The Internet has exposed the world to a thousand new forms of entertainment, and VPNs are the golden ticket that can get you into and out of their storage facilities, evading the security that TV stations and streaming services try to put in place to limit viewership outside of a specific region. The moral question can be endlessly debated with no resolution. Entertainment conglomerates think they should be able to control who watches their programming, even to the point of denying it to nationals of a country who are currently living, working, or traveling outside of its borders. Such is the case for viewers of CanalDigitaal, which provides digital television for The Netherlands using a smartcard to decrypt its signal. Unlike others in Europe, the Dutch public and commercial broadcasts are not free.
Viewing CanalDigitaal Programming Abroad
It is impossible to watch any programs on CanalDigitaal without the smartcard to decrypt its signal, so if you plan on watching its programming outside of the Netherlands, make sure you have one in your possession. When attempting to stream the service online, CanalDigitaal’s programming, the website will check your IP address to verify it’s coming from inside Dutch territory. If it is not, you’ll get a message on your screen saying something equivalent to the content being unavailable in your area.
Using a VPN
For general purposes, VPNs are very manageable for any level of computer user. The first step is to do research (see below) and pick the VPN client that makes the most sense for your purposes, be it streaming content, having anonymity while browsing, etc. From there, you can download the VPN client onto the device you’ll mainly be using it on. Most VPNs allow you be connected on at least three devices simultaneously. Connect and then ensure you’re on the right network by using a “What’s my IP?” app or website to confirm the Internet is reading you as in The Netherlands. When that’s confirmed, you can visit CanalDigitaal and begin streaming.
Best VPNs for Watching Canal Digitaal
1Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN
It has a very strict no-logging policy and is serious about its security, to the point of ceasing operations in Russia when that country installed legislation demanding information about VPN users. Its own security includes a kill switch DNS leak protection, top-level encryption, and up to five simultaneous connections. Start Watching Now
2CyberGhost VPN
You can also use up to seven connections at one time. Try Now Risk Free
