Help with Channel 4
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Yes, you need Javascript enabled for Channel 4
To enable JavaScript in Firefox (PC):- Open Firefox.
- On the Tools menu, click Options.
- Click on the Content icon.
- Check the box next to Enable JavaScript.
- Click the Advanced button to open the Advanced JavaScript Options box.
- Check the boxes under Allow scripts to section that you want to allow.
- Click OK
To enable JavaScript in Firefox (MAC):- Select Preferences from the Firefox menu.
- In the pop-up window, click the Content icon.
- Check the Enable JavaScript check box.
- Close the window.
To enable JavaScript in Safari (MAC):- Select Preferences from the Safari menu.
- Click Security.
- Check Enable JavaScript.
- Close the window.
- Click Reload.
To enable JavaScript in Google Chrome (PC):- Right click Google Chrome's shortcut icon and choose Properties.
- In the target field, append "-enable-java" at the end of execute path "C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator.XXXXXX\LocalSettings\ApplicationData\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" -enable-javascript Where XXXXXX is, this is the user or administrator. In most cases, this is your name.
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If you want to change the size of what you see in Windows, you have two options. You can change the size of what is on screen or change the resolution. Changing the size is usually the best option. Open Start , select Settings > System > Display.
Under Scale and layout, check the setting under Change the size of text, apps, and other items. We suggest you use the percentage marked "(Recommended)."
If that doesn't solve your problem, under Resolution, select a new value. We suggest you stick with the resolution marked "(Recommended)."
Note: If your resolution was fine and recently changed (things appear huge, for example), your graphics driver might need to be updated. Run Windows Update to get the latest driver. If it's just the size of things in your web browser windows that changed, try pressing the Ctrl+0 (zero) keys to return the zoom level to 100%.
Changing the size of the Channel 4 Player screen:
You can watch programmes in small, medium or full-screen view by clicking on the icons in the bottom right hand corner of the player. This will give options for the 'Pop out player' as well as 'Full screen'.
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Every programme made available as part of the Channel 4 service has a rights period or "length of availability" associated with it. An episode which has been broadcast in the past 30 days on one of our channels will have certain "catch-up" rights, and the episode will only be available in line with this rights window. The expiry date reflects this window, and this will differ from programme to programme. If there is no expiry date displayed this means that the programme is available on-demand for at least the next 30 days.
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Due to security restrictions, watching Channel 4 using Chrome’s ‘Incognito’ mode will cause issues. Please try Channel 4 in a standard Chrome window.
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You can watch via the pop-out player in three different sizes. These sizes are fixed so you cannot drag the window to alter the dimensions. You can select these options by clicking on the pop-out icon in the player controls.
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Any signed content on Channel4.com will carry the [BSL] icon. We also screen 1 x signed programme weekly on Film4 - for further details please have a look at the BSL Zone website (Opens in new window)
And we publish a listing weekly of programmes on our channels that will feature signing HERE
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Channel 4's streaming service is provided completely free and gives you access to a wide catalogue of programmes. Watch our channels live, catch up on a programme you've missed, discover brand new and exclusive shows and if you prefer to watch episodes back to back we have a huge selection of Box Sets available. You'll get personalised recommendations and your own My 4 space for easy access to your favourite shows and, for watching on the go, you can download programmes within the Channel 4 mobile and tablet apps. it is also available on the following platforms: channel4.com website, Amazon Fire, Android app, Chromecast, Freeview Play, iPhone and iPad app, Now TV, PS4, Roku, Samsung TV, Windows app, XBox one and YouView
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The player on channel4.com is voice activation accessible and works best with Dragon 13 or greater. It is recommended to use it with IE11 or greater as the web browser (please see recommended requirements of your software vendor for which compatible versions of browser can be used).
As well as controls to operate the video, the player may also contain 1 or more screens such as age confirmation or login to view restricted content. Please follow the provided details and instructions to complete these steps. Navigating Screens and Using Controls
Once you have the video in focus using the skip to content link (visible on tab focus), use keyboard keystroke commands to navigate and activate the video controls:
- 'Press TAB' – cycles forward through screen options and control buttons
- 'Press SHIFT + TAB' - cycles backward through screen options and control buttons
- 'Press SPACEBAR' or 'Press ENTER' – activates controls / buttons / links
Voice Activation Control in Fullscreen
Due to security restrictions of the Adobe Flash Player, keyboard control is disabled in fullscreen; this means voice activation control is also affected. You can watch programmes in fullscreen using voice activation software but to use keyboard control commands you must exit fullscreen. To exit fullscreen use the "press escape key" keystroke command.
The Popout player may be used as an alternative to fullscreen. Selecting the “large size” button will scale the player window to its maximum available size. This view, unlike fullscreen, is fully keyboard accessible and therefore can also be used via voice activation keystroke commands.
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To adjust the volume of video in the channel4.com Player, click and drag the volume indicator in the control panel below the main image. If you are unable to increase the volume to an adequate level, check the Main volume and Wave volume of your computer system, which will override the volume level of the channel4.com player. You can usually access your system volume by clicking on the speaker icon in the lower right-hand corner of the Windows Task Bar.
Ensure you have mute unchecked and all external speakers connected properly.Speaker settings: To view your PC's speaker setting go to your PC's Control Panel and open the Sounds and Audio Devices control. In the Sound and Audio Devices Properties dialog, go to the Volume tab and in the Speaker settings section click the Advanced button. In the Advanced Audio Properties dialog, go to the Speakers tab and verify that your Speaker set-up is configured to match your PC's speaker configuration. If you have a six speaker 5.1 stereo system, select 5.1 surround sound speakers from the Speaker set-up drop down. Alternatively, if your PC has stereo speakers or you are using a laptop, select the appropriate stereo setting from the Speaker set-up drop down.
If your Speaker set-up is set to a mono setting, you should change the setting to an appropriate stereo setting (as some videos encoded with 5.1 surround sound experience low centre channel sound if your PC's Speaker set-up is set to a mono setting). In most cases turning up the volume control and adjusting the speaker settings will allow sound to play properly.
Please consult your computer manual/help for additional troubleshooting regarding sound settings specific to your computer.
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The minimum operating requirements for each platform are described below.
Accessing online at www.channel4.com
In order to watch you will need:- A laptop or desktop with a currently supported version of Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS.
- An internet connection
- And one of our recommended browsers:
- Google Chrome (latest version)
- Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
- Microsoft Edge (latest version)
- Safari (latest version)
You can access the mobile website and browse our catalogue of content on:
- Mobile and tablet devices with an internet connection
Please note: Internet Explorer 11 is no longer being supported. To continue watching we would strongly suggest that you update to one of the browsers above.iPhone and iPad apps:
- An internet connection
- iOS 12 and above
- content is only available with an internet connection unless you have downloaded our programmes to watch offline; you can browse and watch video using mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity. To stream or download on mobile data, you'll need to turn off the 'Stream/Download only on Wi-Fi' toggles in your app settings
- Download our free app for iOS by visiting the iTunes app store from your deviceAndroid apps:
- An internet connection
- Android OS 5.0 and above. For security reasons, rooted devices are not support
- content is only available with an internet connection unless you have downloaded our programmes to watch offline; you can browse and watch video using mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity. To stream or download on mobile data, you'll need to turn off the 'Stream/Download only on Wi-Fi' toggles in your app settings
- Download our free app for Android by visiting Google Play or Amazon storeChromecast:
- Use your Android or iOS device, or the Chrome browser on your computer, to cast content directly to your TV.TVs, Consoles and Set Top Boxes:
Content is available on the following devices:
- PS4, PS5, XBoxOne, YouView, Roku, Samsung Tizen (mid-2015 models and above), Amazon Fire, FreeviewPlay, Now TV, Sky, Virgin Media, Apple TVAccessing Channel 4+
Channel 4+ is available across all devices and the same minimum requirements as accessing the Channel 4 app apply. To sign up log into your account and select account settings.If you are unsure what the latest browser versions are this information can be found online search for latest browser guide. (Please be aware, Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.)
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