RTÉ.ie Live Player FAQs

What software do I require to access the service?
To access audio and video content on RTÉ.ie, you will need a computer with an internet connection of at least 1Mbps download speed and a web browser that has the latest Flash plug-in.

Download Flash Player Here

Why does the quality of the pictures I receive depend on the type of connection I have to the Internet?
There are a number of ways of accessing the Internet. Conventional dial-up uses a standard telephone connection. However, broadband connections, such as cable or ADSL, have greater capacity than standard telephone lines.
A broadband connection means you can receive far more information on your computer in the same time as a conventional dial-up connection. Broadband connections allow you to view video on the web at a higher quality than via dial-up connections. Live and replay video content can only be viewed over broadband connections of 1Mbps or greater.

Why is the availability of the service restricted in some cases?
For copyright reasons, as required by the associated rights-holder bodies, some programmes can only be accessed from the Island of Ireland. Unfortunately users outside the Island of Ireland will be unable to access those programmes. Furthermore there are other programmes that can only be accessed from the Republic of Ireland. Unfortunately users outside the Republic of Ireland will be unable to access those other programmes.

How is access restricted?
Where access is restricted, the mechanism for doing so is based on the computer's IP address. An IP address is the numerical address that each computer has on the web. It is provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is the company that provides Internet connections to residential and business customers.

I'm in the relevant territory and I can't access the service. Why?
If you are unable to access the service, you should contact your ISP to report the issue. You require an IP addresses that identifies you as being located in the relevant territory to access the service. If your ISP requires any further information, they can contact RTÉ.ie at the following address: onlinetechs@rte.ie. The ISP should include their Autonomous System (AS) number with any correspondence.

Why don't I contact RTÉ.ie directly rather than my ISP if I'm having problems accessing the service?
IP addresses are issued by the internet service provider (ISP). The ISP administers the IP address, how it is allocated, and the location to which it is issued. Therefore, in order to save time, you should contact your ISP in the first instance.

RTÉ.ie can only accept an application from your ISP to have your IP address included for the service.

Therefore, in order to save time, you should begin by contacting your ISP first by either emailing or phoning them.

Why can't I access the service from the office?
If you are using the Internet at work, your connection to the web may be on a network that operates behind a firewall. A firewall is the security system that shields your office network from outside users on the Internet. In this case, you should contact your system administrator to check whether video streaming is permitted on your company network.

I am located in Northern Ireland and cannot access Island of Ireland programmes. What is the reason for this? If your ISP has issued an IP address that does not identify you as being located in Northern Ireland, then for copyright reasons you will be unable to access Island of Ireland content in the RTÉ.ie Live Player. For more information see here