With on-demand shows available through services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime in Germany, with the option to choose the original language of a series ensuring you no longer have to endure your favourite shows being dubbed, English TV in Germany is no longer as tricky to access as it used to be.<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, the question of accessing favourite TV programmes or stations from home still ranks as one of the most frequently asked questions in expat forums and Facebook Groups.<\/p>\n
So, we’ve put together a list of options for those of you who aren’t just content with watching movies and series, and instead want access to ye olde channels and catch-up TV from back home.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The best ways to watch English TV in Germany<\/strong><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
The good news is YES, It’s possible to access live English TV, as well as UK and US versions of Netflix, Amazon Prime and other popular streaming sites from the comfort of your Wohnung<\/em>\u00a0in Germany.<\/p>\nThere are a lot of potential options….so let’s take a look at each of the most popular (and legal) ones!<\/p>\n
Click on the links to skip to a specific section:<\/p>\n
\n- UK Satellite TV<\/a><\/li>\n
- Smart DNS<\/a><\/li>\n
- VPN<\/a><\/li>\n
- FilmOn<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/satellite.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ width=”65%” width_tablet=”85%” width_phone=”95%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”10px” box_shadow_vertical=”10px” box_shadow_blur=”12px” box_shadow_spread=”1px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”UK satellite” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
UK Satellite TV<\/strong><\/h3>\nDue to the geographical proximity of the UK to Germany, it’s possible to receive British satellite TV signal in most of Germany, enabling you to watch English language TV without a paid subscription service.<\/p>\n
East of Hamburg, Erfurt and Munich, however, this is not a feasible option according to the technical information listed on this German satellite TV<\/a>\u00a0site. It would seem that in these locations you’d need to have a dish the size NASA would use!<\/p>\nContrary to popular belief (among Brits at least), you don’t need a UK Sky Box and a pay TV subscription to do this.<\/p>\n
It’s possible to receive this for free. You just need:<\/p>\n
\n- A satellite dish installed correctly by a professional satellite TV installation company<\/li>\n
- It has to point towards the correct angle, and have a suitable, i.e. large enough, satellite receiver.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The core channels available using this option are broadly similar to the package offered on UK Freesat.<\/p>\n
Getting this set up would cost upwards of \u20ac300 for a dish, receiver and cables plus the costs for installation and commissioning by a professional. This would vary depending on the type building and the ease of access for installation.<\/p>\n
Other than the practicalities of getting it installed, the obvious downside of satellite TV is that you can’t access on-demand services and home country streaming websites that would be available through a smart TV in your home country i.e. UK or US versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime.<\/p>\n
Also, if anything goes wrong, then calling out a service professional to fix your dish isn’t going to be cheap.<\/p>\n
Advantages of satellite TV are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Once it is installed, it’s free.<\/li>\n
- You get many other channels other than those from the UK (depending on your set-up), so if you’re learning another language it’s a great, free resource.<\/li>\n
- With the correct package, you can also receive pay-per-view and subscription channels i.e. Sky Sports – but you’ll need a UK address to use for billing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Smart DNS & VPN” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Smart DNS and VPN<\/strong><\/h3>\nBoth of these options enable access to various free and subscription “cord-cutting” internet TV<\/a> services:<\/p>\n\n- On demand \/ catch-up TV services from major TV networks (such as BBC iPlayer)<\/li>\n
- Popular content streaming websites auch as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”smartdns” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Smart DNS” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Smart DNS<\/strong><\/h4>\nSmart DNS uses clever technology to hoodwink specific sites and services into thinking you’re in the same country or region where the audience they are selling their content to is located.<\/p>\n
It’s primary purpose is to open up the entire world’s streaming video and musical content to you, regardless of your physical location and internet service provider.<\/p>\n
It also works on Smart TVs, games consoles, smartphones and tablets, as well as on computers. Smart DNS’s main constraint vs. VPN is that it is not as secure and is not anonymous.<\/p>\n
The difference in cost between Smart DNS and VPN is about the price of a coffee each month, depending which package you choose. So it’s probably not going to swing your decision unless your budget is very tight.<\/p>\n
Hide my IP<\/a> offers Smart DNS services which can be used by expats to hide your IP address for Windows or Mac OS<\/a>, enabling you to receive American or English TV in Germany through your favourite catch-up or on demand service.<\/p>\nThe downloadable step-by-step PDF guide attached explains in simple terms how to get a Smart DNS set up with Unblock Us.<\/p>\n
Advantages of using Smart DNS from Hide My IP<\/a> are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- It’s the cheapest overall of all the options in this post at just $34.95 per year<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Easy to set up and install with no technical expertise.<\/li>\n
- Watch on smartphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV.<\/li>\n
- Catch-up, streaming and on-demand TV services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV can also be accessed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”center”]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/7eeac79642ca0d55e678dbe42f7ccbf8-13.png\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”vpn” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”VPN” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nVPN<\/strong><\/h4>\nVPN (Virtual Private Network) fulfils exactly the same purpose and allows the same benefits as Smart DNS, but works using different technology.<\/p>\n
The advantage VPN has over DNS is that it provides numerous extra security and privacy benefits. You connect to a server in a specific country.<\/p>\n
Once you’ve done so, the websites you access think you’re connecting from that country, so you can watch English language TV in Germany because the provider thinks you’re accessing it from the UK, US or wherever.<\/p>\n
VPN also works on Smart TVs, consoles, smartphones and tablets.<\/p>\n
The main constraint of VPN when compared to Smart DNS is that you require a separate VPN for each country’s content that you wish to access.<\/p>\n
NordVPN<\/a> is one of the few providers that unblocks all major streaming services like BBC iPlayer (for BBC News and BBC Sport), Netflix, HBO, Hulu, SlingTV, RokuTV, and many more.<\/p>\nNordVPN was also recommended as best VPN overall<\/a> by industry publication TechAdvisor.<\/p>\nAdvantages of using a VPN from NordVPN<\/a>\u00a0are:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n- Easy to set up and install with no technical expertise.<\/li>\n
- Extra security compared to using a Smart DNS service.<\/li>\n
- Watch on smartphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV and depending on the package.<\/li>\n
- Catch-up, streaming and on-demand TV services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV can also be accessed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/k6_AWVSg.png” url=”https:\/\/go.nordvpn.net\/aff_c?offer_id=15&aff_id=35853&url_id=902″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ width=”100%”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”filmon” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”FilmOn” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
FilmOn<\/strong><\/h3>\nFilmOn<\/a> is an internet TV streaming service which offers live English language TV in Germany from over 500 channels (mainly in the UK and US), as well as a streaming service of movies and Pay TV options. The streaming content is much less comprehensive than Netflix and Amazon Prime but the advantage is that this offers everything in one place for more casual users.<\/p>\nThis used to be a favourite for expats to access English TV in Germany because the basic package was free up until early 2017. Since they have put a paywall behind all of their services, however, it has become less attractive from a cost perspective compared to other options listed here.<\/p>\n
At \u20ac19.99 per month, or \u20ac199 for a 2 year package, FilmOn only really makes sense if you want to use this instead of, rather than in addition to, your favourite on-demand streaming service.<\/p>\n
I haven’t used it myself other than testing that the 2 minutes’ trial of free content is available and works, so I can’t really comment on personal experience behind the paywall.<\/p>\n
Advantages of FilmOn are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Simplicity: No software to install. Go to their website, pay your subscription and start watching.<\/li>\n
- You have live TV as well as streaming services TV in one place, so you don’t need an additional subscription to Netflix or Amazon Prime.<\/li>\n
- Recording feature (like with set-top boxes back home) for up to 10 hours of high definition TV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ global_module=”46139″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”AFFILIATE LINKS” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_font=”|300|||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”]<\/p>\n
Disclosure: Some of the links contained in this article are affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission for any sales resulting from these clicks. This has no bearing on the price of the product or service. Thank you for supporting us – we appreciate it!<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ width=”80%” width_tablet=”75%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_width_all=”1px” global_module=”47539″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||0vw||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false”]<\/p>\n
Looking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”1vw||2vw||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”FINDING A JOB” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/finding-a-job-1.png” alt=”finding a job in germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Finding a Job” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”RESIDENCE PERMITS” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/visas-and-residence-permits.png” alt=”visas and residence permits” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Visas” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” 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There are many things which make life in Germany great.\u00a0But let’s face it: TV in Germany definitely is not one of them. The choice and quality of programming is truly awful, even for those of us who are German speakers. With on-demand shows available through services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime in Germany, with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44947,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\u00a0\r\n
TV In Germany -\u00a0How To Get English Language Programming<\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThere are many things which make living in Germany a wonderful experience<\/a>.\r\n\r\nBut let's face it: TV in Germany<\/strong> definitely is not one of them. The choice and quality of programming is truly awful, even for those of us who are German speakers.\r\n\r\nWe are forced to pay a \u20ac17 per month tax<\/a> (except it's not really a tax, yeah, whatever) for the privilege. The public service broadcasters ARD, ZDF and their regional offshoots then even have the audacity to run regular advert breaks on top of this.\r\n\r\nCompare this to the UK, where we pay around \u20ac15 per month<\/a> for world-class broadcasting from the BBC, whose programmes are exported all over the world, and who have no commercial breaks on any of their domestic TV networks.\r\n\r\nSo, for those of you who are fed up with having to choose between folk music, dubbed American series and cheesy medical dramas which are the main staples of TV in Germany, fear not. It is possible to receive live, English language TV as well as UK and US Netflix, Amazon Prime and other popular streaming sites in Germany. There are a lot of potential options....so let's take a look at each of the most popular ones.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1200\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]![\"satellite](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/satellite-1024x683.jpg\")
British satellite TV is receivable in most parts of Germany[\/caption]\r\n<\/h3>\r\nUK Satellite TV<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nFirst things first: Your only option if you want to receive satellite TV is to get this from the British Isles.\r\n\r\nContrary to popular belief, you don't need a UK Sky Box and a pay TV subscription to do this. It is possible to receive this for free with a satellite dish installed correctly by a professional satellite TV installation company, pointing towards the correct angle, and with a suitable, i.e. large enough, satellite receiver. The core channels available using this option are broadly similar to the package offered on UK Freesat.\r\n\r\nEast of Hamburg, Erfurt and Munich, however, this is seemingly not a feasible option according to the technical information listed on this German satellite TV<\/a>\u00a0site. Unless you have a dish the size NASA would use, it seems that UK satellite TV reception is not really a viable proposition in the eastern third of Germany.\r\n\r\nThe cost to set up satellite TV would be upwards of \u20ac300 for a dish, receiver and cables plus the costs for installation and set-up by a professional. This would vary depending on the building and the ease of access for installation.\r\n\r\nOther than the practicalities of getting it installed, the obvious downside of satellite TV is that you can't access on-demand services and home country streaming websites i.e. UK or US versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime. Also, if anything goes wrong, then calling out a service professional to fix your dish isn't going to be cheap.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of satellite TV are:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \t- Once it is installed, it's free.<\/li>\r\n \t
- You get many other channels other than those from the UK (depending on your set-up), so if you're learning another language it's a great, free resource.<\/li>\r\n \t
- With the correct package, you can also receive pay-per-view and subscription channels i.e. Sky Sports.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Slingbox<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThis is the next best thing to having satellite TV in Germany in your own home. What's more, there are no geographical restrictions around where in Germany you can receive this service.\r\n\r\nSlingbox<\/a> will allow you to receive whatever you could theoretically receive on your TV at home. It's a fantastic solution, which would be perfect for everybody except for one potential major constraint:\r\n\r\nYou have to have an address and credit card registered in the country of your choice for where you wish to receive TV from. Fine if you still have a bank account or credit card back in your home country, and a physical address you can register the box to. If not, then I'm afraid this is not really an option for you.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of Slingbox are:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \t- One-time cost for the box and no annual fees or subscriptions. At current time of writing \u00a3129.99 (UK) \/ $99 (US) for their basic, wi-fi connectable box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- No installation or software required. Just connect it to a TV in your home country.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The US service also offers access to live sports and pay TV.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n
![\"live](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/live-stream-1024x683.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nFilmOn<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nFilmOn<\/a> is an internet TV streaming service which offers both live TV from terrestrial channels (mainly in the UK and US), as well as a streaming service of movies. The streaming content is less comprehensive than Netflix and Amazon Prime but the advantage is that this offers everything in one place for more casual users.\r\n\r\nThis used to be a favourite of expats in Germany because the basic package was free up until May this year. Since they have put a paywall behind all of their services, however, it has become less attractive from a cost perspective compared to other options listed here.\r\n\r\nAt \u20ac14.95 per month, or \u20ac149 as a one-time annual fee, FilmOn only really make sense if you want to use this instead of, rather than in addition to, a competitor streaming service.\r\n\r\nI haven't used it myself other than testing that the 2 minutes' trial of free content is available and works, so I can't really comment on personal experience behind the paywall.\r\n\r\nComplaints in forums tend to focus on adverts (from FilmOn, not the broadcasters themselves!) being a presence even with a premium subscription, and the quality of the streaming being lower than other on-demand services. If someone has experience please leave a comment and I will update the article.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of FilmOn are:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \t- Simplicity: No software to install. Go to their website, give them your money and then watch away.<\/li>\r\n \t
- You have live TV as well as streaming services TV in one place, so depending on what exactly you want to get, you may not need a subscription to Netflix or Amazon Prime.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Option to purchase additional package which gives you a DVR (video recording) service in the Cloud.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Kodi<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nKodi is actually a piece of open-source software but is more famous in the incarnation known as \"Kodi Boxes\". These are black boxes such as Amazon Fire TV Sticks, or Smartphone Apps, which have been pre-loaded with add-ons enabling streaming of Pay TV and scrambled broadcasting. Black boxes pre-loaded with Kodi add-ons were effectively ruled illegal<\/a> by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on 26th April 2017. Use it at your peril!\r\n\r\nThe actual Kodi software itself remains legal, and over time, perhaps this will develop into something similar to what FilmOn offers with the streaming of free-to-air TV channels.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nSo, let's move on to the 2 options which I see as being the best overall choices when considering their scope, value for money and ease of installation, which are...<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1202\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]![\"best](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/king-cards-1024x683.jpg\")
The best overall choices when considering scope, price and performance, are Smart DNS and VPN.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nSmart DNS and VPN<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nBoth of these options enable access to various free and subscription \"cord-cutting\" internet TV<\/a> services (BBC iPlayer, Sling TV), as well as popular content streaming websites (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV).\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nSmart DNS<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nSmart DNS uses clever technology to hoodwink specific sites and services into thinking you're in the same country or region where the audience they are selling their content to is located. It's primary purpose is to open up the entire world's streaming video and musical content to you, regardless of your physical location and internet service provider.\r\n\r\nIt works not just on computers but also Smart TVs, games consoles, smartphones and tablets. Smart DNS's main constraint vs. VPN is that it is not as secure and is not anonymous. There is no simple answer that one is better than the other. It really depends on what you want it for, how much you are willing to pay and how much you value privacy.\r\n\r\nThe difference in cost between Smart DNS and VPN is about the price of a coffee each month, depending which package you choose. So it's probably not going to swing your decision unless your budget is very tight.\r\n\r\nUnblock Us<\/a> offers Smart DNS services which can be used by expats to get English TV in Germany.\r\n\r\nThe downloadable step-by-step PDF guide attached explains in simple terms how to get a Smart DNS set up with Unblock Us.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of using Smart DNS from Unblock US<\/a> are:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \t- It's the cheapest overall of all the options in this post at just $49 per year.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Easy to set up and install with no technical expertise.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Watch on smartphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Catch-up, streaming and on-demand TV services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV can also be accessed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n
VPN<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nVPN (Virtual Private Network) fulfils exactly the same purpose and allows the same benefits as Smart DNS, but works using different technology. VPN's advantage over DNS is that it provides numerous extra security and privacy benefits. You connect to a server in a specific country. Once you've done so, the websites you access think you're connecting from that country. VPN also works on Smart TVs, consoles, smartphones and tablets.\r\n\r\nVPN's main constraint vs. Smart DNS is that you would require a separate VPN for each country's content that you wish to access. This can become expensive if you're searching for a separate provider in each location.\r\n\r\nMy Expat Network<\/a> offers VPN services to expats in Germany, with the options to access media content from the US, UK, Canada and Australia all in one place. You can choose your package based on how many devices (PC\/laptop, tablet, smartphone) you wish to install it on, as well as how many countries you wish to access content for.\r\n\r\nWhat's more, their software is extremely easy to download. I am definitely not a web developer or technical guru but I use this service myself and have found it extremely simple.\r\n\r\nThe downloadable step-by-step PDF guide attached explains in simple terms how to get a VPN set up with My Expat Network.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of using a VPN from My Expat Network<\/a>\u00a0* are:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \t- Easy to set up and install with no technical expertise.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Extra security compared to using a Smart DNS service.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Watch on smartphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV and depending on the package.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Catch-up, streaming and on-demand TV services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV can also be accessed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nSo, there you have it. You pay your money and take your choice, depending on what you need and how easy you want the solution to be.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n* Disclosure - MyExpatNetwork is an Affiliate Link meaning that Live Work Germany receives a small commission for all successful referrals made. This has no bearing on the price of the product or service.\r\n\r\nSave<\/span>Save<\/span>\r\n\r\nSave<\/span>Save<\/span>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[131,132,130,271,274,141,133],"class_list":["post-621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-guides","tag-american-tv-in-germany","tag-australian-tv-in-germany","tag-british-tv-in-germany","tag-english-language-tv-in-germany","tag-english-tv-in-germany","tag-tv-in-germany","tag-vpn-for-expat-tv"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=621"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49140,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621\/revisions\/49140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
There are a lot of potential options….so let’s take a look at each of the most popular (and legal) ones!<\/p>\n
Click on the links to skip to a specific section:<\/p>\n
- \n
- UK Satellite TV<\/a><\/li>\n
- Smart DNS<\/a><\/li>\n
- VPN<\/a><\/li>\n
- FilmOn<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/satellite.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ width=”65%” width_tablet=”85%” width_phone=”95%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”10px” box_shadow_vertical=”10px” box_shadow_blur=”12px” box_shadow_spread=”1px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”UK satellite” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
UK Satellite TV<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Due to the geographical proximity of the UK to Germany, it’s possible to receive British satellite TV signal in most of Germany, enabling you to watch English language TV without a paid subscription service.<\/p>\n
East of Hamburg, Erfurt and Munich, however, this is not a feasible option according to the technical information listed on this German satellite TV<\/a>\u00a0site. It would seem that in these locations you’d need to have a dish the size NASA would use!<\/p>\n
Contrary to popular belief (among Brits at least), you don’t need a UK Sky Box and a pay TV subscription to do this.<\/p>\n
It’s possible to receive this for free. You just need:<\/p>\n
- \n
- A satellite dish installed correctly by a professional satellite TV installation company<\/li>\n
- It has to point towards the correct angle, and have a suitable, i.e. large enough, satellite receiver.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The core channels available using this option are broadly similar to the package offered on UK Freesat.<\/p>\n
Getting this set up would cost upwards of \u20ac300 for a dish, receiver and cables plus the costs for installation and commissioning by a professional. This would vary depending on the type building and the ease of access for installation.<\/p>\n
Other than the practicalities of getting it installed, the obvious downside of satellite TV is that you can’t access on-demand services and home country streaming websites that would be available through a smart TV in your home country i.e. UK or US versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime.<\/p>\n
Also, if anything goes wrong, then calling out a service professional to fix your dish isn’t going to be cheap.<\/p>\n
Advantages of satellite TV are:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Once it is installed, it’s free.<\/li>\n
- You get many other channels other than those from the UK (depending on your set-up), so if you’re learning another language it’s a great, free resource.<\/li>\n
- With the correct package, you can also receive pay-per-view and subscription channels i.e. Sky Sports – but you’ll need a UK address to use for billing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Smart DNS & VPN” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Smart DNS and VPN<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Both of these options enable access to various free and subscription “cord-cutting” internet TV<\/a> services:<\/p>\n
- \n
- On demand \/ catch-up TV services from major TV networks (such as BBC iPlayer)<\/li>\n
- Popular content streaming websites auch as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”smartdns” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Smart DNS” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Smart DNS<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Smart DNS uses clever technology to hoodwink specific sites and services into thinking you’re in the same country or region where the audience they are selling their content to is located.<\/p>\n
It’s primary purpose is to open up the entire world’s streaming video and musical content to you, regardless of your physical location and internet service provider.<\/p>\n
It also works on Smart TVs, games consoles, smartphones and tablets, as well as on computers. Smart DNS’s main constraint vs. VPN is that it is not as secure and is not anonymous.<\/p>\n
The difference in cost between Smart DNS and VPN is about the price of a coffee each month, depending which package you choose. So it’s probably not going to swing your decision unless your budget is very tight.<\/p>\n
Hide my IP<\/a> offers Smart DNS services which can be used by expats to hide your IP address for Windows or Mac OS<\/a>, enabling you to receive American or English TV in Germany through your favourite catch-up or on demand service.<\/p>\n
The downloadable step-by-step PDF guide attached explains in simple terms how to get a Smart DNS set up with Unblock Us.<\/p>\n
Advantages of using Smart DNS from Hide My IP<\/a> are:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- It’s the cheapest overall of all the options in this post at just $34.95 per year<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Easy to set up and install with no technical expertise.<\/li>\n
- Watch on smartphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV.<\/li>\n
- Catch-up, streaming and on-demand TV services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV can also be accessed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”center”]
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”vpn” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”VPN” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nVPN<\/strong><\/h4>\n
VPN (Virtual Private Network) fulfils exactly the same purpose and allows the same benefits as Smart DNS, but works using different technology.<\/p>\n
The advantage VPN has over DNS is that it provides numerous extra security and privacy benefits. You connect to a server in a specific country.<\/p>\n
Once you’ve done so, the websites you access think you’re connecting from that country, so you can watch English language TV in Germany because the provider thinks you’re accessing it from the UK, US or wherever.<\/p>\n
VPN also works on Smart TVs, consoles, smartphones and tablets.<\/p>\n
The main constraint of VPN when compared to Smart DNS is that you require a separate VPN for each country’s content that you wish to access.<\/p>\n
NordVPN<\/a> is one of the few providers that unblocks all major streaming services like BBC iPlayer (for BBC News and BBC Sport), Netflix, HBO, Hulu, SlingTV, RokuTV, and many more.<\/p>\n
NordVPN was also recommended as best VPN overall<\/a> by industry publication TechAdvisor.<\/p>\n
Advantages of using a VPN from NordVPN<\/a>\u00a0are:<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
- \n
- Easy to set up and install with no technical expertise.<\/li>\n
- Extra security compared to using a Smart DNS service.<\/li>\n
- Watch on smartphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV and depending on the package.<\/li>\n
- Catch-up, streaming and on-demand TV services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV can also be accessed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/k6_AWVSg.png” url=”https:\/\/go.nordvpn.net\/aff_c?offer_id=15&aff_id=35853&url_id=902″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ width=”100%”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”filmon” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”FilmOn” _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_orientation=”justified” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
FilmOn<\/strong><\/h3>\n
FilmOn<\/a> is an internet TV streaming service which offers live English language TV in Germany from over 500 channels (mainly in the UK and US), as well as a streaming service of movies and Pay TV options. The streaming content is much less comprehensive than Netflix and Amazon Prime but the advantage is that this offers everything in one place for more casual users.<\/p>\n
This used to be a favourite for expats to access English TV in Germany because the basic package was free up until early 2017. Since they have put a paywall behind all of their services, however, it has become less attractive from a cost perspective compared to other options listed here.<\/p>\n
At \u20ac19.99 per month, or \u20ac199 for a 2 year package, FilmOn only really makes sense if you want to use this instead of, rather than in addition to, your favourite on-demand streaming service.<\/p>\n
I haven’t used it myself other than testing that the 2 minutes’ trial of free content is available and works, so I can’t really comment on personal experience behind the paywall.<\/p>\n
Advantages of FilmOn are:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Simplicity: No software to install. Go to their website, pay your subscription and start watching.<\/li>\n
- You have live TV as well as streaming services TV in one place, so you don’t need an additional subscription to Netflix or Amazon Prime.<\/li>\n
- Recording feature (like with set-top boxes back home) for up to 10 hours of high definition TV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ global_module=”46139″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”AFFILIATE LINKS” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_font=”|300|||||||” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”]<\/p>\n
Disclosure: Some of the links contained in this article are affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission for any sales resulting from these clicks. This has no bearing on the price of the product or service. Thank you for supporting us – we appreciate it!<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ width=”80%” width_tablet=”75%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_width_all=”1px” global_module=”47539″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||0vw||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false”]<\/p>\n
Looking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
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module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”%22HOW TO%22 GUIDES” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-articles.png” alt=”how to articles” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” 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There are many things which make life in Germany great.\u00a0But let’s face it: TV in Germany definitely is not one of them. The choice and quality of programming is truly awful, even for those of us who are German speakers. With on-demand shows available through services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime in Germany, with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44947,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\u00a0\r\n
TV In Germany -\u00a0How To Get English Language Programming<\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThere are many things which make living in Germany a wonderful experience<\/a>.\r\n\r\nBut let's face it: TV in Germany<\/strong> definitely is not one of them. The choice and quality of programming is truly awful, even for those of us who are German speakers.\r\n\r\nWe are forced to pay a \u20ac17 per month tax<\/a> (except it's not really a tax, yeah, whatever) for the privilege. The public service broadcasters ARD, ZDF and their regional offshoots then even have the audacity to run regular advert breaks on top of this.\r\n\r\nCompare this to the UK, where we pay around \u20ac15 per month<\/a> for world-class broadcasting from the BBC, whose programmes are exported all over the world, and who have no commercial breaks on any of their domestic TV networks.\r\n\r\nSo, for those of you who are fed up with having to choose between folk music, dubbed American series and cheesy medical dramas which are the main staples of TV in Germany, fear not. It is possible to receive live, English language TV as well as UK and US Netflix, Amazon Prime and other popular streaming sites in Germany. There are a lot of potential options....so let's take a look at each of the most popular ones.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1200\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]
British satellite TV is receivable in most parts of Germany[\/caption]\r\n<\/h3>\r\n
UK Satellite TV<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nFirst things first: Your only option if you want to receive satellite TV is to get this from the British Isles.\r\n\r\nContrary to popular belief, you don't need a UK Sky Box and a pay TV subscription to do this. It is possible to receive this for free with a satellite dish installed correctly by a professional satellite TV installation company, pointing towards the correct angle, and with a suitable, i.e. large enough, satellite receiver. The core channels available using this option are broadly similar to the package offered on UK Freesat.\r\n\r\nEast of Hamburg, Erfurt and Munich, however, this is seemingly not a feasible option according to the technical information listed on this German satellite TV<\/a>\u00a0site. Unless you have a dish the size NASA would use, it seems that UK satellite TV reception is not really a viable proposition in the eastern third of Germany.\r\n\r\nThe cost to set up satellite TV would be upwards of \u20ac300 for a dish, receiver and cables plus the costs for installation and set-up by a professional. This would vary depending on the building and the ease of access for installation.\r\n\r\nOther than the practicalities of getting it installed, the obvious downside of satellite TV is that you can't access on-demand services and home country streaming websites i.e. UK or US versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime. Also, if anything goes wrong, then calling out a service professional to fix your dish isn't going to be cheap.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of satellite TV are:<\/strong>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Once it is installed, it's free.<\/li>\r\n \t
- You get many other channels other than those from the UK (depending on your set-up), so if you're learning another language it's a great, free resource.<\/li>\r\n \t
- With the correct package, you can also receive pay-per-view and subscription channels i.e. Sky Sports.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Slingbox<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThis is the next best thing to having satellite TV in Germany in your own home. What's more, there are no geographical restrictions around where in Germany you can receive this service.\r\n\r\nSlingbox<\/a> will allow you to receive whatever you could theoretically receive on your TV at home. It's a fantastic solution, which would be perfect for everybody except for one potential major constraint:\r\n\r\nYou have to have an address and credit card registered in the country of your choice for where you wish to receive TV from. Fine if you still have a bank account or credit card back in your home country, and a physical address you can register the box to. If not, then I'm afraid this is not really an option for you.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of Slingbox are:<\/strong>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- One-time cost for the box and no annual fees or subscriptions. At current time of writing \u00a3129.99 (UK) \/ $99 (US) for their basic, wi-fi connectable box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- No installation or software required. Just connect it to a TV in your home country.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The US service also offers access to live sports and pay TV.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
FilmOn<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nFilmOn<\/a> is an internet TV streaming service which offers both live TV from terrestrial channels (mainly in the UK and US), as well as a streaming service of movies. The streaming content is less comprehensive than Netflix and Amazon Prime but the advantage is that this offers everything in one place for more casual users.\r\n\r\nThis used to be a favourite of expats in Germany because the basic package was free up until May this year. Since they have put a paywall behind all of their services, however, it has become less attractive from a cost perspective compared to other options listed here.\r\n\r\nAt \u20ac14.95 per month, or \u20ac149 as a one-time annual fee, FilmOn only really make sense if you want to use this instead of, rather than in addition to, a competitor streaming service.\r\n\r\nI haven't used it myself other than testing that the 2 minutes' trial of free content is available and works, so I can't really comment on personal experience behind the paywall.\r\n\r\nComplaints in forums tend to focus on adverts (from FilmOn, not the broadcasters themselves!) being a presence even with a premium subscription, and the quality of the streaming being lower than other on-demand services. If someone has experience please leave a comment and I will update the article.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of FilmOn are:<\/strong>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Simplicity: No software to install. Go to their website, give them your money and then watch away.<\/li>\r\n \t
- You have live TV as well as streaming services TV in one place, so depending on what exactly you want to get, you may not need a subscription to Netflix or Amazon Prime.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Option to purchase additional package which gives you a DVR (video recording) service in the Cloud.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Kodi<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nKodi is actually a piece of open-source software but is more famous in the incarnation known as \"Kodi Boxes\". These are black boxes such as Amazon Fire TV Sticks, or Smartphone Apps, which have been pre-loaded with add-ons enabling streaming of Pay TV and scrambled broadcasting. Black boxes pre-loaded with Kodi add-ons were effectively ruled illegal<\/a> by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on 26th April 2017. Use it at your peril!\r\n\r\nThe actual Kodi software itself remains legal, and over time, perhaps this will develop into something similar to what FilmOn offers with the streaming of free-to-air TV channels.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nSo, let's move on to the 2 options which I see as being the best overall choices when considering their scope, value for money and ease of installation, which are...<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1202\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]
The best overall choices when considering scope, price and performance, are Smart DNS and VPN.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nSmart DNS and VPN<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nBoth of these options enable access to various free and subscription \"cord-cutting\" internet TV<\/a> services (BBC iPlayer, Sling TV), as well as popular content streaming websites (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV).\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Smart DNS<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nSmart DNS uses clever technology to hoodwink specific sites and services into thinking you're in the same country or region where the audience they are selling their content to is located. It's primary purpose is to open up the entire world's streaming video and musical content to you, regardless of your physical location and internet service provider.\r\n\r\nIt works not just on computers but also Smart TVs, games consoles, smartphones and tablets. Smart DNS's main constraint vs. VPN is that it is not as secure and is not anonymous. There is no simple answer that one is better than the other. It really depends on what you want it for, how much you are willing to pay and how much you value privacy.\r\n\r\nThe difference in cost between Smart DNS and VPN is about the price of a coffee each month, depending which package you choose. So it's probably not going to swing your decision unless your budget is very tight.\r\n\r\nUnblock Us<\/a> offers Smart DNS services which can be used by expats to get English TV in Germany.\r\n\r\nThe downloadable step-by-step PDF guide attached explains in simple terms how to get a Smart DNS set up with Unblock Us.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of using Smart DNS from Unblock US<\/a> are:<\/strong>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- It's the cheapest overall of all the options in this post at just $49 per year.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Easy to set up and install with no technical expertise.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Watch on smartphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Catch-up, streaming and on-demand TV services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV can also be accessed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n
VPN<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nVPN (Virtual Private Network) fulfils exactly the same purpose and allows the same benefits as Smart DNS, but works using different technology. VPN's advantage over DNS is that it provides numerous extra security and privacy benefits. You connect to a server in a specific country. Once you've done so, the websites you access think you're connecting from that country. VPN also works on Smart TVs, consoles, smartphones and tablets.\r\n\r\nVPN's main constraint vs. Smart DNS is that you would require a separate VPN for each country's content that you wish to access. This can become expensive if you're searching for a separate provider in each location.\r\n\r\nMy Expat Network<\/a> offers VPN services to expats in Germany, with the options to access media content from the US, UK, Canada and Australia all in one place. You can choose your package based on how many devices (PC\/laptop, tablet, smartphone) you wish to install it on, as well as how many countries you wish to access content for.\r\n\r\nWhat's more, their software is extremely easy to download. I am definitely not a web developer or technical guru but I use this service myself and have found it extremely simple.\r\n\r\nThe downloadable step-by-step PDF guide attached explains in simple terms how to get a VPN set up with My Expat Network.\r\n\r\nAdvantages of using a VPN from My Expat Network<\/a>\u00a0* are:<\/strong>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Easy to set up and install with no technical expertise.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Extra security compared to using a Smart DNS service.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Watch on smartphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV and depending on the package.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Catch-up, streaming and on-demand TV services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV can also be accessed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nSo, there you have it. You pay your money and take your choice, depending on what you need and how easy you want the solution to be.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n* Disclosure - MyExpatNetwork is an Affiliate Link meaning that Live Work Germany receives a small commission for all successful referrals made. This has no bearing on the price of the product or service.\r\n\r\nSave<\/span>Save<\/span>\r\n\r\nSave<\/span>Save<\/span>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[131,132,130,271,274,141,133],"class_list":["post-621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-guides","tag-american-tv-in-germany","tag-australian-tv-in-germany","tag-british-tv-in-germany","tag-english-language-tv-in-germany","tag-english-tv-in-germany","tag-tv-in-germany","tag-vpn-for-expat-tv"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=621"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49140,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621\/revisions\/49140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- It’s the cheapest overall of all the options in this post at just $34.95 per year<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Smart DNS<\/a><\/li>\n