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How to Watch CBS Outside The US With Ease

In today’s globalized world, entertainment knows no boundaries. CBS, one of America’s most popular television networks, offers a plethora of shows and movies that appeal to audiences worldwide. However, watching CBS outside the US can be a challenge due to geo-restrictions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to overcome these barriers and enjoy CBS content from anywhere in the world.

Understanding Geo-Restrictions

What Are Geo-Restrictions?

Geo-restrictions are limitations placed on content based on the user’s geographical location. These restrictions are often implemented to comply with licensing agreements and copyright laws.

As per Wikipedia, geo-blocking restricts access to web content based upon the user’s geographical location. Various restrictions are imposed by online content providers to enforce geo-targeting policies.

Why Does CBS Use Geo-Restrictions?

CBS, like many other content providers, has specific licensing agreements that restrict where their content can be viewed. These agreements are often tied to advertising revenue and local regulations.

According to CBS’s website, their ability to sublicense content is contractually limited to specific geographic regions. Hence, access outside these regions is restricted.

Methods to Watch CBS Outside the US

There are a few popular methods that can be used to bypass geo-restrictions and watch CBS abroad. The two main options are:

  1. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  2. Using a Smart DNS service

Let’s explore both these methods in detail:

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is one of the most common and effective methods used worldwide to bypass geo-blocks. Here’s an overview:

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a location of your choice. By connecting to a server in the US, you can access CBS as if you were physically located within the country.

As explained on How-To Geek, a VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the target server, hiding your IP address and tricking sites into thinking you are accessing them from a different location.

How to Choose the Right VPN

When selecting a VPN for bypassing geo-restrictions on CBS, keep the following criteria in mind:

  • Security and Privacy: Look for a VPN with strong encryption (like AES-256) and a strict no-logs policy to protect your data.
  • Speed: Choose a VPN with many fast US servers to ensure smooth streaming. Avoid free VPNs as they are often slow.
  • Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces make the setup process simple on various devices.
  • Reliability: Select a reputable VPN that can consistently bypass CBS geo-blocks.

Top-rated services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN check these boxes. Both offer free trials to test them out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a VPN

Follow these simple steps to watch CBS abroad using a VPN:

  1. Select a Reputable VPN Service: Providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are popular choices.
  2. Download and Install the VPN Application: Follow the on-screen instructions to setup the VPN app on your device.
  3. Connect to a US Server: Launch the app, log in, and choose a server located in the US.
  4. Access CBS and Enjoy Streaming: Visit the CBS website or app and you’ll now be able to watch shows and movies without geo-blocks!

It’s quick and easy. Within minutes you can be streaming the latest CBS shows from anywhere worldwide.

Real-Life Example

John, a British citizen, wanted to watch the latest episode of the CBS show Blue Bloods while on vacation in Spain. By signing up for NordVPN and connecting to a US server through their app, he was able to easily access CBS and enjoy the show without any geo-restriction issues.

Thousands of people use VPNs in this exact manner every single day to bypass regional blocks on popular streaming platforms.

Using a Smart DNS Service

Another option to access CBS abroad is using a Smart DNS service. Here are the key details about this method:

What is a Smart DNS?

A Smart DNS is a technology that redirects only the traffic needed to determine your geographical location. It doesn’t encrypt your data like a VPN, but it’s often faster.

As explained on DNSimple’s blog, Smart DNS services work by overriding the DNS lookup process to route specific requests via different IPs, fooling sites into thinking you are in a different region.

How to Set Up a Smart DNS

Follow these steps to start watching CBS overseas using a Smart DNS:

  1. Choose a Smart DNS Provider: Research and select a provider that specifically supports CBS access. Unlocator is a top choice.
  2. Follow the Provider’s Setup Instructions: This usually involves changing your device’s DNS settings to point to the Smart DNS service IPs.
  3. Access CBS and Start Watching: No need to connect to a specific server; just open CBS on your device and enjoy streaming your favorite shows!

Setting up Smart DNS takes just 5-10 minutes in most cases. Instructions are provided to configure different device types like PCs, smartphones, media streamers etc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using Smart DNS for watching CBS abroad, beware of these errors:

  • Not Testing the Service First: Many providers offer free trials. Use them to ensure Smart DNS works well for streaming CBS content from your location.
  • Ignoring Security Concerns: Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your data, so be mindful of your other online activities while using this method. Avoid accessing sensitive apps/sites until you disconnect.

Best Practices to Follow

Keep these tips in mind to safely access CBS from outside the US:

  • Always Use Legal Methods: Avoid pirated streams and unauthorized services. Use reputable Smart DNS or VPN providers.
  • Consider Your Bandwidth Needs: High-quality 4K video streaming requires a stable and fast internet connection. Minimum 25-50 Mbps is recommended.
  • Stay Informed About Regional Laws: Understand the legal implications of using these geo-blocking bypass methods in your country of residence. Most locations permit them for personal use.

Recent Updates and Developments

With rapid advancements in streaming technology and evolving geo-restriction policies, there are some notable updates when it comes to accessing CBS abroad:

Introducing CBS News Live

CBS recently launched a 24/7 streaming news channel – CBS News Live – available on their website and app. This provides access to live CBS news coverage from anywhere without geo-blocks.

CBS Sports HQ Now Available Outside US

As of December 2022, the 24-hour streaming sports news network CBS Sports HQ is available for international viewing without any geo-restrictions. This makes it easy to watch CBS sports programming from anywhere globally.

Increased Crackdown on VPNs

CBS seems to be actively detecting and blocking many VPN connections as of early 2023. Advanced VPN protocols like Wireguard generally still bypass these blocks successfully. This cat-and-mouse game is likely to continue.

No Clarity on Smart DNS Status

There are mixed recent reports of Smart DNS success rates for accessing CBS abroad. It likely still works in most cases, but VPNs appear to be more widely reliable.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some handy troubleshooting tips if you face any issues while accessing CBS outside the US:

  • Double check your VPN/Smart DNS setup: Re-verify the configurations or settings to ensure they are correct. Toggle the connections off and on.
  • Try different servers or locations: Connect to various US-based VPN servers or Smart DNS endpoints to identify one that works.
  • Check for VPN leaks or lapses: Websites like IPLeak.net can help diagnose any VPN drops or IP leaks causing geo-blocks to re-trigger.
  • Update your apps: Install the latest versions of the CBS and VPN/Smart DNS apps, which may have fixed bugs affecting access.
  • Contact customer support: If the problems persist, reach out to the technical helpdesk of your service provider for troubleshooting assistance.

When accessing streaming platforms like CBS abroad using technical workarounds, a common concern is: Is it legal?

The short answer is that in most countries, the use of VPNs and Smart DNS for bypassing geo-blocks is perfectly legal. However, some exceptions exist:

  • In China, the use of VPNs is illegal without government approval.
  • Saudi Arabia passed laws in 2022 heavily restricting VPN/Smart DNS usage.
  • Russia has passed several laws limiting access to VPNs.
  • A few other authoritarian states also have vague VPN regulations.

Apart from these, bypassing geo-restrictions on copyrighted content for personal viewing is typically not illegal. But check your local laws to be fully informed.

Most reputable VPN and Smart DNS providers have also clearly categorized the countries where usage restrictions may apply. Refer to their legal sections for updated details.

The Bottom Line

Geo-blocking can be frustrating when you want to watch CBS original programming outside the US. But thankfully reliable solutions now exist in the form of VPN and Smart DNS services.

By signing up for a reputable provider and following the setup instructions, you can be watching CBS in a matter of minutes from anywhere worldwide.

Both VPNs and Smart DNS offer distinct advantages. VPNs are more widely effective but Smart DNS services tend to perform better for streaming. Combine this knowledge with the latest troubleshooting and legal tips covered in this guide, and you’ll be able to watch CBS abroad with complete peace of mind.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for your preferred service today and start enjoying unlimited access to CBS from overseas!

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