What is UltraViolet?
UltraViolet is a free, cloud-based digital rights collection that gives you greater flexibility with how and where you watch the movies and TV shows that you purchase. When you buy a movie or TV show from a participating retailer, it's automatically added to your UltraViolet Collection and you have options to stream it over the Internet and/or download it for offline viewing to a variety of connected devices. Because UltraViolet offers so many viewing choices, you have greater freedom to choose where you want to watch - on a mobile device, computer, television, game console, etc.
How does UltraViolet work?
Every time you buy an UltraViolet movie or TV show, you can add a digital "proof of purchase" to your UltraViolet Collection. UltraViolet retailers, streaming services, and Players can then confirm your rights to the movie or TV show and enable you to watch.
What is an "UltraViolet right"?
When you purchase UltraViolet movies or TV shows, you get more than just a disc or single-use stream. You get rights that represent other ways you can enjoy your UltraViolet movie or TV show.
A few examples of what UltraViolet rights allow you to do:
- Download a digital version of a movie or TV show you purchased on Blu-ray
- Stream a show to your smartphone, tablet, or other eligible connected device
- Create or obtain a physical copy such as a DVD
Please note that offers from UltraViolet retailers and streaming providers may vary, so check with each to determine the details of their particular UltraViolet offer. More information.
Will my UltraViolet rights expire?
No, your rights to your UltraViolet Collection of movies and TV shows do not expire. Content providers may limit the time you have to redeem an UltraViolet code that comes with a Blu-ray Disc or DVD, but after you have redeemed your rights to the movie or TV show, your rights do not expire.
More information.
What is my "UltraViolet Collection"?
Your UltraViolet Collection is a record of all of the official UltraViolet rights you have acquired in your UltraViolet account. For example, if you redeem an UltraViolet right that comes with a Blu-ray Disc or DVD you've purchased, or buy an UltraViolet movie or TV show online, those rights are stored in your UltraViolet Collection. Your Collection appears as a list of the movies and TV shows you own the rights to, along with information about the specific rights involved such as HD or SD viewing or getting a physical copy. This record can be accessed by you and the other members of your account, the Players in your account, and the UltraViolet retailers and UltraViolet streaming providers you choose to use.
How do I create an account?
UltraViolet accounts can be created at some UltraViolet retail services or on uvvu.com. (Select "Sign Up Now" to get started.)
You must be 18 or older to create an UltraViolet account. As the first member of your account, you are given full membership permissions, which allow you to create and manage other members in the account, including setting their permissions and parental controls.
Creating an UltraViolet account does not require a credit card or any other financial information. You only need to provide your name, email address, birth date, and country, create a unique sign-in name and password, and accept the UltraViolet Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Once you have created an account, you can add and manage other account members, add and manage Players, and view movies and TV shows that you add to your UltraViolet Collection.
How do I add new purchases to my UltraViolet Collection?
For online purchases, you can easily add new titles directly to your UltraViolet Collection as part of your purchase process. Before you complete your check-out, you'll be given the opportunity to log into your UltraViolet account (or create one if needed), and your movie or TV show will be automatically added to your UltraViolet Collection.
UltraViolet-enabled movies and TV shows on disc come with in-package instructions on how to log in (or create an account) and add the title to your UltraViolet Collection.
Do I have to purchase all of my UltraViolet movies from the same retailer?
No. Movies and TV shows you purchase from any participating UltraViolet retailer can be added to your UltraViolet Collection. Certain retailers or streaming services may offer supplemental benefits (in addition to your UltraViolet rights) which may have special appeal to you.
How much do UltraViolet movies and TV shows cost?
Prices are set by the studios and retailers and will vary by title, just like they do for other formats such as DVD. UltraViolet does not set pricing.
Can I add previously purchased movies and TV shows to my account?
Only movies and TV shows with UltraViolet rights can be added to your UltraViolet Collection. This includes all titles you see for sale with the UltraViolet logo. Additionally, some retailers and studios may offer "disc to digital" programs in which movies and TV shows you already own can be upgraded with a grant of UltraViolet rights. Check with UltraViolet retailers for details.
How can I watch my UltraViolet movies and TV shows?
"All kinds of ways. You can download and/or stream to many Internet-connected devices:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Cable/satellite set-top boxes
- Blu-ray Disc players
- Internet connected TVs
You may also be able to get a physical copy such as a DVD if this right is part of the offer from the retailer.
(See "How do I find UltraViolet Players?)
What kind of personal information is collected when I create my UltraViolet account?
Just the basics: Name, email address, birth date, and country. You don't need to provide a credit card to sign up for UltraViolet, although UltraViolet retailers may require a credit card to purchase UltraViolet movies and TV shows.
Does it cost anything to set up and manage my UltraViolet account?
No, UltraViolet accounts are free of charge, with unlimited access to manage your movies and TV shows for up to 6 members.
What is an "account name"?
The name that you give to your UltraViolet account. Remember, you can have up to 6 members within an account, including yourself. You might want to think of your account name as your family name, while the members of your account are the members of your family. An account name can have any combination of up to 50 letters, numbers, and characters (including spaces).
Are there guidelines for creating my sign-in name?
Your sign-in name is the unique name that the UltraViolet system uses to identify you. We check your sign-in name at the time that you create it; if someone has already created a member profile with that sign-in name you will be instructed to choose a different sign-in name. You can change your sign-in name at any time by going to Our Account, selecting your name or icon, and entering a new sign-in name. Your sign-in name must have at least 6 letters or numbers and no spaces. It may include periods (.), at signs (@), or hyphens (-).
I received a message saying my sign-in name already exists. What do I do?
Sign-in names must be unique in the entire UltraViolet system, not just within your family's account. Add a number or character to the sign-in name or select a different sign-in name and try again. You may want to use your email address as your sign-in name.
While trying to create an account, I received a message saying a membership already exists using my email address. What do I do?
If your email address has been found in the UltraViolet system as a sign-in name, but you are not aware of having an active membership, you may have deleted the old membership directly or by merging accounts. Your information will be saved for 90 days or longer, so the system is finding the deleted membership. If you deleted your entire account and would like to recover it, follow the instruction at "How can I recover a deleted account?" If you deleted a membership but not the account and would like to recover the membership, please contact UltraViolet Customer Care using a "Contact Us" link on this Help & FAQs page.
If you want to create a new account or a new member using the same email address, you will need to use a new, unique sign-in name. Some UltraViolet services will allow you to create new accounts, but not allow you to choose a sign-in name. In this case, create your new account by selecting "Sign Up Now" at uvvu.com. You can then return to the UltraViolet service and sign into your new UltraViolet account there.
Can I add members to my UltraViolet account?
Yes, as long as there are no more than 5 existing members in the account, and you have either full or standard membership permissions. If you have standard membership permissions you can only add other members with standard or basic permissions. If you have full membership permissions you can create any type of member.
How many people can share my UltraViolet account?
You may share your UltraViolet account with up to 5 other people, and each member can have their own sign-in name/password, parental control settings, and other personalized details.
Can I delete members from my UltraViolet account?
If you have full membership permissions, you can delete any other member. If you have standard membership permissions, you can delete any member with standard or basic membership permissions. Deletion removes the member's profile from your account but does not affect any movies or TV shows in your collection or any registered Players. To delete a member, go to Our Account, select the account member you wish to delete, and select "Remove this member". You and the member that was deleted will receive an email notification.
What does "unrated" mean?
An unrated movie or TV show has not been given a rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) or the TV industry (i.e., G, TV-G, PG, TV-Y7, PG-13, R, NC-17). Most adult programming is unrated, though it is typically also labeled specifically as "Adult" to support appropriate parental controls. Direct-to-video programming, including children's programs, is usually unrated. If you find that you are unable to see specific items in your UltraViolet Collection, they may have been filtered from your view by the "block unrated" parental control setting. Depending on your member level, you may be able to turn off this setting by editing your profile.
What are the benefits of having multiple account members instead of just sharing one sign-in name and password?
Each member gets to customize their view of the account's UltraViolet Collection, such as selecting by genre or where purchased. UltraViolet retailers can offer personalized recommendations based on each member's buying and viewing tastes. UltraViolet offers parental controls to limit underage members from accessing certain movies or TV shows (or even seeing them listed in the UltraViolet Collection).
Can more than one person access my UltraViolet account simultaneously?
Yes, more than one member can be signed into your UltraViolet account. In addition, you can have up to three streaming sessions running simultaneously among the members who share the account as well as up to 12 UltraViolet Players for playing downloade files.
Where can I purchase new movies and TV shows?
You can purchase new movies and TV shows from any UltraViolet retailer. Just look for the UltraViolet logo.
You may find it convenient to create a link between your accounts at UltraViolet retailers and your UltraViolet account. (See What is a "linked service" and what does creating a link enable?).
What's the difference between basic, standard, and full membership permissions?
Basic members are able to purchase new movies and TV shows from UltraViolet retailers, download and watch movies and TV shows, link/unlink retail accounts, view account information and Players added to the account, and edit certain aspects of their member profiles. Note: members with basic permissions cannot stream, add/remove account members, or change their own permissions or parental control settings.
Standard members can do everything members with basic permissions can do, plus they can stream movies and TV shows from UltraViolet streaming providers, add/remove members with basic or standard permissions, and add/remove Players from the account. Note: members with standard permissions cannot change their own access permissions or parental control settings.
Full members can do everything a member with standard permissions can do, plus they can link/unlink to certain UltraViolet streaming providers, set/edit all member profile information for all members (except minors for whom they are not identified as the legal guardian), add/remove account members, change all member permissions, and delete the entire UltraViolet account. "
Are there parental controls?
Yes. You can control what items in your UltraViolet Collection are accessible to children who share your account.
What parental control options are available to me?
If you have full membership permissions, you can restrict your access and other members' access to movies and TV shows based on rating (e.g., PG, PG-13, R, TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G). To do so, go to Our Account, select the member's profile name or icon, and adjust the settings on the parental controls tab. If necessary, select "Turn parental controls ON" and select the triangle next to a ratings system to show the possible settings, then adjust the settings as needed. Choose "N/A" to turn a ratings system off.
If the member is underage, you must be identified as the legal guardian in order to change parental control settings for that member.
You can set separate parental controls for movies and TV shows, and you can specifically block anything that has been labeled as "adult". You can also block access to music videos that have been labeled as "explicit" for language or other adult themes, and block access to anything without a rating (see What does "unrated" mean?).
Parental control settings for a member apply only to viewing your UltraViolet Collection on uvvu.com and to streaming when logged into participating UltraViolet streaming providers. Some Players and other services may require that parental control settings be set separately on the Player or service.
Please realize that there are certain instances in which the UltraViolet parental controls you set at uvvu.com do not apply. For example, if you watch an UltraViolet movie using your cable television service, but did not sign in with a sign-in name and password, you might need to use the parental control system built into the cable set-top box to establish a PIN code to keep household members from viewing inappropriate movies or TV shows.
Additionally, though a member may be able to see information about movies and TV shows above their parental control levels when shopping at an UltraViolet retailer, they will not be able to add them to the UltraViolet account.
Can I block access to unwanted types of movies and TV shows (such as "adult")?
Yes, you can. By default, adult movies are initially set to be blocked for all account members, although unrated movies and TV shows not identified as "adult" may not be blocked by default. To confirm the setting, go to Our Account, choose the member that you want to review and select the parental control tab. If parental controls are not currently enabled for a particular member, select "Turn parental controls ON". At the bottom of that page, there are checkboxes that allow you to block access to explicit lyrics, adult content, and unrated content. (see What does "unrated" mean?)
What is a "linked service" and what does creating a link enable?
A "linked service" is an UltraViolet service, such as an online retailer or streaming provider, that you link with your UltraViolet account.
While you may need to link your UltraViolet account to an UltraViolet service when purchasing or redeeming a movie or TV show for the first time, you are not required to keep the service linked to your UltraViolet account. Linking is simply a way to streamline the process of purchasing or viewing movies and TV shows by skipping the step of signing in to UltraViolet every time you want to use the service.
Linking your UltraViolet account to an account you have with an UltraViolet retailer enables your purchases to be added to your UltraViolet Collection without requiring you to sign in to UltraViolet first.
Linking your UltraViolet account to an UltraViolet streaming provider allows you to stream movies and TV shows without signing in to UltraViolet each time.
The service provider may offer you the option to use its web site to perform administrative functions for your UltraViolet account, such as managing members or viewing your Players.
The service provider may offer you the option to receive personalized recommendations based on the movies and TV shows in your UltraViolet Collection.
Please note that you do not have to link to services that require a login each time you use the service. You can simply sign in to UltraViolet each time. However, you must link your UltraViolet account to use streaming services that do not support login.
How do I link UltraViolet services and my UltraViolet account?
UltraViolet participating services may have an option to link your account with them to your UltraViolet account. You must go to the service's web page or application to establish the link. You can remove links or any of the permissions that you have given a service by going to Our Account on uvvu.com, selecting your name/icon, then selecting the Linked Services tab.
How can I ensure I do not repurchase UltraViolet movies or TV shows I already bought?
You can check to see what you have in your UltraViolet Collection prior to making a purchase by signing in to uvvu.com. You may also receive a message from an UltraViolet retailer warning you that something is already in your UltraViolet Collection.
If my retailer or streaming provider stops participating in UltraViolet, what will happen to my rights?
Your rights with respect to the movies and TV shows in your UltraViolet Collection will NOT be affected. UltraViolet Files that you have downloaded to your UltraViolet Players will still be available to you. Other UltraViolet retailers and UltraViolet streaming providers may provide options for future downloads and streaming.
If a member is deleted, what happens to the movies or TV shows purchased by that member?
Rights stay with the UltraViolet account. Movies and TV shows purchased by the deleted member will be available to the remaining members as long as parental controls do not restrict them from viewing it.
The members of my UltraViolet account are no longer together. How do I divide the movies and TV shows that are in the account?
Rights cannot be moved to other UltraViolet accounts. When a movie or TV show is added to an account, it remains with that account. If you have family members that relocate temporarily (for instance, a child going away to school) they can continue to view movies and TV shows using any of the account's registered UltraViolet Players, or through an UltraViolet streaming provider.
Why might I need an account with an UltraViolet participating service to watch and download movies and TV shows?
Your UltraViolet Collection is a record of all of the UltraViolet movie and TV show rights you own. Download and streaming access is provided by UltraViolet participating services. Most participating services require that you create a separate account in their system to buy or access movies and TV shows from them. In some cases, a single account at a participating service can be shared by all members of an UltraViolet account. In other cases, each member of the UltraViolet account will need a separate account at the participating service to watch or download UltraViolet movies and TV shows there.
You can usually link your UltraViolet membership to your accounts at participating services. (See What is a "linked service" and what does creating a link enable?)
What's the difference between downloading and streaming?
Downloaded UltraViolet Files will play in an UltraViolet Player registered to your account, even if the Player is not connected to the Internet. You can copy the Files to other Players and make backup copies.
Streaming UltraViolet movies and TV shows requires a high-speed Internet connection. UltraViolet streaming providers make your movies and TV shows available on demand on a variety of devices and services.
What is an "UltraViolet streaming provider"?
An UltraViolet streaming provider gives you online access to some or all of the movies and TV shows in your UltraViolet Collection without requiring you to download a File to an UltraViolet Player.
Do I need to purchase special equipment to use UltraViolet?
No. You can use UltraViolet on free websites and with free apps. Players and apps you already own may be upgradeable to support UltraViolet. In addition, devices that work with UltraViolet right out of the box will be available, and you may be interested in making such a feature one of your "checklist" items when buying new devices. Where to find UltraViolet.
How many different UltraViolet movies and TV shows can account members watch at the same time?
Unlimited if they are watching downloaded (local) copies, and up to three online streams at the same time.
Is there a limit to the number of movies and TV shows I can have in my UltraViolet Collection?
No. There is no limit to the number of movies and TV shows you collect with UltraViolet.
Can I make back-up copies of UltraViolet movies and TV shows?
Yes. Once you download an UltraViolet File you can make as many copies as you like, including backups to cloud storage. You can copy UltraViolet Files between your Players and Players registered to other accounts. As long as there's a corresponding right in the account the Player is registered to, the File will play. And because you can stream from UltraViolet streaming services, it's like having an online, cloud-based back-up that automatically comes with each movie or TV show in your Collection.
Can I get a disc or other physical copy when I buy UltraViolet rights online?
Some UltraViolet retailers may offer a version of an UltraViolet movie of TV show that includes permission to make or obtain a physical copy in addition to your download and streaming rights. If you originally purchased a physical copy (such as a Blu-ray Disc) it is considered to be your physical copy.
If you purchase an UltraViolet movie or TV show that includes the right to a physical copy, and you have not already obtained a physical copy, you will be able to create a physical copy or obtain one from your UltraViolet retailer (how this works can vary by retailer). Contact the retailer that sold you the movie or TV show for details.
Will my movies and TV shows play in countries other than where I purchased them?
If you download a movie or TV show in your local region to an UltraViolet Player, you should be able to play it on that Player anywhere in the world. However, geographic restrictions may prevent you from obtaining additional downloads or streaming in a different country from where you originally bought the movie or TV show.
What is an UltraViolet Player?
UltraViolet Players (currently in beta) are able to play downloaded UltraViolet Files. They can be dedicated software applications, such as a media player on your PC, or hardware made to work with UltraViolet, such as a Blu-ray player or Internet TV that has storage in it for downloaded files. See "How do I find UltraViolet Players?" and "How do I register an UltraViolet Player?"
What is an UltraViolet File?
UltraViolet Files (.uvu files) are downloadable files that play in UltraViolet Players, allowing you to watch without being connected to the Internet. UltraViolet Files come in standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) versions. UltraViolet Files can be shared, backed up, and copied from Player to Player without requiring re-download. As long as it?s listed in your UltraViolet Collection, an UltraViolet File will play in any UltraViolet Player registered to your account. See "What is an UltraViolet Player?"
What is the UltraViolet Players beta?
UltraViolet Players are new, launching as "beta" so UltraViolet services can test and improve them in real-world conditions. During the UltraViolet Players beta, not all UltraViolet movies and TV shows will have UltraViolet Files available. Your service provider may also offer other download formats, but these proprietary downloads will only work in that particular service's player. See ""What is an UltraViolet Player?" and "What is an UltraViolet File?". "Send us your feedback."
How do I find UltraViolet Players?
Look for the UltraViolet logo on computer software, apps for tablets and smartphones, game consoles, Blu-ray players, smart TVs, and more. Many devices have the ability to play UltraViolet Files, and more are being added. Check the list of UltraViolet partners for companies that make UltraViolet-compatible products. (UltraViolet Players are currently in beta.)
How do I register an UltraViolet Player?
Registration is a one-time process: find the "register" feature on your Player, enter your UltraViolet sign-in name and password, and you're done. You can have up to a total of 12 Players registered to your account at a time. You can see all the Players registered to your account by going to Our Players, where you can also choose Edit to give a Player a more personalized name such as "Mom's iPad". You can also unregister Players. (UltraViolet Players are currently in beta.)
How do I unregister an UltraViolet Player?
Just find the "unregister" feature on your Player. If a Player is unavailable or broken, you can unregister it by going to Our Players, selecting Edit next to the Player name, then selecting "Report as lost or unavailable". There is a limit on how many Players can be marked as lost or unavailable (see "How and why are Players limited per account?") (UltraViolet Players are currently in beta.)
How and why are Players limited per account?
To ensure that every member of an UltraViolet account can securely share and play movies and TV shows, each account is allowed up to 12 Players. Old Players can be unregistered and new Players added in their place. Players reported as lost or unavailable remain associated with an account, and if you have too many of them you may be limited in how many new Players you can register. (UltraViolet Players are currently in beta.)
Does UltraViolet include subscription, rental, or ad-supported viewing?
Not at this time; however, these types of options may be added in future updates of UltraViolet.
What should I do if I forget my sign-in name or password?
Select "Forgot sign-in name or password?" on the sign-in screen. Complete the form and select "Continue". We will send you an email with a link. Select the link in the email to sign in and create a new password.
Passwords must be at least 6 characters in length, with no spaces. Capitalization matters. Be sure to keep your password in a secure place for future reference.
How can I recover a deleted account?
It is possible to restore a deleted account (but not a deleted member) as long as you act quickly. Proceed to the Reopen Your UltraViolet Account page. You will be asked to provide your sign-in name and password, and you will need to accept the Terms of Use again. Your account will be reactivated promptly.
Note: You have up to 90 days to reactivate a deleted account, so don't delay!
My account has been suspended. What happened?
Your account might have been suspended due to violation of the UltraViolet Terms of Use. If you believe an error has been made, please contact UltraViolet Customer Care using a "Contact Us" link on this Help & FAQs page.
