[Stuart]

I might be wrong, but I think the on demand downloads via Sky are proper 50i? They are when I've used other services on there like Channel 4 and UKTV, so I presume STV is the same, not had access to it since Brookside started streaming though. Virgin's on demand used to be the same until a couple of years ago, then it all went 25p when it moved to a new system.

Of course, there's no reason the app streaming versions couldn't be 50p either, apart from slightly higher bandwith requirements if they were to keep the quality the same (though I've noticed the BBC iPlayer has started streaming their old SD library content at 50fps at lower bitrates that used to only be used for 25p and it looks fine, so maybe even a bitrate increase isn't really needed).

I know it's something I've mentioned several times in this thread a bit like a broken record, but I do feel if content's only going to be offered via a streaming route, then making it look the same as it would on TV or DVD/Blu-Ray should be a must. 50/60Hz content only being available in 25/30p shouldn't still be commonplace with streaming becoming more dominant.

The download quality on Sky's STV service is actually OK.  The content is fine at 50Hz and I think it's 50fps. You just have to tinker with the aspect ratio when using HDMI as it won't do it automatically.

My old HD TV is in my bedroom, but fed by the RF cable from the Sky STB downstairs, so displays STV Player content correctly in 4:3 for Brookside.

It looks OK quality, but then again I'm not wearing my contact lenses when I'm in bed!