Cookies Policy

Last updated: 03 November 2026

This Cookies Policy explains how starryel uses cookies and similar technologies on its website. As a professional hub based in the United Kingdom focused on live television production, we are committed to transparency under the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

What cookies and similar technologies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They can store information such as your preferences, login status and browsing behaviour. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage that serve comparable functions. These tools allow websites to remember user actions across visits without storing large amounts of personal data directly.

Why the site uses them

We employ these technologies to ensure the website functions correctly, to improve performance, to understand visitor behaviour and to deliver relevant content. Without them many core features would not operate as intended, and we would be unable to provide the reliable experience expected by professionals exploring studio equipment integration and live production processes.

Strictly necessary, functional, analytics, advertising and social-media categories

Strictly necessary cookies enable basic site operation such as navigation and security. Functional cookies remember choices like language or display preferences. Analytics cookies help us measure usage patterns so we can refine content about camera techniques and acoustic optimisation. Advertising cookies may be used to show tailored information about production services. Social-media cookies facilitate sharing or embedding content from external platforms when relevant.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by starryel and relate to core site features. Third-party cookies originate from external providers such as analytics services or content delivery networks. Both types are listed in the table below with their respective purposes and durations.

Session versus persistent cookies

Session cookies exist only while your browser is open and are deleted automatically when you close it. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, allowing the site to recognise you on future visits. Retention periods range from a few hours for session-based security tokens to up to 24 months for certain analytics identifiers, always justified by the purpose they serve.

The data handled and purpose of each used category

Necessary cookies process minimal identifiers such as session IDs to maintain security and prevent fraud. Functional cookies store preference settings including video player volume or layout choices. Analytics cookies collect aggregated data on page views, time spent on sections about lighting setups and production workflows. Advertising cookies may record interaction with promotional banners to limit repetition. No category stores sensitive personal data without explicit consent.

The consent or exemption basis for each category under UK law

Strictly necessary cookies operate under the PECR strict necessity exemption and do not require consent. All other categories rely on your affirmative consent obtained through the site-wide cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before withdrawal. We maintain records of consent choices in line with accountability obligations under the UK GDPR.

Cookie or provider table

The following table summarises the cookies currently in use. Details are reviewed regularly and updated as providers change their practices.

Name: _site_session – Purpose: Maintains secure browsing session – Provider: starryel – Category: Strictly necessary – Duration: Session
Name: pref_lang – Purpose: Remembers language and accessibility settings – Provider: starryel – Category: Functional – Duration: 12 months
Name: _ga – Purpose: Distinguishes unique visitors for performance analysis – Provider: Google Analytics – Category: Analytics – Duration: 24 months
Name: _gid – Purpose: Stores information on user behaviour during a single visit – Provider: Google Analytics – Category: Analytics – Duration: 24 hours
Name: ads_pref – Purpose: Limits frequency of service-related messages – Provider: Third-party advertising partner – Category: Advertising – Duration: 6 months

How the consent manager works and how users can reject, change or withdraw choices

The cookie banner appears on first visit and allows granular selection of categories. You can reopen the banner at any time via the footer link to adjust preferences. Rejecting non-essential cookies prevents those technologies from activating on subsequent page loads. Withdrawal of consent is immediate and does not require further action beyond updating your selections.

Browser-level controls and the functional consequences of disabling cookies

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings menus. Disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent core navigation and form submission on the contact page. Blocking analytics cookies reduces our ability to improve content on dynamic camera techniques but does not affect basic site access. Persistent disabling of functional cookies removes saved preferences, requiring repeated manual configuration on each visit.

International transfers and cross-reference to the Privacy Policy

Some third-party providers may transfer data outside the United Kingdom. Where this occurs we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses. Full details of data handling practices, including transfers, are set out in our separate Privacy Policy available on the website.

Policy changes, contact route and last-updated date

We review this policy periodically and will update it when material changes occur. The current version was last revised on 03 November 2026. For questions about cookies or to exercise your rights, please use the contact form on our Contacts page or write to [email protected], MediaCityUK B4, Orange Tower, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 2HE, United Kingdom or call +44 161 295 5000. We aim to respond within one month in accordance with UK data protection timescales.