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: 12.

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  1. Woll

    Wrote at 2009-12-22 13:15 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:

    For those, like me, who are running Mac OS X 10.5.8 and who haven’t used “ruby gems” before, then you’ll need to do something like this to get it to install:

    sudo gem update—system
    sudo gem sources -a http://gemcutter.org
    sudo gem install iplayer-dl

    and then add ”/Users/username/.gem/ruby/1.8/bin” to your PATH.

  2. gareth

    Wrote at 2009-12-22 14:48 UTC using Chrome 3.0.195.38 on Windows XP:

    brillant cheers

  3. hah

    Wrote at 2009-12-24 15:00 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:

    in india ….using a vpn… can download and watch iplayer through a browser topgear.. spooks…etc but all of the mac apps based on versions of your script are failing to download (all four of them) are they using a obsolete version?
    They Initiate the download and then cancel.
    i have tried downloading the iplayer-dl but don’t have the skills to make it work – have you published the steps to install it on os x 10.5 or could you help me do it

    hope you have a merry xmas and enjoy the snow – it’s 20℃ here and not very christmas’y

    log from get iplayer automator http://pastie.org/755686

  4. David

    Wrote at 2010-01-03 15:22 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP 64 or Server 2003:

    I have downloaded the latest version of IPDL V 1.14 and it has downloaded a file for me in MP4 format.

    I have tried to play this using Gom Player, again latest version, but it only gives still pictures.

    Any good ideas? or should I use a different MP4 player, if so what do you suggest?

    regards,

    David.

  5. liam

    Wrote at 2010-01-06 13:06 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP:

    vlc player !!!! it plays it aslo windows plays it … hope this helps …

  6. Sev

    Wrote at 2010-01-06 21:27 UTC using Firefox 3.5.3 on Mac OS X:

    Hello

    I’m a big computer thicky with an intel iMac running snow leopard. Have recently moved from UK to the Republic of Ireland. Is there any way I can get iPlayer to work over here…?

    : )

  7. PY

    Wrote at 2010-01-29 09:23 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows NT:

    Can anyone please help

    I keep getting this error message on Win XP

    Unable to parse the metadat for this programme
    As a workaround, you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually

  8. Fred F.

    Wrote at 2010-02-01 13:34 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:

    Can’t d/load Screenwipe from Last Tuesday – notice it has Language Warning – is this relevant or is it just not available in this version.

    Is there any way of finding out?

    Best

  9. Sion

    Wrote at 2010-02-03 21:09 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:

    Dear Paul

    Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful iPlayer Downloader. Magnificent job…

    Thanks and regards
    Sion

  10. City-of-hotels

    Wrote at 2010-02-12 23:17 UTC using Firefox 3.5.7 on Windows XP:

    You are a real genius!
    Do love your ideas – at least most of them for sure!
    Thanks for the updatec!

  11. Jez

    Wrote at 2010-02-17 14:24 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows NT:

    Same Screenwipe downloading issues for me too (even older episodes).

    “The program file is not currently avaliable. If it’s new, try again later” message :(

  12. Russell Masters

    Wrote at 2010-02-25 11:15 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:

    Hi there, left a post the other day but its gone now ??!!

    I am having the same problem as Jez. Its a great programme and a shame that its not working at the mo.

    Russ

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