best of its kind 256-bit data encryption and security protocol support for OpenVPN, so that your browsing history will be safely hidden and encrypted.

If you need help setting up, NordVPN offers step by step instructions for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. You will also find instructions on how to configure different routers - from DD-WRT and Tomato to virtual with pfSense.

For help in real-time clock provides NordVPN technical support via online chat. You may even be able to turn to a specialist by your router, together to set it up: simply go to the Router category, when contact technical support.

In General,, NordVPN - this is a very simple and convenient service, its applications are many useful features, easy to install, and you even get extra help, if required. There is everything, you need to work with Smart TV attachment at a bargain price, that's why this service takes the first place on our list.

Money Back Guarantee: 30 days

ExpressVPN

cost of: from 8,32 before 12,95 dollars a month
It is considered the fastest currently available, it is completely safe, There are no logs. Provide customers with round the clock support and a free trial for thirty days period. It is possible to connect to more than 90 countries with no restrictions on downloads and P2P-connection.
3 000+ VPN-servers in 160 lokatsiyah in 94 countries
Very high and stable rate
It does not store any user data
Additional functions for devices, incompatible with VPN
Through its global network of servers and the outstanding performance of the service, ExpressVPN was another leader in VPN for strimingovyh services and not only. But how well it is working with set-top boxes Smart TV?

Just awesome. You only need to install a simple and intuitive Android application, if your device supports, or set up a VPN on a router (that, By the way, here it is to make it even easier, than usual - all thanks to the individual firmware ExpressVPN). Even if your router is not compatible with this firmware, possible to configure it in the usual way with other popular firmware.

That's not all! MediaStreamer function gives you access to advanced proxy service for devices, do not support VPN. You can configure it directly on the website. If you do not want to climb on their own "inside" of your router, you can still give your Smart TV set-top box the ability to bypass the blocking of access, among the first to watch the news on Netflix, Hulu and other services strimingovyh, It works with ExpressVPN.

Whatever you decide, friendly technical support service ExpressVPN always ready to guide you through all the difficulties, and the clock. From questions of detail to the advanced configuration of routers - you can always count on help.

All offered services and service capabilities ExpressVPN definitely worth its price. Do not take our word for it, if in doubt: read user reviews on this first-class VPN-service!

Free trial: not available

Money Back Guarantee: 30 days

CyberGhost

Choose from 3 600+ servers worldwide
User-friendly interface with a special tab for strimingovyh services
Quality 256-bit encryption and policy bezlogovaya
Excellent app for Smart TV set-top boxes, and configuration management of routers
Protect your Smart TV set-top box using a VPN - not a task for beginners, but with the service CyberGhost it will be very easy.

The easiest way, if your model is compatible consoles with one of the non-service application CyberGhost, which is currently available for Android TV, and various devices Fire OS. The VPN-This service will help you to watch virtually any online content, because here there is easy access to thousands of servers and a special profile for strimingovyh services.

Even if the VPN-applications are not suitable for your Smart TV set-top boxes, do not worry! CyberGhost can be installed on many different routers, On site you will find informative guide, which will help you to do this. If you are not an expert in this matter, you can always contact the technical support and get help in real-time via chat.

in spite of the fact, CyberGhost that the service is not so fast, how NordVPN or ExpressVPN, you can still count on an excellent rate for problem-free viewing online in HD mode. More information about this popular VPN-provider, you get, reading our expert reviews and user.

Free trial: 24 hours

Money Back Guarantee: 45 days (for the six-month and longer rates); 14 days (when you subscribe to a month)

Surf Shark

800+ servers in 50 countries
Works with different services strimingovymi, including Netflix
bezlogovaya strict policy, protecting private data
Unlimited number of simultaneous connections
Compared to other services in this list, Surfshark can be considered a rookie, but he managed to prove, that provides premium services.

Surfshark - a flexible service, which works perfectly with all models of Smart TV set-top boxes. It has everything necessary for a trouble-free and safe online viewing - both special applications for different operating systems, and firmware for routers.

Access to Netflix will no longer be a problem with the VPN, but still you can enjoy many other services strimingovymi. You can always ask for help with setting up or advice about the choice of servers from a responsive technical support, available around the clock.

You can also set Surfshark applications on an unlimited number of their devices at the same time - this is just one of the great advantages of this young VPN-provider. we suspect, that it will not always, so do not miss your chance!

Surfshark is also an excellent choice for Smart TV set-top boxes, especially if your budget is limited. Learn more about this impressive VPN-service, you can from the latest user reviews.

Free trial: not available

Money Back Guarantee: 30 days

PrivateVPN

Reliable servers in strimingovye 60 countries
own infrastructure
Applications for smart TV set-top boxes and routers support
Remote support for hassle-free setup
Because of, PrivateVPN that the service has only hundreds of servers, it does not seem a good option for viewing online content through Smart TV. but, as we mentioned earlier, everywhere there are exceptions, VPN and this is just one of them.

PrivateVPN stably bypasses lock from Netflix. Also, the service works with Hulu and BBC. An impressive result for the VPN-service with a limited list of servers!

But what really distinguishes the service PrivateVPN among many others, so this fact, the servers and equipment companies are close to each other. All of the most important stages of the service carried out in Sweden, where the service is registered. The result - a stable and reliable network with a good reputation.

If your Smart TV set-top box running Android OS or Fire from Amazon, then start working with PrivateVPN very easy - it is necessary to install the application. For other models of consoles can be configured VPN-router with the help of informative instructions. Excellent technical support and help you throughout the setup process (you only need to ask for help).

In General,, PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for your Smart TV set-top boxes, if you do not mind a small number of servers. Not sure on 100% about this service? Perhaps, user reviews to help you decide.

Free trial: 7 days (for need to contact tech support by e-mail)

Money Back Guarantee: 30 days

conclusion
Set up VPN on a Smart TV set-top box can be a minute problem or a difficult test, but thanks to one of our VPN, you can make your life easier. Just open the app, configure it and enjoy safe browsing online without geoblocks.
IPTV - is, Certainly, beginning of a new era of digital television, technology has many advantages compared to analog broadcasting or online. Of course, for several reasons, sometimes there can be problems with access to the content viewing. At the moment, using the VPN-services - the best way to cope with them and enjoy watching your favorite channels and programs from anywhere in the world. happy viewing!