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How Hulu, NBC, and Other Sites Block Google TV

Shortly after the launch of Google TV, it became clear that several networks and services were blocking access. Reader padarjohn points out a blog post from Lauren Weinstein explaining the blocking mechanisms being used and wondering why it's being tolerated. "Imagine the protests that would ensue if Internet services arbitrarily blocked video only to Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers! Or if Hulu and the other networks decided they'd refuse to stream video to HP and Dell computers because those manufacturers hadn't made deals with the services to the latter's liking." Various workarounds are being used to get around the blocks.

2 of 338 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Allow users to set user-agent/etc themselves by corby · · Score: 5, Informative

    Google should just make an advanced configuration settings page, and let users set whatever user-agent/etc they want there.

    As the linked article states, Google does allow users to set their user-agent. The video content sites are blocking on the Flash Version ID, and Adobe does not provide a mechanism for changing that.

  2. Re:Google blocking is a 2-way street by whong09 · · Score: 5, Informative

    www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-general-discussions/57157-youtube-blocking-moble-devices.html

    It's legitimate. And it's also happening to me.

    I own a CM6 rooted Froyo android phone and I've had this problem with some youtube videos being inaccessible ever since I've had the phone. That this isn't common knowledge is just surprising.