Help

What is the STV Player?

The STV Player uses the internet to allow you to watch catch-up programming and programmes from the STV (Scottish Television) library. It is available 24/7 which means you get to watch our video content at a time which suits you.

What do I need to use the STV Player?

You need a broadband internet connection of at least 1Mbps and a compatible device (see below).

Which platforms are supported by STV Player?

STV Player runs on the following platforms:

Web (with Flash 10.1 installed)
Android phones and tablets (with Flash 10.1 on a recent device)
iPhone and iPad
PS3

Other devices and platforms are actively being developed.

Why does the video picture sometimes freeze?

Video may pause during playback if your computer does not meet the supported specification below, or if your Internet connection is not fast enough. Even on broadband connections, Internet congestion or traffic can result in choppy playback or repeated buffering.

Windows:
• Operating System: Windows 7; Windows Vista; Windows XP: Service Pack 1 or higher
• CPU: P3 or better
• Speed: 800 MHz or better
• RAM: 512 MB (minimum), 1GB (recommended)
• Free Disk Space: 500 MB (minimum), 1 GB (recommended)
• Internet Connection: Broadband (minimum), 1024kbps or greater (recommended)
• Browser: Internet Explorer 8; Internet Explorer 7; Firefox 3.5, 3.6; Firefox 4; Safari 4.0 or higher; Chrome 7.0 or higher
• Flash Player: Flash Player 10 or higher

Mac:
• Operating System: MacOS X: 10.5 and higher
• CPU: Any Intel processor
• Speed: 1.33 GHz or better
• RAM: 512 MB or better
• Free Disk Space : 500 MB (minimum), 1 GB (recommended)
• Internet Connection: Broadband (minimum), 1024kbps or greater (recommended)
• Browser: Safari 4.0 or higher; Firefox 3.5, 3.6; Firefox 4; Chrome 7.0 or higher
• Flash Player: Flash Player 10 or higher

iPhone/iPad:
iOS 3+ with Safari and Quicktime playback

Android:
Android 2.2+ with a powerful enough device to support video playback, and Flash 10.1+

PS3:
PS3 with latest firmware; will show "Video" menu with support for TV channels (BBC, 4OD, STV/UTV/ITV Player).

If any software or hardware standards change over time, we will keep the above list updated as a reference point. And although these are the supported technical details, others may still work correctly.

Can I download programmes to watch later?

No. The STV Player only allows you to stream the video using your internet connection. This means you can fast-forward, stop, or go back to the beginning as often as you want as the video file is not stored on your computer.

What is a Guidance Warning?

A guidance warning indicates a programme which has particular subject matter which some people may prefer not to watch. We will always state the reason a programme has been given a 'G' warning so that you can make an informed choice.

How is content restricted to ensure children and young people cannot access unsuitable content?

The STV Player makes content available 24/7. This means that programming which may been broadcast on STV after the 9pm watershed will be available as part of the catch-up service at any time. We indicate the transmission time on each video to help you assess the suitability of content for minors. In addition, we use the sign 'G' to indicate a guidance warning. Each time you select a programme that contains a guidance warning (indicated by the 'G') you will be asked to confirm you are over 18 years of age.

What programmes do you offer?

Where possible we makes programmes which have been broadcast on STV in the last 30 days available for catch-up viewing to UK users only. If an STV title isn't made available it is because the catch-up rights are not available. We also offer programmes from the STV's extensive library and will continue to add new titles in the future. Some of these titles are available globally.

I live outside the UK. Why can't I watch many of your programmes?

The programmes on STV Player are offered either as part of 30-day catch-up viewing or from our own programme library. Catch-up titles must be restricted to UK users only for copyright reasons. Programmes from the library are made available globally where the rights permit. All programmes which are rights restricted contain the words "Non-UK Viewers: For copyright reasons, this video is available to UK viewers only." In the grey box to the right of the programme description.

I'm in the UK but I can't view geo-blocked videos (especially Virgin Media / NTL users)

We have come across some users who, even though based in the UK, have IP addresses that are being advertised as being located outside the UK or are being routed overseas, thus geo-blocked videos are not playing. It may be a simple network error and closing your browser or powering off/on your router may provide you with a new IP that is UK-based. We use geo-blocking technology that identifies IP addresses provided by UK-based internet service providers (ISPs). If the STV Player does not recognise your IP address then please contact your ISP. They should be able to assist you to register your address as being located in the UK. Our geo-blocking technology is updated regularly so any changes your ISP makes to your address location will register with our system at the next refresh. We have come across this forum for Virgin Media users (new window) which might be of help to you.

What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. You can use RSS feeds on our video player to keep you up-to-date with your favourite content this way, you will always know when we have added new content.

How do I add the feed to my RSS Reader?

If the RSS reader you are using is listed under "Web based news readers" you can add the feed by simply clicking on its icon. You will be forwarded to your new reader and after signing in to it, the feed will be added to your RSS reader. You can add the feed to other RSS readers by copying the URL from the text box labelled "Here is your feed:" and using your RSS reader's "Add Feed" function.

Why do we store cookies on your computer?

We use cookies to store important pieces of information related to the site. These may consist of video identifiers to enable navigation around the site, parental guidance settings and other similar functions.

I'm still having problems do you have a Support / Help contact?

Yes, if you are still having problems with playing any videos or you have general feedback then please contact our Support Team

How does the advertising work on STV Player?

We run pre-roll adverts and sponsorship bumpers before the programme plays. These are typically no longer than 30 seconds. You can click on these adverts to visit the advertiser’s website at which point the STV Player will pause, allowing you come back and re-commence your viewing. We try to ensure the advertising does not affect your viewing enjoyment, either by being too long or to intrusive. If you have any comments to make on the advertising, please use the feedback button on the right hand side of your browser window.

Is the STV Player a regulated service?

STV's video-on-demand services are regulated by Ofcom, the independent regulator for the UK communications industries, together with the Authority for Television On Demand (ATVOD) in relation to our video-on-demand editorial content and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in relation to the advertising content appearing on our video-on-demand services. See ATVOD's website for more information about ATVOD and the video-on-demand services it regulates; for more information about ASA and the regulation of advertising content, see ASA's website.

If you are unhappy about a programme on the STV Player, please write to viewer enquiries in the first instance.