Guide to Streaming Videos: Swank Motion Pictures

How to Watch

1. Click the link your Professor sent you, or
2. Click on the Swank Motion Pictures Database link to browse our current collection.
3. Sign in using your UH username and password.

Note: Students use their UH credentials to watch, no account required

Watch on Your PC or Mac

Swank recommends using Google Chrome to watch movies for the best experience. If you use Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari, you will need to download Google's Widevine Video Optimizer plugin.

Watch on Your Phone or Tablet

• Swank App for Android
• Swank App for iOS

Watch on Your TV with Chromecast

Using Google Chrome, select Cast in the menu to show content from your PC or Mac to your TV or any device with an HDMI input.

• Cast a Chrome Tab on Your TV

Troubleshooting (General)

I'm having trouble logging in./My account is locked.

You may be using an incorrect password or the user account was locked out for too many log in attempts. If the username and password are personalized to you, click Forgot Password to reset your password. Verify general log in credentials or request an account unlock by contacting the library at (808) 845-9199 or honcclib@hawaii.edu during normal business hours.

Why am I getting a 403 error?

You may receive this error when trying to log into the streaming portal because you were provided with an incorrect link for the movie. The URL you are attempting to access should end in the word "direct". If that is not the case, ask your teacher for a Direct Link to the movie, not the page URL you may have received.

I cannot find a movie I was told is licensed to my school.

Some movies have restricted access due to studio rights or user role within the streaming platform. Students may play Restricted Titles but must be provided with a Direct Link. Teachers/Instructors obtain a shareable Direct Link by logging in as an Instructor. Click the Search tab on the platform menu; if you do not see a menu, make sure you are logged in to your instructor account or contact your school's Swank administrator for help.

Accessibility

How do I use Captioning & Subtitles?

Closed captions for specific films are indicated with the standard “CC” icon, when available, on both the watch page and title preview. If closed captions are required but not indicated as available for a particular film, please contact the library to see if captions are available to be added.

Does Swank have Screen Reader Compatibility?

Swank recommends the use of Narrator on Windows and ChromeVox on ChromeOS. To toggle off the scan mode on ChromeVox: On computer or laptop, toggle off the reader temporarily from any page by pressing Ctrl + Alt + z. To toggle off the scan mode on a tablet, press and hold the Volume down + Volume up buttons for 5 seconds. While holding the buttons, you’ll hear a sound to indicate it’s working. Keep holding the buttons, then ChromeVox will start speaking. To toggle off the scan mode on on Narrator, press Narrator + Spacebar. 

Instructor Note: Please do not select titles that say 'Additional time (4-6 weeks) & fees apply to process request'. Additionally, keep in mind that singular episodes of series and shows count as one movie title. We will approve those requests on a case-by-case basis.

Instructor Note: Please do not select titles that say 'Additional time (4-6 weeks) & fees apply to process request'. Additionally, keep in mind that singular episodes of series and shows count as one movie title. We will approve those requests on a case-by-case basis.

Instructor Note: Please do not select titles that say 'Additional time (4-6 weeks) & fees apply to process request'. Additionally, keep in mind that singular episodes of series and shows count as one movie title. We will approve those requests on a case-by-case basis.

If video does not load in the player or to view the video transcript, please click this link.

Frequently Asked Questions (Instructors)

I'm having trouble logging in (after creating an Instructor account)./My account is locked.

You may be using an incorrect password or the user account was locked out for too many log in attempts. If the username and password are personalized to you, click Forgot Password to reset your password. Verify general log in credentials or request an account unlock by contacting the library at (808) 845-9199 or honcclib@hawaii.edu during normal business hours.

Am I able to show a movie over Zoom or another screen-sharing platform?

No, the Swank streaming portal is not intended to be used via screen sharing platforms, such as Zoom. Aside from licensing agreements, it is also impossible to ensure quality playback from the sharing platforms; while instructors may see normal playback, individual students will experience audio and video disruptions. Teachers/instructors should provide students with a Direct Link to view the movie on their individual devices to ensure quality playback and use a virtual meeting application simultaneously for class discussion.

I cannot find a movie I was told is licensed to my school.

Some movies have restricted access due to studio rights or user role within the streaming platform. Students may play Restricted Titles but must be provided with a Direct Link. Teachers/Instructors obtain a shareable Direct Link by logging in as an Instructor. Click the Search tab on the platform menu; if you do not see a menu, make sure you are logged in to your instructor account or contact your school's Swank administrator for help.

What does "Additional fees and time may apply" mean?

When selecting a title, you may see this message if Swank must obtain a digital file in addition to licensing the title to your school. HCC Library will not approve purchase of these titles.

Why am I getting a 403 error?

You may receive this error if you previously logged into the portal as a student. Clear your browser cache and log in with your Instructor credentials. Or, ask your Library Administrator for a link which provides access to a login page for Instructors.