Need help with the STV video player? Here's a list of frequently asked questions that should answer your questions. If things still aren't any clearer you can contact us.
The STV Player allows you to catch up on STV programmes from the last 30 days (although some programmes can only be made available for a shorter period, usually 7 days or, in the case of News, 24 hours). There is also a selection of older, STV programmes available.
You need a broadband internet connection of at least 2Mbps and a compatible device (see below).
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
• Windows 8
• YouView
Other devices and platforms are actively being developed.
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: 1Ghz or better
• RAM: 512 MB (minimum), 1GB (recommended)
• Free Disk Space: 500 MB (minimum), 1 GB (recommended)
• Internet Connection: Broadband (minimum), 2048kbps 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), 2048kbps 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 6 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.
STV has the rights to make network catch-up programming available within its broadcast regions ? STV Central and STV North. To implement this we need to check your location. We do this in a variety of ways, depending on your device.
If you live in area where you have a weak mobile phone signal, it is possible that the app cannot confirm your location. Do check that you have the most recent version of the STVPlayer app. If the problem persists please contact videohelp@stv.tv where we can give you more information.
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 device.
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. On most platforms, 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.
The STV Player carries some programmes which were broadcast on STV after the 9pm watershed.
As these programmes are available for catch-up at any time we give you the ability to set parental controls, whichever device you are using. The first time you reach a programmes with a guidance warning you will be offered the ability to set parental controls. Alternatively there is a Parental Control icon at the bottom of the STV Player which allows you set passwords at any time. Once you?ve done this, any programme selected which carries a G warning will ask for the password you?ve set.
Users of YouView can set parental controls on their box.
We also indicate the transmission time on each video to help you assess the suitability of content for minors.
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.
The programmes on STV Player are offered either as part of 30-day catch-up viewing or from our own programme library. Many 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.
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. You can use RSS feeds on the desktop version of the STV Player to keep you up-to-date with your favourite content this way, you will always know when we have added new content.
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.
Yes, if you are still having problems with playing any videos or you have general feedback then please contact our Support Team
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.
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.
The STV Player lets you catch up with your favourite STV programmes from the last 30 days, as well as watch selected programmes from the STV archive.
We have a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions in our help section.
