RTE is Ireland’s national broadcaster, offering a wide range of programming, including news, sports, drama, and entertainment. While the channel is primarily targeted towards Irish viewers, it is also available in the UK through a variety of methods. In this article, we will explore the different ways to watch RTE in the UK, both legally and illegally.
Legal ways to watch RTE in the UK
RTE Player International
RTE Player International is the official streaming service of RTE, available to viewers outside of Ireland. It provides access to live and on-demand content from the RTE channels, including RTE One, RTE Two, and RTE News Now. The service is available on desktop and mobile devices and can be accessed through the RTE website or mobile app. A monthly subscription fee of €8.99 applies, with a free trial available for new users.
To sign up for RTE Player International, visit the RTE website and follow the instructions to create an account. You must provide your details and payment information to complete the process. Once your account is set up, you can start watching RTE content immediately.
Sky TV
Sky TV is a popular satellite television provider in the UK, offering a range of channels, including RTE One and RTE Two. To access RTE channels on Sky TV, subscribe to the Irish package, which includes RTE One, RTE Two, TG4, and other Irish media. The package costs £11 per month on top of your Sky TV subscription.
To subscribe to the Irish package, simply login to your Sky account and go to the “Add TV” section. Select the Irish package and follow the instructions to complete the subscription process. Once your subscription is active, you can access RTE channels through your Sky TV box.
Virgin Media
Virgin Media is another popular television provider in the UK, offering a range of channels, including RTE One and RTE Two. To access RTE channels on Virgin Media, you must subscribe to the Full House package, which includes over 230 channels, including RTE One, RTE Two, and other Irish channels. The package costs £65 per month on a 12-month contract.
To subscribe to the Full House package, visit the Virgin Media website and follow the instructions to sign up. You must provide your details and payment information to complete the subscription process. Once your subscription is active, you can access RTE channels through your Virgin Media box.
Freeview
Freeview is a free-to-air digital television service available in the UK, offering a range of channels, including RTE One and RTE Two. To access Freeview’s RTE channels, you must have a Freeview HD or Freeview Play compatible television or set-top box. Once you have the correct equipment, perform a channel scan to find and add RTE channels to your channel list.
Illegal Ways to Watch RTE in the UK
While there are legal ways to watch RTE in the UK, some viewers may choose to access the channel through illegal methods. This can include using a virtual private network (VPN) to access the RTE Player International service from outside of Ireland or unofficial streaming sites to watch RTE content for free.
It is important to note that accessing RTE content through illegal methods breaches copyright law and can result in legal action being taken against you. In addition, illegal streaming sites can be unsafe and expose you to malware or other security risks.
Conclusion
There are legal ways to watch RTE in the UK, such as subscribing to the RTE Player International service or accessing RTE channels through television providers like Sky TV, Virgin Media, or Freeview. These options ensure compliance with copyright laws and provide a safe viewing experience. Avoiding illegal methods, such as using VPNs or unofficial streaming sites, is important as they can lead to legal consequences and security risks. By choosing the legal options available, viewers can enjoy RTE’s diverse programming while respecting the rights of content creators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I watch RTE in the UK for free?
No, RTE’s official streaming service, RTE Player International, requires a subscription fee of €8.99 per month. However, some television providers in the UK, such as Sky TV and Virgin Media, offer RTE channels as part of their paid packages. Freeview, a free-to-air digital television service, also includes RTE channels, but you will need a compatible television or set-top box to access them. It’s important to note that accessing RTE content through illegal methods, such as using VPNs or unofficial streaming sites, is not recommended as it violates copyright laws and can lead to legal consequences.
Please note that the availability and pricing of RTE channels may vary, so it’s advisable to check with the respective providers for the most up-to-date information.
Can I watch RTE in the UK using a VPN?
While a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can allow you to access RTE content from outside of Ireland, it is important to note that RTE Player International is the official streaming service for international viewers. By subscribing to RTE Player International, you can legally access RTE content in the UK without a VPN. It provides a seamless and secure streaming experience. Accessing RTE content through unauthorized VPN usage or other illegal means can violate copyright laws and may lead to legal consequences. It is always recommended to use legitimate methods, such as subscribing to official streaming services or accessing RTE channels through authorized television providers, to ensure compliance with the law and to support the creators of the content you enjoy.
Can I watch RTE in the UK using a smart TV?
Yes, you can watch RTE in the UK using a smart TV. One way to access RTE content is through the RTE Player International service, available on various smart TV platforms. Search for the RTE Player app on your smart TV, download and install it, and sign in with your RTE Player International account. This will give you access to live and on-demand RTE content directly on your smart TV. Alternatively, suppose you have a television provider such as Sky TV or Virgin Media. In that case, you can subscribe to their packages, including RTE channels, and access them through their respective apps on your smart TV. Ensure your smart TV is compatible with the RTE Player app or the TV provider’s app to enjoy RTE programming on the big screen from the comfort of your home.
