Which channels use the same video distribution service?

Online video streaming has exploded over the past decade. Where trailblazing on-demand services such as BBC iPlayer were once unique, now every TV channel is expected to provide its own (live and catchup) online streaming service.

Few channels/services have done what BBC iPlayer has by developing its own video distribution service. It’s much for common for broadcasters to share the same video distribution service.

Sharing a video distribution service is a cost-effective measure for the networks. Sharing a VDS also has the added benefit of ensuring smaller companies have a way to compete with the likes of iPlayer or Netflix without having to develop their own technology from scratch.

Video Distribution Services blocking VPNs

This shared technology has an impact on VPN and Smart DNS users. As I explain in the BBC iPlayer not working with VPN article, broadcasters can’t actually detect VPNs, only the IP addresses they use. This is important. Why? If one channel is blocking your VPN, every other channel from that country (in the same group) will also detect you’re using a VPN – and block access.

Real-life example: AMC, CBS All Access, and Fox Now all share the same video distribution service. This means if your VPN is not working with CBS All Access, then your VPN also won’t work with AMC or Fox No – or any other channel that uses that same VDS.

Shared Video Distribution Services

Group A

United StatesCanadaAustraliaNew ZealandSwitzerlandDenmarkJapan
AMCCBCSBS On DemandPrime (Sky)Livestream NRLTVPlay2TVer.jp
CBSGlobal TVStanNeonTVGyaO
NBCFoodnetwork
CNBCHistory
FOX NowShowcase
FOX SportsHGTV
FX NetworksMLS Soccer
Disney Movies AnywhereTSN
The History Channel
A&E
Syfy
National Geographic
Food Network
Radio.com
MLS Soccer
Pureflix
Redbox

Group B

USUKGermanyAustraliaIndiaSwedenSpain
Disney +Now TVARTEStanNBAHBO NordicHBO Spain
CBSSky NewsNHLTenPlaySony LivCmore
CNNSky SportsNBADplay
FeelnHayuNFL
Sky NewsQuest TVMLB
Sundance NowDplaySKY
Cartoon Network US
NBA US League Pass
Sling Tv West
ESPN+DenmarkNorwayNetherlandsFranceItalyFinland
Directv Now LAHBO NordicDplayNpo.nlARTENow TV ItalyHBO Nordic
Bleacher ReportCmore
ShudderDplay
TNT
TBS
NCAA
Sling Tv East
Directv Now NY

Group C

United StatesUnited KingdomGermanyFranceFinlandSpain
Smithsonian ChannelDemand 5Dmax.deBFM.tvYle AreenaDisney Channel
Showtime AnytimeUKTV
Acorn TVAl Jazeera English
V8 SuperViewHayu
beIN Sports Connect (USA)BT Sport
Ditto
Reelz Now

Group D

United StatesUnited KingdomAustraliaNew ZealandSwitzerland
Fox Soccer 2GoLivesport (BoxNation)Setanta AusBein Sports NZUFC.tv
UFC.tvNetherlandsLesMills OnDemand
Criterion ChannelLivesport (Rugby)
Livesport (J-League)