Many people have found that they are getting an error message when attempting playback on the My5 on demand service on some devices.

Although the service loads, and gets you to the main My5 menu screen, trying to watch any content and you receive the VJS-2010 PLAYBACK ERROR message.

According to My5, the issue is affecting the app on various platforms, including Freeview Play and YouView devices, as well as on the Playstation 4 app.

I have tried on a Freesat 4K Set top box, and am also receiving this error message.

It appears that the error has been around some time, and it is taking the tech team at My5 some time to isolate the cause.

Message from My5:

VJS-2010 PLAYBACK ERROR
Updated 21 February 2023 16:48
We are aware of an issue that is currently presenting the VJS-2010 error when trying to play content in the app.

The issue is affecting the app on various platforms, including Freeview Play and YouView devices, as well as on the Playstation 4 app.

Unfortunately this is a fairly generic error message which could be caused by a wide range of issues so it’s proving difficult to determine exactly why it is happening but we will continue to work to get this resolved.

The issue doesn’t affect all platforms and playback should work on other devices, as well as the My5 website.

Frustration Among Users

The My5 VJS-2010 problem generated considerable frustration online, particularly because the issue reportedly continued for an extended period without a permanent fix.

Many viewers complained that:

• The app worked inconsistently
• Playback failed after adverts
• Problems returned repeatedly
• Troubleshooting steps rarely helped

Some users found the service worked on one device but failed entirely on another within the same household.

Possible Workarounds

While waiting for permanent fixes, some users reported partial success using temporary workarounds including:

• Restarting devices
• Reinstalling the My5 app
• Clearing app cache
• Updating firmware
• Trying different internet connections
• Using the My5 website instead

However, because the issue appeared server-side for many users, local troubleshooting often failed to resolve the problem completely.

Streaming Reliability Still Varies

The VJS-2010 issue highlighted the ongoing reliability challenges facing modern streaming television platforms.

Unlike traditional satellite or terrestrial broadcasting, streaming systems depend on constant compatibility between apps, devices, internet connections and backend servers.

Even major broadcasters can experience widespread technical problems when updates or platform changes introduce unexpected compatibility issues.

For many viewers, the My5 playback error became another reminder that while streaming services offer convenience and flexibility, they can still suffer from frustrating technical reliability problems compared to traditional broadcast television.

What is My5

My5 is the on-demand streaming service from Channel 5, offering a wide range of shows from its network. Available online and through apps on various devices, My5 allows users to catch up on popular Channel 5 programs, including dramas, documentaries, reality shows, and entertainment. The service features content from other Channel 5 channels like 5STAR, 5USA, and 5SELECT, providing a variety of genres. Users can watch both recent episodes and older series, making it a convenient platform for catching up on missed TV shows or discovering new ones. My5 is free, supported by ads, and widely accessible in the UK.