How to access NFL Game Pass without blackouts

Luckily there is a simple and reliable solution to local blackouts on NFL Game Pass. A VPN, or virtual private network. The general idea is that you connect to this service when you want services like NFL Game Pass to think you live in the US (or pretty much anywhere else in the world). You just select a region outside of the blackout area and you’re good to go!

Obviously the first step is to be subscribed to NFL Game Pass, so do that first. It’s an awesome service and I encourage you all to pay for it.

Which VPN should I choose?

Le tme skip the formalities. Private Internet Access is far and away the best VPN on the market for the price. They don’t keep any logs and have a stellar reputation and good customer service.The service is also quite fast. I rarely see any drop in speed when using the service.

How do I get started?

To get up and running head on over to the Private Internet Access VPN website here. Click the big “Get Started Now” button to start your setup.

Probably the best value is going for the one year plan, which works out to $3.33 a month. And believe me, it is well worth the price of admission. You’ll get access to all of this extra online content from around the world, but also be secure in knowing that your identity is protected online. So if you like torrenting (if you’re into that kind of thing), Private Internet Access can give you a bit of piece of mind.

Private Internet Access works on pretty much any device you own (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad) and is pretty foolproof to use.  It’s simply an app that you open up, select the server you want to use and then click connect! So if I want to access UK Netflix, I can connect to a server in the UK. Same for Japan, the US, Canada etc.

How do I use the Private Internet Access App?

This is the super easy part. Once you sign up for the service they will send you both your login info as well as a link to go download their app for your different devices. For Android you’ll see the PIA app on Google Play and for iOS you’ll see it on the App Store.  I use both Windows PCs and Macs at home and both work the exact same way.  When you want to mask your location, simply open up the app. When it first starts you’ll see a little man icon appear in your taskbar (Windows) or the top menu bar (Mac). He will be red, meaning that you are currently NOT connected to any Private Internet Access servers.

*There have been some reports online that the Android and iOS app requires GPS on the device to be on in order to use the service. This makes PC’s and Mac’s the preferred platform for using a VPN for MLB games.

On Windows, right click on this little icon and then you’ll see a long list of the different possible servers to connect to. I recommend finding one that that is closest to your actual location. So if I am in Alberta, Canada I may want to choose the “US Midwest” server since it is relatively close geographically. So click on “Connect US Midwest” and the little red man will slowly turn into a little green man. Once he is a bright green colour then you are good to go. Netflix and Hulu will now think you live somewhere in the US Midwest and will grant you access to this content.

Wrap-up

Private Internet Access will get the job done. It is one of the fastest VPN’s on the market and has been confirmed to work very well with NFL Game Pass for bypassing local blackouts. Give it a try.

Please note that I do get a small commission if you click on the links above (at no cost to you). I have used Private Internet Access for over a year now and absolutely love their service and would not be promoting it if I wasn’t totally happy with it.  If you have any questions please do send me an email.

The post How to access NFL Game Pass without blackouts by using a VPN appeared first on Cord Breaker .

How to access NBA League Pass without blackouts

Luckily there is a simple and reliable solution to local blackouts on NBA League Pass. A VPN, or virtual private network. The general idea is that you connect to this service when you want services like NBA League Pass to think you live in the US (or pretty much anywhere else in the world). You just select a region outside of the blackout area and you’re good to go!

Obviously the first step is to be subscribed to NBA League Pass, so do that first. There is also Ballstreams, but as of right now they aren’t accepting new subscribers at all. But NBA League Pass is a great service so consider paying for it.

Which VPN should I choose?

Le tme skip the formalities. Private Internet Access is far and away the best VPN on the market for the price. They don’t keep any logs and have a stellar reputation and good customer service.The service is also quite fast. I rarely see any drop in speed when using the service.

How do I get started?

To get up and running head on over to the Private Internet Access VPN website here. Click the big “Get Started Now” button to start your setup.

Probably the best value is going for the one year plan, which works out to $3.33 a month. And believe me, it is well worth the price of admission. You’ll get access to all of this extra online content from around the world, but also be secure in knowing that your identity is protected online. So if you like torrenting (if you’re into that kind of thing), Private Internet Access can give you a bit of piece of mind.

Private Internet Access works on pretty much any device you own (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad) and is pretty foolproof to use.  It’s simply an app that you open up, select the server you want to use and then click connect! So if I want to access UK Netflix, I can connect to a server in the UK. Same for Japan, the US, Canada etc.

How do I use the Private Internet Access App?

This is the super easy part. Once you sign up for the service they will send you both your login info as well as a link to go download their app for your different devices. For Android you’ll see the PIA app on Google Play and for iOS you’ll see it on the App Store.  I use both Windows PCs and Macs at home and both work the exact same way.  When you want to mask your location, simply open up the app. When it first starts you’ll see a little man icon appear in your taskbar (Windows) or the top menu bar (Mac). He will be red, meaning that you are currently NOT connected to any Private Internet Access servers.

*There have been some reports online that the Android and iOS app requires GPS on the device to be on in order to use the service. This makes PC’s and Mac’s the preferred platform for using a VPN for MLB games.

On Windows, right click on this little icon and then you’ll see a long list of the different possible servers to connect to. I recommend finding one that that is closest to your actual location. So if I am in Alberta, Canada I may want to choose the “US Midwest” server since it is relatively close geographically. So click on “Connect US Midwest” and the little red man will slowly turn into a little green man. Once he is a bright green colour then you are good to go. Netflix and Hulu will now think you live somewhere in the US Midwest and will grant you access to this content.

Wrap-up

Private Internet Access is your best bet to completely  bypass local blackouts on NBA League Pass. Give it a try.

Please note that I do get a small commission if you click on the links above (at no cost to you). I have used Private Internet Access for over a year now and absolutely love their service and would not be promoting it if I wasn’t totally happy with it.  If you have any questions please do send me an email.

The post How to access NBA League Pass without blackouts by using a VPN appeared first on Cord Breaker .

How to access MLB.tv without blackouts

Luckily there is a simple and reliable solution to local blackouts on MLB.tv. A VPN, or virtual private network. The general idea is that you connect to this service when you want services like MLB.tv to think you live in the US (or pretty much anywhere else in the world). You just select a region outside of the blackout area and you’re good to go!

Obviously the first step is to be subscribed to MLB.tv, so do that first.

Which VPN should I choose?

Le tme skip the formalities. Private Internet Access is far and away the best VPN on the market for the price. They don’t keep any logs and have a stellar reputation and good customer service.The service is also quite fast. I rarely see any drop in speed when using the service.

How do I get started?

To get up and running head on over to the Private Internet Access VPN website here. Click the big “Get Started Now” button to start your setup.

Probably the best value is going for the one year plan, which works out to $3.33 a month. And believe me, it is well worth the price of admission. You’ll get access to all of this extra online content from around the world, but also be secure in knowing that your identity is protected online. So if you like torrenting (if you’re into that kind of thing), Private Internet Access can give you a bit of piece of mind.

Private Internet Access works on pretty much any device you own (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad) and is pretty foolproof to use.  It’s simply an app that you open up, select the server you want to use and then click connect! So if I want to access UK Netflix, I can connect to a server in the UK. Same for Japan, the US, Canada etc.

How do I use the Private Internet Access App?

This is the super easy part. Once you sign up for the service they will send you both your login info as well as a link to go download their app for your different devices. For Android you’ll see the PIA app on Google Play and for iOS you’ll see it on the App Store.  I use both Windows PCs and Macs at home and both work the exact same way.  When you want to mask your location, simply open up the app. When it first starts you’ll see a little man icon appear in your taskbar (Windows) or the top menu bar (Mac). He will be red, meaning that you are currently NOT connected to any Private Internet Access servers.

*There have been some reports online that the Android and iOS app requires GPS on the device to be on in order to use the service. This makes PC’s and Mac’s the preferred platform for using a VPN for MLB games.

On Windows, right click on this little icon and then you’ll see a long list of the different possible servers to connect to. I recommend finding one that that is closest to your actual location. So if I am in Alberta, Canada I may want to choose the “US Midwest” server since it is relatively close geographically. So click on “Connect US Midwest” and the little red man will slowly turn into a little green man. Once he is a bright green colour then you are good to go. Netflix and Hulu will now think you live somewhere in the US Midwest and will grant you access to this content.

Wrap-up

Private Internet Access will do the job, and well.  Say goodbye to local blackouts. For MLB.tv this is probably the best service for the price.

Please note that I do get a small commission if you click on the links above (at no cost to you). I have used Private Internet Access for over a year now and absolutely love their service and would not be promoting it if I wasn’t totally happy with it.  If you have any questions please do send me an email.

The post How to access MLB.tv without blackouts by using a VPN appeared first on Cord Breaker .

How to access NHL Gamecenter without blackouts

Now NHL Gamecenter is a great service. The only issue is getting around these pesky blackouts. Luckily there is a simple and reliable solution. A VPN, or virtual private network. The general idea is that you connect to this service when you want services like NHL Gamecenter to think you live in the US (or pretty much anywhere else in the world). You just select a region outside of the blackout area and you’re good to go!

Obviously the first step is to be subscribed to NHL Gamecenter. It’s usually just over $100 for the season which is pretty great. Your other option would be to use Hockeystreams. Unfortunately right now Hockeystreams is not accepting new customers so NHL Gamecenter is the only game in town right now.

Which VPN should I choose?

Le tme skip the formalities. Private Internet Access is far and away the best VPN on the market for the price. They don’t keep any logs and have a stellar reputation and good customer service.The service is also quite fast. I rarely see any drop in speed when using the service.

How do I get started?

To get up and running head on over to the Private Internet Access VPN website here. Click the big “Get Started Now” button to start your setup.

Probably the best value is going for the one year plan, which works out to $3.33 a month. And believe me, it is well worth the price of admission. You’ll get access to all of this extra online content from around the world, but also be secure in knowing that your identity is protected online. So if you like torrenting (if you’re into that kind of thing), Private Internet Access can give you a bit of piece of mind.

Private Internet Access works on pretty much any device you own (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad) and is pretty foolproof to use.  It’s simply an app that you open up, select the server you want to use and then click connect! So if I want to access UK Netflix, I can connect to a server in the UK. Same for Japan, the US, Canada etc.

How do I use the Private Internet Access App?

This is the super easy part. Once you sign up for the service they will send you both your login info as well as a link to go download their app for your different devices. For Android you’ll see the PIA app on Google Play and for iOS you’ll see it on the App Store.  I use both Windows PCs and Macs at home and both work the exact same way.  When you want to mask your location, simply open up the app. When it first starts you’ll see a little man icon appear in your taskbar (Windows) or the top menu bar (Mac). He will be red, meaning that you are currently NOT connected to any Private Internet Access servers.

On Windows, right click on this little icon and then you’ll see a long list of the different possible servers to connect to. I recommend finding one that that is closest to your actual location. So if I am in Alberta, Canada I may want to choose the “US Midwest” server since it is relatively close geographically. So click on “Connect US Midwest” and the little red man will slowly turn into a little green man. Once he is a bright green colour then you are good to go. Netflix and Hulu will now think you live somewhere in the US Midwest and will grant you access to this content.

Wrap-up

Private Internet Access is absolutely my pick for a simple and reliable VPN for the everyday user. It’s ease of use, reliability and speed are heads and shoulders above its competition. It just works. That’s why I have used it consistently for the past year and a half.

For NHL Gamecenter this is probably the best service for the price.

Please note that I do get a small commission if you click on the links above (at no cost to you). I have used Private Internet Access for over a year now and absolutely love their service and would not be promoting it if I wasn’t totally happy with it.  If you have any questions please do send me an email.

The post How to access NHL Gamecenter without blackouts by using a VPN appeared first on Cord Breaker .

But I have a solution.  Actually, two solutions that will give you access to all of this Key and Peele content once again.

How to watch Key and Peele in Canada

Method #1:  Using UnblockUs

The first tool is what is sometimes called a SmartDNS service or DNS masker. It basically fools specific sites into thinking that you are located somewhere else (like the US). I’ve been using UnblockUs for several years now due to its ease of use and really great customer service. It works on pretty much every device you could imagine (PC, Mac, game consoles, streaming boxes) and is also really cheap. At $4.99 a month, it will also unlock additional Netflix regions for you (of course if you already have a Netflix account).

I have made a simple tutorial video on how to get started below:

Method#2:  Using Private Internet Access (VPN)

The second method is also really simple. But it is possibly even more flexible. Not only will it fool specific services like Netflix and Hulu, but it will for intents and purposes make your whole computer look like it is located somewhere else. This is using a technology called a “virtual private network” or VPN.

The service that I use (and trust) is called Private Internet Access. It works well and, just like UnblockUs, works on almost all devices. It’s actually even cheaper at about $3.99 a month in Canada. And you will be able to completely bypass any geoblocking as well as mask your location online generally.

If you want to give it a try, head on over to the Private Internet Access website. I have also written a pretty detailed piece about how to get started here: How to get American Netflix in Canada with a VPN.

Disclaimer: I earn a small commission for everyone that signs up to UnblockUs or Private Internet Access from the above links at no cost to you. But I truly do support their services and would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.

The post How to watch Key and Peele in Canada (and anywhere else outside the US) appeared first on Cord Breaker .

How to get American Netflix in Canada with a VPN

Basically a VPN just routes your internet traffic through another server that is located somewhere other than where you live. So you could install a VPN from the US and make websites like Netflix and Hulu think that you are accessing their site from the US.

Which VPN should I choose?

I have tried out several (both free and paid) and have been most happy with Private Internet Access. And if you do a quick search online you’ll see that a lot of users trust them with their data. They don’t keep any logs and have a stellar reputation and good customer service. And best of all, the service is VERY fast. You see, when you route your internet traffic through another server, there can sometimes be drops in speed.  But with Private Internet Access it really doesn’t slow down at all.  I can still consistently enjoy 1080p streaming with surround sound on Netflix without a hitch, all while enjoy that sweet sweet American Netflix content. It’s quite simply the best VPN service out there right now.

How do I get started?

To get up and running head on over to the Private Internet Access VPN website here. Click the big “Get Started Now” button to start your setup.

Probably the best value is going for the one year plan, which works out to $3.33 a month. And believe me, it is well worth the price of admission. You’ll get access to all of this extra online content from around the world, but also be secure in knowing that your identity is protected online. So if you like torrenting (if you’re into that kind of thing), Private Internet Access can give you a bit of piece of mind.

Private Internet Access works on pretty much any device you own (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad) and is pretty foolproof to use.  It’s simply an app that you open up, select the server you want to use and then click connect! So if I want to access UK Netflix, I can connect to a server in the UK. Same for Japan, the US, Canada etc.

How do I use the Private Internet Access App?

This is the super easy part. Once you sign up for the service they will send you both your login info as well as a link to go download their app for your different devices. For Android you’ll see the PIA app on Google Play and for iOS you’ll see it on the App Store.  I use both Windows PCs and Macs at home and both work the exact same way.  When you want to mask your location, simply open up the app. When it first starts you’ll see a little man icon appear in your taskbar (Windows) or the top menu bar (Mac). He will be red, meaning that you are currently NOT connected to any Private Internet Access servers.

On Windows, right click on this little icon and then you’ll see a long list of the different possible servers to connect to. I recommend finding one that that is closest to your actual location. So if I am in Alberta, Canada I may want to choose the “US Midwest” server since it is relatively close geographically. So click on “Connect US Midwest” and the little red man will slowly turn into a little green man. Once he is a bright green colour then you are good to go. Netflix and Hulu will now think you live somewhere in the US Midwest and will grant you access to this content.

Wrap-up

So that’s it! Definitely consider signing up for Private Internet Access . It’s ease of use, reliability and speed are heads and shoulders above its competition. It just works. That’s why I have used it consistently for the past year and a half. Happy Netflixing!

Please note that I do get a small commission if you click on the links above (at no cost to you). I have used Private Internet Access for over a year now and absolutely love their service and would not be promoting it if I wasn’t totally happy with it.  If you have any questions please do send me an email.

The post How to get American Netflix in Canada with a VPN appeared first on Cord Breaker .

First, check out MoreFlicks.com which can be used to show which content is available on which country’s Netflix. In the screenshot below you can see all of the different regions that are available.  And believe me, there is very different content in each. Canada tends to have a less than stellar catalog when compared to American Netflix. Japan, as you might guess, has a lot more Anime content. It will also

There is a better way…

How to get American Netflix and Hulu (and much more…)

This method will actually allow you to access any geo-blocked US streaming service including:

• Netflix
• Hulu
• HBO Now
• MLB TV
• Pandora
• Spotify
• NHL Gamecenter Live
• NBA League Pass
• and more…

This method uses a really great service called Unblock-Us . I’ve used them for years. I have used it for years to get different Netflix regions, access to Hulu in Canada as well as get access to SNL episodes (which for some god awful reason are next to impossible to find online outside of the US.

Unblock-Us is pretty simple actually.  It basically masks your computer’s DNS to tell Netflix of Hulu (or other service) that you are located somewhere else.  And it works really well!

How do I set it up?

The whole process is very simple. You first sign up for an account here. Once you have started a trial, Unblock-Us will give you access to some tutorials of how to use the service. If it’s just on your laptop that you need US Netflix access, then it is REALLY simple. You just activate the service through your web browser. If you want to give access to all of the devices on your home network then you can also setup the service at your router (which is a bit more complicated).

The page where you sign up for a free trial

Get started with a free trial

So if you want better video streaming content, go on over to Unblock-Us and sign up for their 7 day trial. If you decide to stick with it, it is $4.99 a month (in Canada) which in my opinion is well worth it to not only get access to US Netflix, but also all kinds of other geoblocked content.

Happy cord cutting.

Please note that I do get a small commission if you click on the links above (at no cost to you). I do have extensive personal experience with Unblock-Us and I really do think it’s an awesome service. I wouldn’t be promoting it otherwise. If you have any questions just let me know.

The post How to get American Netflix and Hulu in 2 minutes appeared first on Cord Breaker .

My cord cutting equipment setup

The TV/Display – Panasonic TH46PZ80

It’s an oldie but a goodie. I still see the benefits in black levels and colour accuracy that come from a good old plasma. You can have your newfandangled LEDs, I’ll stick with this.

Audio setup – Denon AVR2307CI

Again, a bit of a dated receiver, but it gets the job done. The important piece here is that the receiver has a couple of HDMI ports and decent power to push my Miller and Kreisel speakers (110W per channel to be exact). I also see this as the brains of my system . All of my video sources go in and I output one HDMI cable to my TV to keep everything nice and clean. I’m not adding it as a separate piece, but I also have a set of wireless headphones that I use to not drive my girlfriend nuts. That one is key.

Main video streaming box – Xbox One

Right now I can’t find anything that really touches the Xbox One for simplicity and power. Check out this post that makes the case for the Xbox One as the ultimate streaming device out right now. I may be experimenting with adding an NVIDIA Shield TV to the mix in the coming months, but for right now I’m all about the Xbox One.

Secondary streaming device – Chromecast

If you’re a cord cutter, you need a Chromecast. Period. End of argument. It’s $39… The Chromecast is my go-to piece of gear when I want to browse Youtube or send any out-of-the-ordinary video from my PC to my home theatre through it’s full screen casting. Check out this piece that argues why Chromecast is so irreplaceable in my cord cutting arsenal.

Over-the-air antenna – Mohu Leaf 50

It’s nothing special, but it gets me most of the local stations that I need. And it doesn’t look like it’s from 1953 which is great. If you don’t know why you would want an antenna in your setup, check out this post about the HD channels you can expect if you cut the cord.  Oh yeah, and they’re free!

Video server – Mac Mini

Yes, I get it. Dorks don’t like Macs. But in my research, the Mac Mini was actually one of the best bets for those who need a bit of processing power to transcode video and audio at a decent price. I’m sure I could have built a PC for a bit cheaper, but to be honest, I just wanted to plug and play something in there. And so far it’s been great. I can transcode multiple 1080p streams at once on Plex and send that video to either the Xbox One or the Chromecast . Not to mention it’s nice to have a compact computer around for random internet surfing.

Remote – Logitech Harmony Smart Control

Tying it all together is my Logitech Harmony Smart Control. It is just plain awesome. But more importantly, it is super simple and never freaks out. I have some of those sticky IR sensors on hard to reach components just to make sure that my gear gets the on / off commands every time. Find out why I think this remote is the best out there for most people. Spend a hundred bucks and get something like this. You won’t regret it.

What cord cutting equipment do you have?

I’m curious as to what other cord cutters are rockin’ in their setups. Leave your gear setup in the comments, hopefully we can all give each other some great ideas. And if you have any questions about my gear setup please let me know!

The post Cord cutting equipment – My gear setup (2015 edition) appeared first on Cord Breaker .

Chromecast guide:

What is a Chromecast?

A Chromecast is a small HDMI dongle that plugs into a port on your TV or home theatre receiver. It is powered by a small USB adapter that uses micro USB to connect to the device (much like an Android phone or Blackberry). That’s it for the hardware! The Chromecast sits on your WIFI network and is then controlled by one of several different types of devices on your network as a sort of remote: mobile phones, tablets, and computers can all control it. This is where the magic happens…

How does it work?

The Chromecast is interesting because it sort of flips the idea of video streaming on it’s head. Normally a piece of hardware at the TV (a streaming box) will actually be fed video content from another device like a computer over your home network. So you have two steps.  The video is served from the internet to the computer, then the computer streams the video to the receiver device. The Chromecast doesn’t generally do this. Let’s say I go on my Android phone, open the Netflix app, find the show I want, and then click this “Google Cast” button:

What then happens is the Chromecast itself goes online and finds that video that you selected and streams it directly from the internet.  In this sense, you are just pointing the Chromecast to whatever content you want to watch and it does the rest. It also means that you need to use your smartphone, tablet or computer as a remote for the Chromecast. One advantage of this is that it is much easier to type in names of videos on your phone than on some clunky TV-based streaming box. Have you ever tried to surf Youtube on an Xbox?  Ugh… This is probably the number one thing I use my Chromecast for, surfing Youtube.

What can Chromecast access?

When the device was first released the number of apps on Google Play and the Apple App Store that were Chromecast compatible were few and far between. Now, just a couple years later, it is an exception to the rule if a major streaming service does not support the Chromecast. Just this August HBO Now launched their Chromecast feature on their app.

Google maintins a pretty good list of compatible apps here. Pretty much every major sport is represented in there except for the nagging exclusion of the NHL Gamcenter app…  I’m waiting! I use my Chromecast to listen to music, play podcasts, stream photos to my TV, and of course watch videos.

Advanced use of the Chromecast

One really great feature is that you can send any browser screen from a computer screen running Chrome to the Chromecast. It is technically a “beta” feature but generally works as advertised. It is a more traditional approach to streaming though. Your computer is literally streaming its screen over your network this time so there is sometimes some lag. But I have used it several times to stream NHL games from the NHL Gamecenter app or from a major television network website. Just because there isn’t a supported app for something, doesn’t mean the Chromecast can’t tackle it with this handy feature.

How much is it?

I always tell people that the Chromecast is a no brainer. In Canada it is $39.99. It is absolutely the biggest steal in the cord cutting game. It provides tonnes of value and at that price it is almost worth buying one for every TV in the home so you have access to Netflix, HBO, Plex and any other service you use. Seriously, I use this thing everyday.

This is just skimming the surface of what you can do with this little workhorse but it gives you a good idea of why the Chromecast should probably be your first purchase for your cord cutting arsenal. Stay tuned for some more in-depth Chromecast tips and tricks. Happy casting!

The post Chromecast guide: A cord cutter’s best friend appeared first on Cord Breaker .