ITV Player on PS3: Frequently Asked Questions
Published: Monday, 13 December 2010, 12:47PM
1. How do I find and play programmes?
2. How do I get the best playback experience?
2.a. Why am I getting an unsupported resolution message?
3. Are all ITV shows available?
4. Can I skip the adverts?
5. Postcode settings
6. How can I contact you?
7. Is there any parental guidance?
8. Terms and Conditions
1. How do I find and play programmes?
ITV Player on PS3 has a very simple design, so you can find the programmes that you want to watch as quickly as possible.
There are several ways you can find programmes. The navigation menu appears on the left hand side of the screen.
Select an option from the navigation menu. You'll then see a list of programmes under each section.
Once you've found the programme you want to watch, select it. The video player will appear on the right hand side of the screen along with a brief summary of the episode.
Select the 'play' button to start watching the programme.
What if a whole series is available?
When more than one programme is available in a series, an 'other episodes' button appears on the right hand side of the screen, above the video player.
Select 'other episodes'. You'll then see a list of available episodes on the left hand side of the screen. Select the programme you want and click 'play' to watch it.
A-Z listings
If you're having trouble finding the programme you want to watch, check the A-Z listings page to make sure the programme is available.
We try to show as many ITV shows as possible on ITV Player. However we don't have the rights to show all ITV programmes on PS3.
2. How do I get the best playback experience?
ITV Player programmes are streamed to your PS3 using 800kbps of bandwidth in SD (standard definition).
Wired v wireless (wifi) connection
ITV programmes should stream perfectly over a wireless connection. However if you have difficulties watching programmes over wifi, or have a weak connection to your wireless network, we recommend using a wired connection.
You should also check your download limit with your ISP (internet service provider) to make sure that you don't incur any additional internet charges.
Adjusting your screen resolution
ITV Player is optimised to work on PS3 default settings. If you wish to change your screen size, resolution or text size, please follow these instructions.
To switch the display area or resolution:
- Press the 'triangle' button on your controller to display the web browser menu
- Select 'Tools'
- Select 'Display Area' or 'Resolution' and adjust the setting accordingly
- If you are in normal mode, select '-1' or '-2' to enlarge ITV Player to fit your screen
- If you wish to make ITV Player smaller, select '1' or '2'
2.a. Why am I getting an unsupported resolution message?
If you're getting the 'Unsupported Resolution message, you should take the following steps to resolve it.
If you are connected by a Component/SCART connector:
- Navigate to the 'Display settings' section under the 'Settings' tab of the PS3 Cross Media Bar menu
- Select 'Video Output Settings' from the list and then select the type of connection that is being used, 'AV MULTI / SCART'
- Move to the next step and select 'RGB' as the signal type
- Move to the next screen and accept the 'Standard (PAL)' default resolution
- Select '16:9' as the TV type
- Select 'X' on the PS3 controller to save settings
- You'll see a saved settings confirmation screen asking if you'd like to set audio output settings or finish. Select 'Finish'
- You'll be returned back to the PS3 Cross Media Bar menu. Now go back to ITV Player and you should see the postcode entry screen.
Please note during this procedure the PS3 may display a blank screen for a short period of time before normal display is resumed.
If you are connected by a incorrectly configured HDMI connector:
- Navigate to the 'Display settings' section under the 'Settings' tab of the PS3 Cross Media Bar menu
- Select 'Video Output Settings' from the list and then select the type of connection that is being used, 'HDMI'
- Move to next step and select the 'Custom' setting method from the list
- Move on to the next screen and select the resolutions that the TV supports ensuring the highest possible resolution supported by the TV is selected. (If you aren't sure of your TV specifications you can select all four settings at this point and the PS3 will dynamically select the most appropriate setting)
- If '576' or '720' is selected in Step 4 move on to the next screen where you will be asked to confirm the TV type that is being used. Always select '16:9'. You will then be asked to confirm settings
- If '1080i' or '1080p' is selected in Step 4 move on to the next screen where you will be asked to confirm settings
- Select 'X' on the PS3 controller to save settings
- A saved settings confirmation screen is displayed asking you whether you would like to set audio output settings or finish. Select 'Finish'
- You will be returned back to the PS3 Cross Media Bar menu. Now go back to ITV Player and the postcode entry screen should be displayed
Please note during this procedure the PS3 may display a blank screen for a short period of time before normal display is resumed.
Disabling the PS3 screensaver
PS3 default settings contain an active screensaver which will dim your screen after 20 minutes of inactivity. To make sure this doesn't happen when you're watching ITV programmes, follow these instructions:
- Select the 'PS' button on your controller to bring up the main menu
- Select the 'Settings' options
- Select the 'Display Settings' menu
- Select the 'Screensaver' option and select 'Do Not Use'
3. Are all ITV shows available?
We try to offer you as many ITV shows as possible on ITV Player.
However we don't have the catch-up rights to all ITV programmes, so unfortunately some shows won't be available to watch on PS3.
4. Can I skip the adverts?
Advertising is important to ITV as it allows us to show all our programmes for free. You’ll see adverts in ITV Player at the start of a programme and at pre-determined intervals within the programme, just like when you watch our TV channels.
If you skip ahead of an ad break, you’ll still see the adverts you have skipped. But once they’ve finished, play will resume at the point in the programme that you skipped to, rather than the point you skipped from.
If you skip multiple ad breaks, you’ll only be required to watch one set of adverts.
5. Postcode settings
Postcode information is stored as a cookie. This is a piece of text held on your PS3 which identifies your system. This means you don’t have to re-enter your postcode each time you use ITV Player.
If you change address and wish to re-register your PS3 you should:
- Press the triangle button on your controller to see the web browser menu
- Navigate to 'Tools'
- Select 'Delete Cookies'
Why do I have to enter my postcode each time I use the service?
If you’re being asked to enter your postcode each time you access the service, it’s likely that you have cookies turned off.
To enable cookies:
- Press the 'triangle' button to display the browser menu
- Navigate to 'Tools'
- Select 'Cookies' from the list
- Select 'Allow'
Once you've deleted the cookie, you'll need to refresh the page. Again, press the triangle button and select Refresh. You'll then need to re-submit your postcode to enable the service.
If you're unable to change your postcode, please contact the ITV.com customer support team. You can email us at itv.comsupport@itv.com or call 0844 881 4150.
You can find further contact options and information on call charges at www.itv.com/contactus/wheretofindus
6. How can I contact you?
If you’re having trouble using ITV Player or have any other questions not answered in our FAQs or Terms and Conditions pages, please contact the ITV.com customer support team.
You can email itv.comsupport@itv.com or call us on 0844 881 4150.
You can find further contact options and information on call charges at www.itv.com/contactus/wheretofindus
7. Is there any parental guidance?
We identify programmes that may contain inappropriate material for some audiences with a ‘G’ symbol.
When you select play to view these programmes, you will have to confirm that you are over 18 years old.
8. Terms and Conditions
ITV's Terms and Conditions are available at www.itv.com/Termsandconditions/TermsConditions