Frequently Asked Questions
1 Which is the best Browser to use?
I think this can be down to a personal preference, but it is always worth having more than one, because there are always updates and changes to the iplayer or browser.
From a personal point of view I use FireFox most of the time, mainly for their proxy switcher, which makes life so much easier, it also doesn’t effect your operating system and will often work if you are struggling with Internet Explorer.
As a backup I use Google Chrome, which uses the Internet Explorer settings and Opera is another good alternative
It is also worth noting if you want to watch the BBC live, the proxy needs to be set in IE
2 Why should I switch of the proxy when the stream starts
By doing this it ensures the stream is not using the proxy and that way you are getting a direct faster connection. Although the server is not busy it is a good habit to get into particularly at peak times such as the F1 or other sporting event.
3 Why does the proxy not except my username and password?
There can be a number of reasons for this but before you contact me, the likelihood is that you are cutting and pasting the username and password and it is better to type them in or you have put in the wrong ip address.
4 Why do I keep getting asked for the username and password?
If it is not as above then it could be that all your connections are going through the proxy, so ensure the “Bypass proxy server for local addresses” is ticked. Also the first time you use the proxy, it will ask for the username and password a few times first time around until it remembers.
NB getting asked for the username and password is a good sign
5 Will it work with the IPad?
The answer here is yes and no, it will only work if you have a fixed ip address, if so I can configure your connection differently.
6 I would like to help out with the costs, what way can I contribute?
Well firstly thanks, but I will accept most forms, basically whatever is easier for you including trade offs and chocolates lol
7 I have set up the proxy and it still is not workingThere can be a few reasons one of which is if you are using WiFi at a school or public place there is a chance that proxys are disabled<
8 I cannot play a video because I have insufficient bandwidth?
This is more than likely your end, but you can always switch of the proxy to get max speed.
In the case of the BBC. The BBC does have a low bandwidth version too, which is not obvious at it is in the bottom left hand corner of each video page
9 Can I use the BBC desktop downloader?
Yes you can, but you need to set the proxy in Internet Explorer, start the download, as soon as it is downloading switch off the proxy and then this will speed up the download. When the download has finished, switch back on to watch.
10 Can I watch 4oD with the proxy?
Yes but it needs to be with Internet Explorer, although it can change with updates and I found recently I needed to use Chrome to get it to work
11 Will it work with a MAC
Yes but I am unable to give support here as I do not have a MAC but if you follow this link you will find details on setting up on a MAC
