Circumventing region-locks for video content is nothing new, but it can still be a hassle. Fortunately things are getting better, and UnoTelly is one such service that makes it painless to access whatever geo-restricted content you want, wherever you want.
Today, we’ll be taking a look at the UnoTelly Gold plan, which will set you back $7.95 per month and provides unlimited access to hassle-free DNS tunneling and secure VPN connections for avoiding censorship, geo-restrictions and potential snoopers.
This is a huge giveaway! The following prizes are up for grabs:
Grand Prize:
- 1 x UnoTelly Gold License (1 year)
- 1 x Samsung UN40JU6500 40″ Class 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV ($849.99 value)
- 1 x Roku 3 HD 1080p Streaming Digital Media Player ($89.99 value)
- 1 x Netflix $100 gift card
Secondary Prizes:
- 4 x UnoTelly Gold Licenses (1 year)
- 4 x Netflix $60 gift cards
Consolation prizes:
- 10 x UnoTelly Gold Licenses (1 year)
UnoDNS & UnoVPN
There are two commonly-employed methods for getting around the geographical restrictions put in place by services like Hulu, Netflix and BBC iPlayer: domain name system tunnelling and the use of a virtual private network.
The domain name system works just like a phone book. When you request a website by typing in its domain, it resolves as an IP, and your own IP is recorded along with your visit and used to identify your location. By changing your DNS servers, UnoTelly can provide you with a local IP every time you try to access geo-restricted content — that’s UnoDNS.
A virtual private network also works using tunnelling, by inviting you to connect to a secure network and providing the “exit” in a particular region — e.g. the UK for access to the BBC, or the US to listen to Pandora. While a DNS-based system doesn’t require too much work on your part, you’ll need to switch from one VPN to another depending on the region-locked content you want to access — that’s UnoVPN.
So which is better? Well with UnoTelly’s gold account you don’t really need to decide, because you’ll have access to both whenever you need them. Arguably UnoDNS provides the least hassle, allowing you to “set it and forget it” — UnoDNS does all the work and decides what IP address you need for each service. You can literally go from British iPlayer to American Pandora as if you were residing in both countries by using UnoTelly’s 33 global DNS servers.
UnoVPN is there as a safety net for those of you who need secure 3G browsing, are visiting or living in countries that employ censorship Why The Next 10 Years Looks Bad for Internet Censorship Why The Next 10 Years Looks Bad for Internet Censorship Although denizens of the world are learning more about censorship and learning new ways to counteract it, the outlook for the future of Internet freedom isn't looking good. Read More and restrict access to services like Facebook and YouTube. Some providers also put in place methods of blocking DNS circumvention, so a VPN will ensure you have access to everything.
Setting Up & Using UnoTelly
UnoTelly will run a setup wizard that either recommends you use DNS tunneling (in the majority of cases) or a VPN connection. If circumventing region-locked content is your primary concern and you aren’t under the iron fist of a government trying to control your access to Facebook, you’ll probably be using DNS tunnelling.
Changing your DNS servers is a simple case of entering a new IP address into your device’s DNS settings (plentiful instructions are provided) then visiting the UnoTelly quickstart page. The service is compatible with a huge range of devices, including Windows, Mac and Linux computers but also iOS and Android devices, current and last generation games consoles, media streamers like the Apple TV and Chromecast and even routers from Netgear, D-Link and more.
Once you’re set up, you’ve got access to 366 (and growing) streaming services located all around the world. These channels and more options are listed underneath the UnoTelly quickstart screen, and you’re even able to make requests for additional services to be added.
It’s worth pointing out that by using a paid product like UnoTelly, you’re not unknowingly putting yourself at the behest of another unknown party. This hit the headlines in May when “free” region-unlocking browser extension Hola turned out to be a botnet Hola is Basically a Botnet, Congress Redirected to Nude Photos, & More... [Tech News Digest] Hola is Basically a Botnet, Congress Redirected to Nude Photos, & More... [Tech News Digest] Also: Google offers unlimited photo storage, how you can pretend to be a destructive cat, and YouTube celebrates its 10th anniversary. Read More . Hola used a peer-to-peer approach to distribute traffic around the world, but was unknowingly selling its users idle bandwidth under a different brand name.
UnoTelly Dynamo & Filmefy
While you might think of UnoTelly as an “alternative” to on-demand providers like Netflix, it actually works quite nicely alongside the service. By taking out a local Netflix subscription, it’s possible to switch your region using UnoTelly’s Dynamo, and watch international Netflix in 22 different regions. And by choosing to use UnoDNS, you can even watch three different Netflix regions at the same time!
Dynamo isn’t just limited to Netflix, and allows you to switch regions for a variety of services, including region-specific US, Canadian and UK TV (among others), the US and UK Google Play stores and north, central and south American variants of ESPN Play.
With such a huge range of Netflix content on offer, you’ll probably need some help deciding what to watch. Filmefy is UnoTelly’s sister company, providing a Netflix movie and TV show search engine which will tell you which particular region of Netflix your desired content is tied to. This service is free and open to all — you don’t need to be an UnoTelly customer to use it.
Using UnoTelly’s Dynamo it’s then possible to change your Netflix region accordingly to access your content. You can also log in to UnoTelly from within Filmefy, which allows you to change your region in an instant for faster access to content.
This is great for hard-to-find international shows and films; many of which only ever see local releases. It’s also a great way of watching films with foreign dubbing and subtitles if you so desire, and now that Netflix has launched in countries like Sweden, Germany and even Costa Rica, there are bound to be hidden gems out there just waiting to be discovered.
Though Filmefy is still in beta, it’s open for all to use and even provides out of the blue suggestions in the form of trending and top movies and TV shows. It’s the perfect solution to your new best problem — trying to decide what to watch with so much available.
All You Need
You can try out UnoTelly’s DNS tunneling completely free for 8 days, after which your account will simply expire if you choose not to upgrade to Premium or Gold.
UnoTelly’s Gold tier basically provides all the tools you need to access region-locked content all around the world and starts at $4.93 per month (when you purchase an annual subscription, regular price $7.95). What’s more, it works with your existing Netflix subscription to bring the rest of the service’s regional content into your living room and the promising Filmefy can help you make the most of it.
If you don’t need a VPN then you may want to consider the basic tier (starting at $3.94 per month on a yearly basis, $4.95 monthly), which omits the secure network but includes hassle-free region unlocking, UnoTelly’s Dynamo service and takes the same user-friendly approach.
Join the Competition!
The winners will be selected at random and informed via email. View the list of winners here.
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Oh Hai Mark!
If I won the TV, I would proabably binge on 4K content from YouTube for the first few hours, then I'd try a ton of PC games in 4K until I can't handle the low fps anymore, followed by drooling at four browsers opened to the GTX 980 Ti, and finally, I would start watching Breaking Bad in 4K for my first time.
I would love to watch BBC's iPlayer, and also German television!
I would use netflix to watch Breaking Bad
I would use netflix to watch orange is the new black.
i'd love to be able to use bbc's iplayer and watch the great british bake off
being a grandma nanny to 5 grandkids I'd pick Netflix so I'd could get children shows for the kids
I've never used a streaming service before ... the only one I now anything about would be Netflix and I'd get the service for my mother-in-law who is home bound so she could watch something new on a daily basis
I would love to get netflix and hulu to watch my favorite shows without days to weeks of delay (I'm from Portugal).
I miss Discovery Channel. I'll be watching some documentaries...
I’d just Netflix and abc
I would love to watch BBC and Irish TV programming.
I'd just Netflix and hulu to watch my daily shows and movies
Probably stick with Hulu to watch the Daily Show.
I would watch mostly Netflix, because it's currently forbidden for my country.
I would use BBC to watch new episodes of Top Gear, Netflix for Daredevil, and Hulu for Gotham and Fear the Walking Dead!!!
I would use netflix
I would use Netflix and Hulu and i hope i'll see my favorite sitcoms like Gotham, Outlander, Vikings, Ancient Aliens, etc.
Obviously it would be time to watch a HOUSE marathon.
I'd like to watch The new walking dead series, if available
I would watch Community, Daredevil and many other TV shows and movies in Netflix, and I will use BBC iPlayer =)
I would use Netflix.
I'll most probably use Hulu and BBC. Also hoping to catch some movies that are censored or unreleased in my region.
bbbc iplayer
I would watch BBC iPlayer.
I would watch Netflix and Hulu as well BBC iPlayer
Netflix!!!!!!!
In our house we are constantly switching between Hulu, Netflix and Amazon.
Netflix, Amazon
Netflix for me aswell :)
Netflix
Netflix!
Thank you for hosting it !!! Feeling great and hope to win too!!!!! Wishing luck to all!!!
That's too bad about Hola Unblocker, though. I really loved the service. ????
Nexflix! Definitely Netflix! Have some serious TV-time planned for this summer
Daredevil and better call Saul!
I would really love to win. Thank you for the chance to win.
Lot of Netflix. Daredevil is in my list!
i would like to watch Game of thrones, Arrow Series
I use Netflix and Peek Blinders!! I can't wait til the next season and it's on BBC first!
BBC iPlayer. I'd watch all the things NOT on BBC America.
I use Netflix. I would love to watch some Anime like Berserk, Afro Samurai, or Bleach.
House of Cards (2013)
Use Hulu/Roku and watch all types of anime from Japan.
Netflix’s Daredevil
Probably True Detective!
I would use it for Netflix. There are lots of tv shows and movies that I would like to watch
Netflix's Daredevil!!!
Probably Game of Thrones!
Probably Netflix mostly
I'll be watching a lot of Netflix!! Probably a lot of reality shows with my family! Plus Bob's Burgers!
I'd catch up on Doctor Who.
CBS and HBO
Game of Thrones
I'll watch HBO go on HBO!
I would try not to become more of a couch potato than I already am. =)
I would watch Regular Show, and Disney Channel on Netflix!
I'll probably watch some TV shows on Netflix like The Walking Dead and Silicon Valley on HBO.
Hulu plus all day!!
love the prize
Game of thrones!
liked and shared
I would watch all of the Star Trek series on Netflix
Netflix movies or HBO
Alot of Netflix!
A mad Netflix binge 'cause I'm so far behind in so many shows!
I would watch house of cards on netflix
I'd watch Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix
I'd try to put a dent in my Netflix queue.
I'd watch BBC.
I would watch Orange is the New Black on Netflix.
I'd watch "Orange is the new black" on Netflix!
I want to watch movies from netflix but it's not available in India currently but it will launch in October.
I would watch pretty little liars
BBC! Doctor Who baby!!
BBC
I prefer Netflix streaming and I want to watch the latest watching Dead season
Watch movies from netflix
I will watch all new movies and series on Netflex
Series and movies on Netflix and live football!
I will play my PS3 and wath football, Supernatural, Suits and more films and serials
I using Netflix, watching The Walking Dead
I'd like to watch some BBC programs such as Orphan Black and Looper using unotelly, so I won't have to wait so long for the new seasons to come to the U.S.
I'll be watching the F1 as free broadcasts are spread around the world
Netfix The Walking Dead
Amazon Prime The Walking Dead
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Orange is the new black
Always watch action movies ;)
I would finally finish the Walking Dead
Netflix for South Park
Game of thrones
i watch orange is the new black
I'd watch horror movies and The Walking Dead! ;D
I'd watch my fav shows on iPlayer. I kinda miss it here in the middle east.
Netflix for House of Cards, The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy :)
Game of thrones for now
Star Trek
I would love to use the Netflix service to watch Game of Thrones. Awesome program.
Netflix, and game of Thrones, Vikings, whatever else takes my fancy :)
Netflix for Star Trek
Definately Hulu, been missing my dose of Pretty little liars!
Netflix to watch The Walking Dead
Netflix got me excited, we don't have it here!
Netflix or Hulu. I'm a Discovery fan.
Netflix and House of cards and Better Call Saul!
I'll use Netflix to watch Better Call Saul!
I’ll use Netflix to watch Star Trek.
Netflix isn't available where I live so I'll use that service.
Marvel's Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and last but not least The Defenders ^^
Better Call Saul
Not really sure what I'd watch... although, I do enjoy Netflix and BBC...
I'll use Netflix to watch Homeland, Mad Men
I'll use Netflix and watch House of Cards.
I'd use Hulu and watch anime.
Awesome giveaway! Thanks for the chance!
I want to watch the BBC. So many great British shows.
Netflix- House of Cards, Damages
It's just me or is everybody having problems to refer friends? btw I will watch Mr. Robot
almost everything, from Netflix, Mr Robot.
Hulu. Grimm.