Preface#
After "digital migration", I subscribed to many streaming apps and bought a Google TV box to use with a bypass router, which worked smoothly. However, after a while, I found that the TV box is still more suitable for use with a TV because it's too troublesome to switch between the PC and the box. (For example, sometimes I want to browse the web for information, download things, play games, etc.)
Finding Alternatives#
So I started looking for alternatives on my PC that can provide a similar user experience as the box. The movie apps I often use are Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Youtube, PikPak, and Quark Cloud. I'll solve them one by one, starting with the simplest.
1. Quark Cloud
You can download the EXE directly from the official website. The software comes with a built-in player, but playing 4K videos doesn't feel smooth. You can download them locally to watch.
2. PikPak
Currently, I mainly use it with AList. On the PC, you need to use Potplay and use Netch to independently proxy the Potplay program. It plays 4K videos very smoothly.
3. Prime Video
After changing the region of the computer to Hong Kong, you can directly download the UPW version of the app from the store. Then, use the EnableLoopback software to modify the loopback, and you can find the Prime Video EXE program in the C:\Program Files\WindowsApps path. Finally, using Netch to proxy it separately, it supports 4K playback. One thing to note is that the UWP version of Prime Video must be connected via IPv6, so make sure your VPS supports IPv6.
4. Netflix
This one is a bit more troublesome, and I also studied it for a while. The principle is the same as above, modify the loopback and use Netch to proxy it separately. At this time, the name of the EXE you need to proxy is WWAHost.exe. Also, to achieve a perfect viewing experience, you need to download the paid HEVC plugin from the store, and then you can enjoy perfect 4K playback.
5. Disney+
This one is a bit tricky. Even if you download the UWP version of the app, it actually plays through a wrapped Edge browser. In order to proxy it separately without affecting the use of other software, I found that the auth switch of SwitchyOmega can achieve this perfectly. You can use this rule for traffic diversion.
Conclusion#
After replacing them, I am generally satisfied. I hope that each program can be independently proxied without affecting the use of other software. The method of adding a PC LAN proxy before affected the use of other software and had a very poor user experience. The only downside is that Disney+ can only play in 1080P (after all, it is a wrapped Edge browser), but the others can play in perfect 4K, which is also satisfying.