FAQ

  • What is the STV Player?

    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.

  • What do I need to watch STV live on my device?

    You will need a device that supports iOS 9 or later and a broadband connection of at least 2 mbps.

  • Can I download programmes to watch later?

    The STV Player only allows you to stream the video using your internet connection. There is an option to upgrade to STV Player+ which is a monthly subscription service that will allow you to download most Catch-up programmes and box sets.

  • 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. 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.

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

    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.

  • 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. 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

  • I'm in the UK but I can't view geo-blocked videos

    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.

  • Why do we store cookies?

    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 video advertising and sponsorship bumpers before, during and after the programme plays - in the same way TV works. Typically each advert is no longer 30 seconds however the commercial break contains multiple adverts. 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 too intrusive. If you have any comments to make regarding the advertising, please contact our support team so that we may look into the issue.

  • How much does it cost to access the STV Player mobile site?

    STV does not charge users for browsing the mobile STV Player site. However, your operator will charge you for using the mobile internet - please contact your operator for more details, as these charges vary by operator and tariff.

    An upgrade is available to STV Player+ for the iOS app, which offers download and ad-free catch-up viewing for a monthly subscription fee, details of this are in the Download or Settings/Plan sections of the app.

  • What programmes can I get on the STV Player mobile site?

    At present you will be able to view a selection of popular STV shows. On first entering the site you will be asked to specify whether you are accessing the STV Player from within the UK or outside the UK. If you are accessing the site from outside the UK you will only have access to STV shows that have global rights.

  • How do I contact STV?

    For support related to the content on the site and user issues, please email your enquiry to enquiries@stv.tv

  • 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 Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in relation to the advertising content appearing on our video-on-demand services. See Ofcom's website for more information about the video-on-demand services it regulates and for more information about 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.

  • How do I find programmes?

    There are multiple ways to find programmes on the STV Player. If you know the name of the programme you are looking for you can browse to it via the programmes A-Z or search for it within the search page. If you are looking for a particular genre or programme you can browse through the categories section.

    The A-Z page, Categories page and Search page are all available via the navigation along the top of the page or larger devices and via the dashboard on small screened devices.

    When you find the programme you want click on the thumbnail and it will take you through to the programme page where you can watch your chosen programme or navigate to similar content via the related items strip that sits along the bottom of the page.

  • Why do you need to know my location?

    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.

  • The iOS STVPlayer app still won't pick up my location

    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 our Support Team where we can give you more information.

  • Legal Information

    stv Central Limited - Registered in Scotland: 172149
    Registered Address: Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1PQ
    Data Protection Registration No:Z651679X
    VAT Registration No: GB 612 4395 58

  • Can I watch STV live on the STV Player if I'm not in Scotland?

    No, for rights reasons, the live stream of STV has to be restricted to our broadcast regions of STV Central and STV North.

  • Is the online stream actually live?

    When we are streaming our channels over the internet there is a delay but the service is as near live as possible.

  • Do I need a TV licence to use the STV Player?

    You do not need a TV licence if you ONLY watch catch up of programmes after they have been broadcast. If you watch STV using the Watch Live service you require a TV licence. For more information go to http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/

  • Why do I have to register to watch programmes?

    In order for us to continue delivering you the great programmes you've come to expect from us, we need a little more information from you, such as where you are. Knowing who you are and where you're watching helps us deliver more relevant content to you
    which in turns helps us to pay for the programmes and keep them free for you to enjoy.

  • You tell me I'm using an ad blocker - how do I switch it off?

    Look the for the red ad-blocking logo with the letters ABP in either your address bar or at the foot of the page. Clicking on this will disable the ad-blocking software to enable you to use STV Player

  • Why do you prevent the use of ad-blocking programmes?

    As a commercial broadcaster our services are supported by advertising revenue. Carrying advertising on the STV Player allows us to make the service available to you for free.

  • Why do I have to register to use the Player?

    In order for us to continue delivering you the great programmes you've come to expect from us, we need a little more information from you, such as where you are. Viewers outside the STV area receive different programmes. Knowing who you are and where you're watching also helps us deliver more relevant content to you - which in turn, helps us to pay for the programmes, and keep them free for you to enjoy.

  • What is the STV Player+?

    The STV Player+ is our Premium subscription service. Exclusive features include:
    - Ad free Catch-up TV
    - Downloading

    The STV Player+ costs £3.99* a month and is a recurring subscription taken via your iTunes Account.
    When you first sign up you will get a 7-day free trial.

    *The £3.99 charge does not include any data costs you may incur using the app.

  • What can I watch?

    The STV Player is accessible UK-wide, however most of its content and 'watch live' are restricted to users in the STV license regions (Scotland excluding the Borders).
    Those of you out with the STV license regions are able to upgrade to STV Player+ however you will only be able to access our content that is licensed UK-wide.
    Accessing the STV Player app, and therefore STV Player+ requires you to create an account with STV. This allows us to verify where you are located to present the content available to you.
    Some content may still feature ads, due to right restrictions. For example ad-funded programmes like Stopping Scotland's Scammers. By its very nature, 'watch live' will continue to include ads.

  • Where can I watch it?

    The STV Player+ is available on all models of iPhone and iPads, running iOS9 or above. We do recommend iOS10 or above due to downloads only being available on devices with a minimum of iOS10 (please note, users with iOS9 will still be charged £3.99/month).
    At the moment this service is only offered via our iOS app, for iOS devices. This means that even if users upgrade to STV Player+ on their iOS device, and then sign-in to www.stv.tv, our Android, Freesat or Fire TV app, you will still see ads on those platforms.
    Your subscription can be used on up to 3 iOS devices by signing in using your STV account details.

  • How do I pay for it?

    All payments are taken via your iTunes Account, therefore:
    - Any payment issues (rejected, CC expired, etc) should be directed to Apple https://support.apple.com/en-gb/billing
    - All payment details are with Apple and are not shared with STV

    Payments are taken automatically at the end of the free trial period.
    Payment is upfront for next 30-day period
    Cancellation mid cycle will not result in a refund pro-rata. Features will continue to be available to you until the end of the 30-day period
    You get all the STV Player+ benefits for free, for 7 days. Starting the trial still requires valid iTunes Account details as your subscription will automatically start at the end of the free trial period.
    There is no notification at point of trial expiry. At the end of the 7 days, you will be charged £3.99 and the monthly schedule of payment will start.
    You can cancel at anytime during the trial and will still receive the benefits of STV Player+ for the full seven days
    The free trial is a one-off. If you previously signed-up, benefited from the free trial and then cancelled you will not be able to access the free trial again. You will be charged £3.99 straight away. Only one free trial period is available per Apple account.
    You may cancel at any time during the month, and you will still receive the benefits of STV Player+ for the rest of the month when the subscription is due to expire.

    Cancellation can be done, anytime:
    - Via the app itself, in the Settings menu
    - Via the device used to originally sign-up, using iTunes & App Store in the device settings. Select and view your Apple ID, then Subscriptions and find STV Player where you can cancel the subscription.

    It cannot be cancelled by STV remotely, on behalf of the user
    In case of issues, Apple should be contacted at https://support.apple.com/en-gb/billing

  • How does the download feature work?

    Downloads are available on iOS 10 or above only. Users with iOS9 will be able to see the feature but won?t be able to use it: a recommendation to upgrade to the latest OS will be presented to them at that point, however:
    - Their device might not be compatible
    - There is no discount on the £3.99 monthly charge if users are not able to access download due to their device?s OS

    Not all shows have downloads rights
    Downloads expire after 7 days of download or the normal catch-up expiry date - whichever comes first.
    An episode can only be download one at a time. There are no limits on how many times an episode might be downloaded until it expires from the platform.
    Multiple downloads may be started in parallel, the app will maximise the number of parallel downloads and queue the rest
    Downloads are stored locally on the devices and cannot be accessed from outside the app or moved
    Downloads are via WiFi only by default. Downloads can be enabled for 3G/4G via the app settings - downloading episodes will result in data usage

    Downloads may fail as a result of:
    - Poor connection
    - Not enough storage space

    Failed downloads can be re-initiated any time until the desired episode has expired from the platform

  • Help I've forgotten my password?

    STV account
    You need to be logged in to the app to access the STV Player and therefore the STV Player+ features. If you forget your password, you should follow the link indicated in the app or on www.stv.tv.

    iTunes Account details
    STV does not have access to your iTunes Account details. Any issues with your iTunes Account should be directed to Apple

  • Still got questions?

    If you have any further question about your payments or how to manage or cancel your subscription then visit the Apple Support page https://support.apple.com/en-gb/billing
    For anything else you can use the Contact Us option in the Help section of the app.

  • Which streams support AirPlay?

    AirPlay is available to all STV Player users when viewing the Live TV stream on the iPhone or iPad app. STV Player+ users are able to use AirPlay on the Catch-up stream and when watching downloaded content also.

  • How do I use AirPlay on my iPad or iPhone?

    You can use AirPlay to watch content from the STV Player iOS app via your Apple TV or AirPlay supporting Smart TV.
    To do so, make sure your iPad or iPhone are on the same WiFi network as the AirPlay device. Launch the STV Player App and go to the Watch Live stream, the AirPlay icon should be shown at the top of the playback bar. Tap this icon to activate AirPlay and select the device you want to use. Player+ users should also get the option when watching catch up and downloaded content.
    For some older iOS versions you may need to activate AirPlay from the Control Centre on your device - swiping up to display this on your device.

  • Do you have Picture in Picture (PiP)?

    Picture in Picture or PiP lets you continue watching the current programme in a small window that stays with you as you browser other sites or use other apps.

    You can find the PiP option on:

    - The web - when using Chrome or Safari browsers and watching the Live stream - an icon will be shown in the top right of the playback bar when watching a show, click this to launch PiP.
    - The Android app - when using either a tablet and mobile device - just background the app when watching a show to launch. (Android v8 or later)
    - The iOS app - when watching the Live stream on an iPad - just background the app when watching a show to launch.