ITV Hub
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Screenshot
ITV Hub homepage
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| Developer(s) | ITV plc |
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| Initial release | 5 December 2008 |
| Stable release |
23 November 2015
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| Operating system | Windows, Macintosh, Linux |
| Platform | Online, cable, IPTV, PlayStation 3, mobile |
| Available in | English |
| Type | Video on demand |
| Website | itv |
The ITV Hub (formerly ITV Player) is an online video on demand service accessible though the main ITV website itv.com. The service offers a variety of programmes from homegrown programming to imports across ITV, ITV2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV. Some sports programming is available to watch again via the service, the 2010 FIFA World Cup and highlights being examples. Some programmes, imports and movies are not currently available due to rights issues, and until the latest version, most children's programming in particular was generally unavailable. Programmes are available for 30 days on the site after being first shown on ITV. The service was originally called ITV Catch Up but was then rebranded 'ITV Player' on 5 December 2008 as part of ITV's aim to create a recognisable and consistent brand for video-on-demand content across the web and TV. ITV Player was also branded as ITV Net Player and referred to as the ITV Network Player in branding and communication around programming intended for consumption across the UK, such as on Virgin Media, before adopting the current name.
As of February 2013[update], the service has over 1 million registered users.
ITV Hub requires its users to watch advertisements both before and during the programme (the program itself can be fast forwarded but the advertisements cannot).
On 23 November 2015, ITV gave the app and website a revamp, it was renamed 'ITV Hub' and was given a new look and logo.
The service started out as a website before being extended to television and other platforms. Initially the website version used Microsoft Silverlight as opposed to Adobe Flash (used by BBC iPlayer and Channel 4's 4oD) and Windows Media Video. ITV adopted Flash for its player on 15 September 2009. In November 2009 the website was revamped again improving navigation as well as making the site more visually appealing. The service is free to use funded by pre-, mid- and post-roll adverts. Previously users have been able to use ad-blocking software to skip the adverts shown. During Summer 2010, the ITV website was upgraded to detect ad-blocking software. Video is sent at multiple bit rates and uses adaptive technology in the player to best determine rate based on users connection.
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