Cord-cutting and viewing international content

[Debra300]

We have been cord-cutters since April 2008, but did have cable for a short while when we first opened the guesthouse.  We rarely watched it, and instead streamed content from overseas via a VPN on a PC stick that was connected to our TV.  The decision to cancel the cable service came after repeatedly being told by guests, "We didn't come to St. Lucia to watch TV".  Although this was often stated, we knew they would enjoy watching or listening to something on the TV while relaxing in their suites, and started to research which streaming services (particularly those that are free) can be accessed in St. Lucia. 

The following is what we've found that best works for us.  Note: all of our streaming accounts have our US address, and the Samsung smart TVs and PC sticks are set to the US region, but use the local internet IP when streaming:

• Roku players with its Guest Mode are better suited for short-term rentals than Fire TV devices, because apps can be automatically signed off or removed on a pre-selected checkout date.  A host can also remotely adjust the Guest Mode sign out date.
• Subscription streaming apps that work in multiple countries - the content is specific to the country where the service is being accessed:
  • Disney+
  • Netflix
  • Prime Video
• Free streaming apps that work in multiple countries:
  • Samsung TV Plus - the app is available on Samsung smart TVs that have regions set in these 24 countries.  If your device is located outside of these countries some channels may not display, but the majority work without issue.
  • The Roku Channel – available on Roku accounts with addresses in Canada, UK and US, and Samsung smart TVs that are set in the 24 regions mentioned above.
  • YouTube  – most videos that are uploaded by users are viewable.  This site has a lot of multi-lingual content, which is great if your location doesn’t have much in your guest's native language.  No sign up is necessary.
  • Plex TV – currently available in 195 countries, and the app can be downloaded onto multiple devices (streaming, smart TVs, Windows, Android, and iOS). Channel availability is based upon the location of the streaming device.
  • Distro TV – the site says that it’s available in Canada, UK and US, and can be downloaded onto multiple devices (streaming, smart TVs, Windows and Android and iOS).  No sign up is necessary.
  • Filmrise – VOD app that’s available on multiple streaming devices and smart TVs. Most of the content consists of lightly older TV series and movies, but there are quite a few genres.
  • Fawsome TV – VOD app that’s available on multiple streaming devices and smart TVs. Most of the content consists of lightly older TV series and movies, but there are quite a few genres.
  • The Movie House TV – VOD app available on Roku – variety of movie genres and slightly older movies.
  • Free Movies+ - available globally on streaming devices and online.  Lightly older movies with recognizable actors.  Sign in is not required.
  • iFoodTV – available on streaming devices and online. Cooking videos from global contributors.
  • So Yummy TV – available on streaming devices and online.  Cooking videos from global contributors.
  • TV5MONDEplus – French language VOD app that’s available on multiple platforms and devices.  Available worldwide.
  • Crunchyroll – a mix of free and fee anime.  Available in US and several countries in Central and South America.
• PC Sticks and mini PCs and Mac minis provide more versatility than a Roku or Fire TV streaming device, because they can:
  • connect to TVs to view online streaming and play online games.
  • install a VPN to access sites and content that have geographical restrictions, such as
  • provide entertainment when internet service isn’t available with videos and games that are installed on the hard drive or on a memory card or thumb drive.
  • be used for general computer activities such as searches, shopping, emails, online meetings and education.
• Always use an anti-virus app on all computer and mobile devices devices, and there are several free apps available.
• It’s a good idea to set up a PC admin account or Mac admin account on all computer devices and apps to prevent unapproved app installation or making configuration changes.
• The following sites are available either in the country of domicile or via VPN.  Note: some sites may block VPNs, and we didn’t visit many of the sites that are listed.
  • Free streaming in Canada
  • Free streaming in the US
  • Free foreign movies, more foreign movies
  • Free streaming in the UK, more free streaming in the UK
  • Free streaming in Spanish, more free streaming in Spanish
  • Free streaming in French, more free streaming in French
  • Free streaming in German, more free streaming in German

Although many modern TVs are sold with several apps either pre-installed or available through the manufacturer's app store you may have to purchase a streaming device to use with the TV as it ages due to diminishing support for older operating systems and versions of the apps.

[Emilie]

That's such a useful overview and set of tips @Debra300, thanks for putting it together!

Do you know which one of these tends to be the most popular with guests coming to stay with you so far, or is it split and depends a lot on where they're from, as well as the type of guests they are (families, etc)? 

Emilie

[Debra300]

@Emilie,

We offer three subscription streaming services.  It seems that Netflix is the most popular app, because of familiarity, and guests want to see the difference in the regional content versus what they see at home. Many guests initially think that Disney+ is just for children, and are a bit surprised when we tell them that most Marvel and Pixar movies and shows are available.  The least viewed is Prime Video due to its modest library that's viewable in St. Lucia.  The guests also look at the free view channels.

YouTube is very popular with foreign guests who are looking for videos and music in their native language.  The majority of our guests are from English speaking countries, and there are plenty of streaming options for them, but we have had guests who speak Croatian, Czech, French, German, Italian, Japanese, an Indian language, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.

We've not yet installed the PC Sticks on TVs in the guest suites, because we need to set up the admin accounts and settings, but we're pretty sure that they will be popular with guests.