Netflix in New Zealand on PS3 or Apple TV

A few months ago I decided to switch from using a VPN to get access to Netflix, to using a thing called Smart DNS.

This proved to be a bit simpiler to use and less of a hassle to setup. As it doesn't require a dedicated Router with VPN software installed on it.

Smart DNS still makes Netflix think you are located in the United States. So to get Netflix via Smart DNS working you need to follow these steps...

1. Sign up for a Smart DNS service based in the USA. I chose Overplay.net. It costs US$4.95 per month or US$49.95 if you pay annually. This step is the easiest.

Enter your details on the Overplay signup page

Once signed up, select the montly or annual Smart DNS plan. Enter your credit card details.

Well done, you are now past the first stage.

2. Update the DNS settings of your Internet Router. This step is the most technically challenging. If you know how to update your DNS settings on your router, update them to these settings...
The first line of numbers will be given to you on the Overplay.net website, once you have signed-up to their service, e.g.

On your Router admin pages, update the DNS values. Use the one Overplay told you to use, e.g.

If you are not sure how to update your router, never fear, do this on the device you use ...

- PC, go to the network settings and enter the DNS settings manually.

- Mac, go to System Preferences - Network ... settings and enter the DNS value from Overplay as the first item in the list.

- PS3, go into the network settings and configure it manually with the DNS value from Overplay

- Apple TV, go into Settings - General - Network - Configure TCP/IP - Manually ...

enter the DNS value Overplay gave you.

3. Restart you PC/Mac/PS3/Apple TV to get the new DNS settings. Signup with Netflix using your normal credit card and enter your postcode into the ZipCode field with an extra 0 at the end, e.g. 17100
Make sure you choose the streaming only Netflix plan. It costs US$7.99 per month. The first month is free - bonus.

Type in your email address and make up a password, then click the Register button.

Now enter your Credit Card details. Use your normal local credit card. And remember to enter your post code with an extra zero into the Zip Code field.

Click No thanks - you don't want physical DVDs delivered to you.

Now setup some profiles for your household. Or just use one. Tick ones that you want to restrict to the Kids area - useful if you have pre-teens.

This page is just a survey and doesn't actually matter what you tick.

Now you click on 5 shows/movies you like and click Continue. This lets Netflix figure out what other shows/movies you may want to watch.

Now your Netflix account is all setup and ready. At least it is from your web browser.

4. On your PS3, create a new user, (I called it Netflix to make it easy). Then sign-up to the US Playstation Store. You should now have Netflix under the Video Services menu. Select Netflix and login with your Netflix account you created in step 3. You only need to login the first time. After that it will take you straight to the Netflix app.

4. Apple TV - Change the iTunes Store Location to US. You should now have a Netflix icon. Select Netflix and login with your Netflix account you created in step 3. You only need to login the first time. After that it will take you straight into Netflix.