VPN / UK TV FAQ

What do I need in order to view the programs?

How will I receive the programs?

How do I view the programs?

Can I use BBC iPlayer Desktop?

ITV Player is slow. What can I do?

Can I use a Wireless Mouse to control playback on TV?

How do I watch Internet TV on my TV instead of the computer?

What's the difference between a VPN and a Proxy?

Is it legal?

Is it safe?

What do I need in order to view the programs?

You need a computer running any of the following operating systems:

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Mac OSX
• Linux

You also need a fast (1mb or greater) Internet connection.

To view the programs on your TV you will need to run a cable from your computer to your TV.

How will I receive the programs?

You receive the TV programs on your computer either via network cable or wireless. For streaming (watching as the program is being downloaded) I recommend a 2mb connection; otherwise you would need to download it first and then play it. Remember, you have a 2 week no obligation trial (just remember to cancel your PayPal payment if it doesn't work out for you).

To view your programs on your TV depends on your computer and the TV. The easiest way is via HDMI. Please see my FAQ on watching Internet TV on your real TV.

It is because of the many variations in Internet access, computers and TVs that I offer a no-risk 2-week free trial.

How do I view the programs?

You can view BBC programs directly from their website as a stream or download them to either BBC iPlayer Desktop or Windows Media player. Other channels (ITV, 4, 5, Sky etc.) are available directly from their websites as a stream.

One of the benefits of watching Internet TV is that you can watch programs that you've missed - you can't do that with Sky!

Can I use BBC iPlayer Desktop?

Normally  BBC iPlayer and BBC iPlayer Desktop are only available in the UK.

With this secure service this is no longer a problem and both of these are available to you.

ITV Player is very slow / doesn't work. What can I do?

If you are having problems with ITV Player then try the Scottish ITV Player! Yes, really! It is different (better in many ways) and more reliable.

Can I use a Wireless Mouse to control playback when it is being shown on the TV?

Yes. A normal wireless mouse will work fine if it is in view (line of sight) of the computer, laptop or reciver. Otherwise, consider a bluetooth mouse because they don't require a clear line of sight.

How do I watch Internet TV on my TV instead of the computer?

You will need to change channels via the computer. I have a friend/neighbour who has a 2.4m Sky dish but watches all his TV via his computer connected to his TV via HDMI. He says if it wasn't for Sky Sports he'd cancel his Sky!

For comfortable viewing you will want to connect your computer to your TV. The best way is if you have two video outputs in your computer. If one of those is HDMI then you just need one cable because it includes sound otherwise you will need a sound cable. Look on amazon for the HDMI cable (they deliver to Spain for free on orders over £25). The cable will probably be less than £25 so you may have to buy something else. The length of cable can be anything up to 20 metres. Sound comes from the speaker output if you don't have HDMI.

I recommend HDMI output from laptops because that should mean only one cable (otherwise you 'd need a sound cable as well). However, a word of caution. Not all HDMI outputs from laptops carry the sound (you will get the high quality picture but you will need to run a separate sound cable from the headphone jack). You should also check the laptop's configuration because, on some, the default is to turn off the sound over HDMI!!

BTW, the advantage of dual output is you can have the computer and TV show either the same or different. This means you can be in the office working on the computer while the TV is being watched in the lounge. Not at all tricky with modern software.

A graphics card with dual output (including HDMI) is around 70 Euro. If you have an HD TV then you can get your HD programmes via the HDMI cable.

I've not thought of AV sender units. I suspect if you have TV out in your graphics card then you'll be fine. If not, then look for a graphics card with TV Out (or S-video). The graphics card at around 70 euro typically have 3 output options. One might be TV Out. I know that cabling is a problem in Spain (no carpets!).

To offer more bespoke advice I'd need to know more about your computer and TV.

What is the difference between a VPN and a Proxy?

The simple answer is: Security and Reliability!

Is it legal to watch UK TV in Spain?

The use of Virtual Private Networks is legal in almost all countries except the following: Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. Our VPN service is not intended to be used to bypass any laws, it was designed to protect your privacy and improve your security.

The question here is with regard to each broadcaster's licensing restrictions as they relate to transmission to other countries and each one is different. For some broadcasts there are no restrictions and for others it is totally forbidden under their licensing terms.

Please be advised that terms and conditions of usage may apply and you should always check with the specific websites prior to using their television streaming, download services and any products/services offered by these third party websites. For example, due to licensing restrictions the BBC state that "users of their video streaming services should always have a valid UK TV licence and to be based within the UK".

Also, you should consider the Terms of your ISP (Internet Service Provider) with regard to its Fair Use Policy. A Fair Use Policy may have restrictions on the amount of data that you download.

Is it safe?

Yes. The VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your information before it leaves your computer. This is ideal for when you are connected to the Internet wirelessly in a 'hotspot' such as a cafe or other public place. The fact that you can watch UK TV (subject to licencing restrictions) is really just an added bonus to the real point of the VPN: security!

Please be aware that you should choose a trustworthy supplier because your data needs to be decrypted before being sent to its final destination. You either trust the strangers in the hotspot you are in or the VPN supplier - your choice.

If you don't have a VPN then most of your communication in these 'hotspots' is transmitted 'in the clear' across the WiFi network and can easily be read by anyone else connected to this hotspot (they have used the same password as you to join the network). This includes your login details to many sites (those that don't use secure login - i.e. https or the yellow padlock).

A VPN is just one of a number of steps that you should take to protect yourself when surfing in hotspots or other untrusted networks. There are other steps you should take to protect yourself and these are very well described in this short article: http://lifehacker.com/5576927/how-to-stay-safe-on-public-wi+fi-networks . Whether you use a VPN or not you should implement all of their recommendations.

I recommend that you connect to your VPN whenever you are connected to the Internet via WiFi or using someone else's Internet connection.

Please note that if the Internet in your home is provided via a supplier that uses WiFi then they will be taking reasonable steps to protect you from others using the same service - this is not what I mean by a hotspot. You should still implement the recommendations in the Lifehacker article referred to above.

You should check with your Internet Provider to see if a VPN is permissable. For instance, Wireless Waves a small WiFi Internet Provider in Salinas (a village in inland Spain) have asked me to point out that

"Wireless Waves does not support Internet TV streaming in any form and VPN protocols have been disabled"

Security