Zattoo is an IP TV system available on Mac mobile devices and computers as well as Windows and Linux based machines and Smart TVs. Originally, it was created in order to stream 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Currently, Zattoo service is available in 5 countries: Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Denmark and UK (in the UK only PC/Mac users can watch the service, no mobile devices support). Other users can access the service via any Mac device (iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV), any Windows-based laptop or desktop computer through a web browser and, after downloading a Zattoo App, on big screen TVs and Xbox game console.
Wide range of options on offer
Despite the limitation of the number of countries where the service is available (mainly due to licensing reasons), it still offers quite a broad range of channels with 13 program categories, Zattoo HiQ subscription, additional channels package and international TV channel packages (available in Turkish, Portuguese, Bosnian, Croatian, and Polish).
Zattoo FREE – 170+ channels to choose from
Its free-of-charge option gives you possibility, upon sign-up, to watch 173 channels and provides you with personal storage space for 20 programs. The selection of programs is quite ample; you can watch sports, movies, news, documentaries and series. Some of available channels include:
- Eurosport
- ITV
- BBC
- Vox
- Demand 5
- 4oD
- TLC
- SRF
- RTL
- ZDF
- ARD
- CNN
- RTS
- TF1
- France
- M6
- W9
- NRJ
- Rai
- DMAX
- MTV
Free VOD service just for the asking
At the end of last year, Zattoo launched a free VOD service on its platform in Germany positioning itself as a European central hub for TV content. The Zattoo FREE option also offers you a PiP support, TV guide with 2-week overview and creation of your favorite channel list.
Zattoo HiQ – over 60 channels of HDTV
If you would like to enhance your viewing experience, you can upgrade to a Zattoo HiQ option. With CHF 8.00/month, you get 60+ HD channels, Recall feature which allows you to watch and record every show that you missed from the last seven days, quick and advertisement-free channel switching, your personal playlist with up to 250 shows to be recorded and stored for an unlimited period of time and the possibility to pause and rewind live broadcasts.
Additional packages for other languages
You can also add several language packages (prices ranging from CHF 1.90 to CHF 10.90/month), Croatian PINK Group package or EROTIC Package. Zattoo PLUS (CHF 12.90/month) gives you 10 extra TV channels.
The glitch
However, as most of streaming content users already know, the silver lining has a cloud inside. The cloud takes a shape of the “Sorry, Zattoo is not available in your country” message. Or, being an English speaking person, for example, you find yourself visiting Spain and, desperately trying to keep up with your favorite Zattoo show, fire up your Zattoo App only to get ‘El Señor de los Cielos’. Obviously without English subtitles. Or even worse – your favorite show… dubbed in Spanish.
The solution
Just as with any geo-blocked service, there are several ways to deal with the problem. The simplest and the quickest one involves using Smart DNS. Your IP address remains unchanged which makes it possible to unlock geo-blocked services and maintain access to local sites at the same time. Regions switching is not a problem here either.
Another solution is VPN – your network traffic is encrypted but your Internet speed is slightly reduced and you need to change the VPN server every time you switch the region.
Intelligent choice
Either way, while choosing a Smart DNS or VPN provider, make sure that you go for the service that ensures simple setup, fast connection, multiple locations for VPN users and a reasonable price. Try using smartdnsproxy.com or getflix.com.au. With 14-day trial, hundreds of channels, quick and efficient support and low monthly fees without commitment, they give you good value for the money. Excitement and satisfaction comes as a perk.
