Latest iPlayer changes revisited

I updated my downloader the other day to keep up with the latest round of changes to the iPlayer service. However, I missed some complications regarding age-restricted programmes, and it wasn’t possible to download those at all.

I’ve fixed the problem, so go and update if you haven’t already.

Here’s how downloading currently works:

  • GET the iPhone programme page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/mobile/iplayer/episode/PID) using the iPhone user agent.
  • If there’s an age restriction form, make a POST to the same address, sending the form parameters (e.g. form=guidanceprompt&isOver16=1)
  • Extract the streaming URL from the embed element.
  • GET the stream using the CoreMedia user agent and an appropriate Range header.

Cookies need to be captured and sent throughout the process, including in the final download step.

2009-12-19 18:26 UTC. Comments: 9.

Jubilee Line Fail

If, like me, you live on the Jubilee Line, you’ll be familiar with the ongoing incompetence of the upgrade currently being carried out. This upgrade was due to finish in March 2009. It’s still going on, with line closures scheduled for almost every weekend through to April 2010.

In order to keep track of the weekends when I won’t be able to use the line, I’ve made a public calendar. You can import this into your own calendar using this link (you probably need to copy and paste the URL itself): More…

2009-12-17 14:23 UTC. Comments: 2.

A cessation of hostilities?

The iPlayer changed again today, which broke my downloader. It was a surprise to me: I had thought that the cat and mouse game of countermeasure and counter-countermeasure was over. Had the BBC regrouped for another round? More…

2009-12-16 22:38 UTC. Comments: 4.

Latest iPlayer changes

The BBC have tweaked the iPlayer again, and I’ve used my lunch break to update my downloader to keep up. If you’re using the command-line version via Ruby Gems, you can update to version 0.1.17 right now by typing More…

2009-12-16 13:57 UTC. Comments: 9.

I don’t believe in anthropogenic global warming

I don’t believe in anthropogenic global warming, because there’s no way that six billion people burning millions of years of sequestered carbon could possibly affect the atmosphere of the planet in any measurable way.

I don’t believe in anthropogenic global warming because I don’t like the arrogant certainty of these scientists with their facts and analyses. The world is more complicated than facts. And anyway, you know who else liked science? Hitler! And Stalin! More…

2009-12-08 22:40 UTC. Comments: 40.

Older entries can be found in the diary section.