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kalikshama -> RE: Watching the Olympics Live Online (7/27/2012 5:03:44 PM)
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quote:
Why can't you get anything on the net? Anywhere.
Geo blocking, which you can work around by using a proxy server, but I suspect this will slow times so as to make access moot. Perhaps the videos are downloadable.
Why Canadians Can't Watch TV Shows on Hulu, etc.
Geo-Blocking
This restriction of content within certain geographical boundaries is called “geo-blocking.” And because of it, Canadian viewers trying to access content on most US network sites will see messages like: “We’re sorry, but the video you selected isn’t available from your location.”
The geo-blocked message on the Hulu website stands out in that it offers a little encouragement:
“Hulu is committed to making its content available worldwide. To do so, we must work through a number of legal and business issues, including obtaining international streaming rights. Know that we are working to make this happen and will continue to do so…”
As noted below, the message may sound a tad optimistic.
Blame Canada
One might assume that the US networks are restricting Canadians’ access to their online episodes. In fact it’s most often the Canadian networks that are behind it. Here’s why.
When Canadian viewers watch American shows on US network websites, they’re not watching them on CTV or on Global. The resulting decline in the Canadian networks’ viewership and ad revenues could threaten the networks’ viability. So, as part of the Canadian majors’ licensing agreements with the originating US networks, they agree to air a particular show in Canada, provided that the American network prohibit Canadian viewers from watching the show anywhere but on the Canadian network or its website.
So much for the “borderlessness” of the Internet. It can be a challenge sometimes trying to reconcile one’s support for measures protecting domestic industry with the mounting frustrations of repeatedly denied viewership.
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