LIVE STREAMING
Most of RTÉ's televised sports output is also available to watch live online via our Sports Player.
CATCH-UP
If you miss a match or programme don't worry! You can watch most of RTÉ's televised sports output on-demand via our Sports Player or on the RTÉ Player.
PLEASE NOTE
Due to broadcast rights and for copyright reasons, some sports events and programmes are unavailable online, or only available in the Republic of Ireland or the Island of Ireland.
STREAMING FAQs
What software do I require to access the service?
You need a computer with an internet connection of at least 1Mbps download speed and a web browser that has the latest Flash plug-in.
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 video content can only be viewed over broadband.
Why is the availability of the service restricted in some cases?
For copyright reasons, in agreement with the associated rights-holder bodies, RTÉ.ie streaming content on the web in some cases can only be accessed from certain territories. Unfortunately users outside these territories will be unable to access this content.
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 private and business customers. Examples of ISPs are Eircom, BT, Smart Telecom, UTV, NTL and Irish Broadband.
I'm in the relevant territory and I can't access the service. Why?
If you are in the relevant territory but cannot access the content, please contact your ISP directly and advise them of your problem. Your ISP will then make contact with RTÉ.ie.
Why don't I contact RTÉ.ie directly rather than my ISP if I'm having problems accessing the service?
The authenticity of each new applicant needs to be checked before access can be enabled. Whether you should be receiving the service will be determined by the location of your IP address. Your ISP will have a record of your IP address and its location.
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.
STREAMING FAQs FROM NORTHERN IRELAND
Why is some RTÉ Player content only available in Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
RTÉ has cleared rights for online distribution of programme content to Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and internationally. For copyright reasons, some content can only be cleared for distribution to Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland however. If this content is made available to viewers outside of Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, RTÉ would breach legally binding contractual commitments made to third party content licensors. IP geo-access is the industry-standard technique required by content licensors to ensure content is only distributed to allowed territories.
How does IP geo-access work?
IP geo-access uses IP address information to identify a viewer’s location. An IP address is the numerical address that each computer uses on the web. The computer’s IP address is issued by the internet service provider (ISP).
How is my IP address issued?
IP addresses are issued by the internet service provider (ISP). An IP address can be issued either as a static (i.e. permanent) address, or as a dynamic (i.e. temporary address).
How does dynamic IP address allocation work?
ISPs commonly use a technique called dynamic address allocation to issue IP addresses to their customers. Dynamic address allocation operates as follows: When a customer connects to their ISP’s network, an IP address is issued to the customer from a central pool of IP addresses. When the customer disconnects from their ISP’s network, that IP address is restored to the central pool. That IP address can then be reissued when another customer connects. The next time the original customer connects, they will most likely be issued with a different IP address to the previous occasion.
I see the international version of the RTÉ Player even though I am located in Northern Ireland. 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 presented with the international version of the RTÉ Player.
I am located in Northern Ireland. If my ISP issues a static IP address, will I be able to access the domestic RTÉ Player service?
If an ISP issues a static IP address that identifies the customer as being located in Northern Ireland, then they will be able to access the domestic RTÉ Player service. For technical reasons, not all ISPs are able to issue static IP addresses to residential customers however.
I am located in Northern Ireland. If my ISP issues a dynamic IP address, will I be able to access the domestic RTÉ Player service?
If an ISP issues a dynamic IP address to a customer from an address pool that is specific to Northern Ireland, then that customer can be identified as being located in Northern Ireland, and they will be able to access the domestic version of the RTÉ Player service. If however an ISP issues an IP addresses from a UK-wide address pool, then there is no way of telling from their IP address whether that customer is located in Northern Ireland or in a location elsewhere, and for copyright reasons they will be presented with the international version of the RTÉ Player. For technical reasons, not all ISPs are able to issue Northern Ireland-specific dynamic addresses.
I am located in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland and cannot access the domestic version of the RTÉ Player service. What should I do?
If you are unable to access the RTÉ Player service, you should contact your ISP to report the issue. You require an IP addresses that identifies you as being located in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland to access the domestic version of the RTÉ Player service. If your ISP requires any further information, they should contact RTÉ.ie at the following address: onlinetechs@rte.ie. The ISP should include its Autonomous System (AS) number with any correspondence.
Why can'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 and can verify 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.
How do I find out if my ISP can issue an NI-specific IP address?
You must contact your ISP directly to find this out. RTÉ understands that ISPs who issue NI-specific dynamic IP addresses include UTV Internet and Virgin Media, and that ISPs who issue NI-specific static IP addresses on request include PlusNet.
However as individual cases may vary, RTÉ strongly recommends that you receive written confirmation from your ISP that they can issue you with an NI-specific IP address. (NB: ISPs who wish to be included above should contact onlinetechs@rte.ie. ISPs should include their Autonomous System (AS) number with any correspondence).
