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The ABC iview FAQs are designed to make it quick and easy to find answers to common questions.
If you have read the FAQs but are still experiencing difficulties, you may wish to contact the ABC via the iview contact form.
Please Note: If you are contacting the ABC with a technical enquiry you may be required to provide specific information about your personal home entertainment set-up, devices and IP address. For this reason we ask that you direct these queries via the iview contact form.
Why do the programs expire?
The expiry period for programs on ABC iview is largely determined by the terms under which the ABC licenses programs from content providers. In most cases those rights are for 14 days, though in some instances programs are made available for up to 30 days.
Why can’t I find the program I’m looking for?
ABC iview displays a range of programs which have been broadcast on ABC, ABC2, ABC3, ABC Kids and ABC News 24, in addition to a selection of programs which have been chosen just for iview. Some programs cannot be made available on ABC iview due to restrictions in the license terms with studios. If you would like to suggest a program you would like to see on ABC iview, you can submit a program request via the iview contact form.
How often is ABC iview updated with new programs?
In most instances, programs will be available one hour after they have been broadcast on the ABC’s TV channels, however some programs such as live shows, news bulletins, sport and special events may take longer. In those cases, we aim to have the program published by 7am the following day.
Why are live streams on some devices only?
Our live streaming technology supports the ABC and ABC News 24 live streams on the website Flash player, and within the ABC iview app for tablets and smart phones. Currently, iview on other devices does not support the live stream. Audience members can still access the live channels either via ABC broadcast television, and on the ABC News 24 website.
Why does ABC iview allow streaming only, and not downloads?
The ABC enters into licensing agreements with studios to allow programs to be streamed for days online via iview. These agreements currently restrict the ABC from providing the option to download the programs. We are working to enable more ways to watch ABC iview in future to make ABC iview even more convenient and widely available.
Can I watch ABC iview if I’m not in Australia?
Under its program licensing agreements, ABC iview is provided geo-blocked to Australia, which means that programs cannot be played on iview outside of Australia.
1. Check your Connection Speed
ABC iview is designed to work best with devices which have a high speed broadband connection like ADSL2+ (1.1Mbps and above) or 4G mobile data. Dial-up or slower mobile connections may not be sufficient to handle streaming video.
If other people or software applications (such as backup tools) are accessing internet content on your network, then that may adversely affect playback performance. If you are using WiFi please check that your device has a strong signal. If you're not particularly close to the modem, the transmission can be obstructed by obstacles such as walls and closed doors. If possible, switch to a wired network connection instead.
2. Don't use a custom DNS
The content delivery network (CDN) for iview video relies on accurate DNS settings. Please check that your device and internet router DNS is setup according to instructions from your ISP. (Custom DNS settings may interfere with video playback performance.)
3. Update your computer/device
Check that your device is updated to the latest firmware, as device manufacturers usually resolve video playback or software issues as part of their updates.
For personal computer users, please ensure:
Safari Users Please Note: Safari has a preference which stops plug-ins running in order to save power. Open preferences in Safari, then under the "Advanced" tab uncheck the checkbox labelled "Stop plug-ins to save power".
4. Check the the clock on your device
On many devices ABC iview relies on the time being set correctly in order to play video. Please check the system clock on your device and confirm that it is set correctly to your local timezone.
5. Check for firewalls
If you have firewall software installed on your machine (e.g. CA/VET, Norton's and McAfee's Firewall) or your home network please ensure that ABC iview has been added to the list of trusted programs within that software and/or within Parental Controls, otherwise your firewall software may prevent ABC iview from connecting to the internet.
For personal computer users, ABC iview uses the standard network port of 1935 to stream Flash video, so please ensure that port 1935 is not blocked by your firewall or broadband router. For further information on the usage of port 1935 by Flash Media Server, visit the Adobe website.
6. Check your router
If you continue to have problems, try power cycling (restarting your modem-router) and/or installing any firmware updates for this equipment
What is unmetering?
Some ISPs (internet service providers) have opted to make watching iview through a computer browser unmetered. This means that the video streaming though iview will not count towards your monthly allowable bandwidth. If you unsure of what your download quota is, please check with your ISP.
For ISPs who don’t currently unmeter iview, watching any of the streaming video on iview will count towards your download limit.
Information on the program file size and duration is provided beside each program on the iview website, on the program’s detail page. This is provided to help you manage the bandwidth you consume. For example, a half hour episode of Australian Story will consume up to 125MB. However, if you only watch 10 minutes of it, you might only use 40MB of data.
Does watching iview affect my internet download limits?
If your monthly allowance or plan is with an ISP that does not unmeter iview, yes, watching iview will count towards your monthly allowable bandwidth.
Below is an indication of the data usage and consumption you can expect from the average program lengths.
Which devices does my ISP unmeter iview on?
If your ISP has opted to make watching iview unmetered, then watching iview through a computer browser will not count towards your monthly allowable bandwidth.
However, please note that at present due to technical constraints, all watching on other devices including tablets, smart phones and internet-connected TVs will count towards your quota, regardless of your ISP.
Which Internet Service Providers offer unmetered access to iview?
The ABC assists ISPs that opt to offer ABC iview unmetered on computers and is working to make unmetered watching possible on other devices. ABC iview is unmetered on computers with these ISPs:
AARNet
Adam Internet
Apex Telecom
BarNet
Cinenet
Comcen
Dreamtilt
Engin
IIG
iiNet
Internode
iPrimus
My Telecom
Spectrum Networks
Spintel (Dependent on customer’s plan. Please check with your ISP).
Westnet
Why isn’t iview unmetered on all devices?
We are currently only able to provide unmetering via the ABC’s Flash streaming servers. We are hoping to overcome this technical constraint in future but in the meantime iview is metered for all users on non-Flash devices (including tablets, smart phones and others).
Why is the ABC News 24 live stream always metered?
We are currently unable to include the simulcast of ABC News 24 with the other programs which can be unmetered through unmetering ISPs. At this point in time, the live stream is metered. This is due to capacity constraints on our content distribution network, and the potential of unmetering a live stream to place a huge additional load on ISPs who choose to unmeter iview.
We hope to find a solution that will allow unmetering of live streams in the future.
How am I charged for watching video over a Mobile Data connection?
Please note: you are responsible for the data transfer and consumption charges incurred by you when using any ABC app. The ABC disclaims all liability for such charges.
The amount you are charged for watching video over Mobile Data depends on several things:
If you have a small monthly quota, or have used almost all of your monthly quota, watching video over a Mobile Data connection could be expensive. Do check your quota with your mobile phone company, and monitor your usage. Your mobile phone company may be able to send you alerts when you reach the limit of your monthly quota.
How much data will I use if I watch iview over a mobile network?
This assumes watching over a strong 3G/4G connection, when data consumption is highest, and assumes that no data has been consumed other than via watching iview streaming video.
What should I do to avoid high data costs with my mobile phone company?
Do check your data allowance with your mobile phone company and monitor your usage when watching video over 3G/4G. Your mobile phone company may be able to send you alerts when you reach the limit of your monthly quota. To disable Cellular Data and restrict all data to Wi-Fi in your device, visit Settings > General > Network, and turn 'Cellular Data' to Off.
How do I use AirPlay to watch ABC iview on my living room TV?
The ABC iview iOS app features AirPlay support. If you own an Apple TV, you can use AirPlay to stream iview on your living room TV. Here's how to do it:
How do I sync my Watchlist between my Apple devices?
If you have more than one Apple device with the ABC iview iOS app installed, it is possible for your Watchlist on those devices to be automatically synced via Apple iCloud. All you need is an iCloud account and for iCloud to be enabled in each of your devices, within Settings.
When you install or update the app, if iCloud is enabled in each device, it will find your Watchlist in the cloud and keep it synchronised for you automatically. So, if you add a favourite series to your Watchlist in your iPhone, for example, that program will automatically be added to your Watchlist in your iPad or iPod Touch.
And, for example, when you start watching a program on your iPad, you can finish watching it on your iPhone and the app will know where in the program you're up to. You won't have to start at the beginning.
How can I access ABC iview on devices with Android OS?
The ABC iview app is now available in the Google Play store. In order to provide an acceptable level of app performance and stability, this version is currently limited to the devices listed below, supporting Android OS 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and above.
If you have installed the iview app on your device but are now having issues with playing video content, we recommend checking your Region, Date & Clock settings. Features such as Watchlist and Recently Added will only work when a gmail account has been associated with the device. For help installing or upgrading the app, please visit this page
If you have feedback specific to the performance of the app, please let us know: iview@your.abc.net.au
Phones:
Tablets:
How do I use ABC iview on my Playstation 3?
iview is accessible via the XrossMediaBar (XMB) on your PS3. Just ensure that you have completed the below steps in order to access it:
iview also supports navigation and playback control with the wireless PS3 controller. Use the left joystick on your PS3 controller to move the cursor and press the X button to select programs.
How do I stop the PS3 screen from dimming?
By default the PS3 screensaver will appear after 20 minutes of inactivity, which may mean a dimming of the screen while you are watching a program. You may wish to disable the screensaver by selecting Settings > Display Settings > Screensaver.
I want enable notifications from iview on my iPad / iPhone. How do I opt in?
By adding a program to your Watchlist, you'll receive a prompt to opt in to push notifications from ABC iview on your device. All you need to do is tap 'OK'.
Can I get notifications on my other devices?
Currently push notifications from ABC iview are only available on devices running iOS. We are looking to add this feature to other devices in future.
How do I disable push notifications?
To disable notifications from ABC iview on your iOS device,
visit Settings on your device,
Select Notifications,
Select ABC iview and update your preferences.
Why is ABC iview asking me to subscribe?
Subscribing to the ABC iview newsletter means you'll be first to know about new and exclusive programs.
I've subscribed to the ABC iview newsletter. How is my personal information being used?
Any capture of personal information is done so under the terms of the ABC Privacy Policy
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