In addition to all that's been written thus far, I will try to offer a simple guide from someone who's done the following and happily using iPlayer, so you don't have to wade through a multitude of previous posts and get bogged down in the mire.

Based on my own experience, as follows:
- using Firefox browser - Chrome should be fine, too; I.E. (last time I tried), blocked the download for no determinable reason
- OS of Windows7
- installing/using free service of Expat Shield VPN to assign UK IP address (other subscription VPNs are available)

The following looks a lot of text, but a few eventualities are covered and some details explained ..... IT REALLY IS EASY

Download Expat Shield from here:

http://www.expatshield.com/

and run installation. Be aware, before clicking on INSTALL in the pop-up window, there will be an option to include their toolbar - the default setting is already confirmation ticked. I don't have this or think more clutter is required on my browser, so unticked it - your choice, but the application can be run from desktop shortcut icon (also default ticked) and/or taskbar.

Once installed it will launch (also a check box on the installation pop-up) in a new tab on your browser, and will take a moment to assign a UK IP address, then once connected will load one of a couple of different ad. pages that it displays - now you can go to iPlayer (on the same tab), here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/

When Expat Shield is launched (and runs) there appears a small shield in the bottom right taskbar, as follows:
- red for disconnected
- yellow for connecting/assigning IP address
- green for connected.
I suggest that you keep this icon permanently displayed on the taskbar for ease of future connectivity: for W7, click on little triangle/arrow on taskbar > customise > scroll down to the relevant line and select: Show icon and notifications from dropdown selection > OK. By clicking on the taskbar icon reveals connect and disconnect options.

I also recommend that you only connect to, and stay connected with, Expat Shield for only those times when using iPlayer, because by "having" a UK IP address can effect other programs and applications: eg Zattoo offers a much reduced selection for UK viewers; if this happens disconnect from Exp. Shld and log off from Zattoo and re-log on.

As Expat Shield is free it relies on advertising for it's revenue, which appear on all web pages, when connected, which is considerably annoying. A browser ad. blocker should be used.
In Firefox click Tools from top menu bar > Add-ons > Get Add-ons (from left) > in top right search box type AdBlock Plus > search > from results, select and install Adblock Plus 2.1.2 (red stop sign with ABP in middle). Follow minimal instructions to complete installation.
In other browsers search for equivalent ad. blocker

When using iPlayer, the majority (but not all) programs offer downloads for later viewing - but only after the program has aired.
Select Download/Download options from required program and choose iPlayer Desktop. For first time you will be prompted to download and install (including shortcut icon). After that, you can download any available program to here. You can only download and view programs from here when connected to Expat Shield.
Unfortunately downloaded programs are not permanent and each has an expiry date, and is automatically removed when expiration date is reached.

Finally, very occasionally, having connected with Expat Shield, the iPlayer message may appear "Not available in your location". Close the window/tab, disconnect from Exp. Shld fully, then re-connect (a new IP address will be assigned) and re-select iPlayer. The new IP address should have resolved the problem. Always fully connect with Exp. Shld before opening iPlayer site or iPlayer Desktop.

For mac users I recommend

https://www.my-private-network.co.uk/

as alternative to expatshield.

Hi Timow
Have you got any idea how can I make it work on a samsung smart tv?

Many thanks

Although I, too, have a Samsung Smart TV, mine is the model just down from having full internet browsing capabilities - I am limited to whichever Samsung apps. are available - so no Expat Shield and iPlayer.

If you have a browser, I am unsure of the exact procedure, but I would think it's just a case of downloading and installing Exp Shld - but can't say for sure.

What I do is just connect my laptop via HDMI, and watch it that way.

Great guide TiMow - many thanks. It's very efficient to have one, condensed and worling description from someone who's tried it.

As a free alternative for Mac users;

You could try using 'Stealthy' as a Firefox add-on, you can set the location to GB on the free version and it has worked 9 times out of 10 for me so far, it is initially quite slow loading pages, but iPlayer does work.

I have also used UKiVPN which costs £5.50 per month without any hitch.

The iPlayer Radio app for Mac also seems to now function fine in CH on iPad and iPhone without any VPN or proxy.

Is your Samsung a 'C' or 'D' model?

We have it working really well on our Samsung Smart TV. Picture is much better than when going via iPad, which is what we used before.

We got an Overplay SmartDNS account and set up the TV to use the appropriate DNS server.

You also need to change the Samsung store to UK (go to Smart Hub then press FastForward - 2 - 8 - 9 - FastRewind on the remote then select your country) for the iPlayer and ITV player apps to show.

UE40D6200 - Samsung Smart TV, 3D, DVT, CI+, Wifi ready (I use a dongle) - but no browser ...... only Samsung Smart TV available apps. - basically what they offer.

If you can change the DNS server (from the Network settings) then the Overplay method I described above should work for you.

Thanks mirf .... but it was this member that was originally asking.

For the odd occasion I need/want to watch iPlayer on me tele, I'm happy with the following:

Sorry - I'm just against paying a sub. (albeit only 5 bucks pcm) when I've gone to lengths to use a free VPN

Hola Unblocker is one more tool, which can be downloaded as a chrome extension or as a Win application:

http://hola.org/unblocker.html

Why not getting a Dreambox or a HD card to your TV for 300 buck where u can see all english channels with cablecom? codes are not changing much this day....just a thought nothing more.

The iPlayer allows viewers to watch a show already broadcast, which is often blocked if viewing from outside the UK.

I've just discovered the joys of Overplay SmartDNS.. don't know how it works but it delivers the goods. The only question I still have is whether its worth paying the extra for VPN, my current set up is a flashed (DD-WRT) router that has a permenant VPN connection to the UK? Its certainly slower than SmartDNS, but just seems more robust in that I understand how it works and I get a UK IP address, but with SmartDNS it still shows me in CH but Netflix, iPlayer etc.. still work

Some services don't work perfectly with SmartDNS but many do. Overplay gives you lots of VPN access points around the world but if you've got a UK VPN and that's all you need, why go for more?

I tend to rely on SmartDNS most of the time and use the VPN if I have to. I tend to need to be Danish a lot of the time

UPDATE

Stealthy is no longer working, but still happily using UKiVPN

This idiot followed your post exactly and got it going no trouble for BBC iPlayer and for ITV. Very helpful, thanks a lot.