Thoughts on the future of the iPlayer Downloader

Because it’s there—attributed to George Mallory, on being asked, Why do you want to climb Mt. Everest?

I had great fun working out how to download programmes from the iPlayer, fighting against the BBC’s cat and mouse games. I loved the controversy and notoriety. But I’m thinking about abandoning the iPlayer Downloader project for a number of reasons.

  • I feel that I succeeded in what I set out to achieve. I wanted to make it possible to download programmes, but I don’t really need to. Building the downloader was an enjoyable exercise, but it’s not scratching my itch.
  • The GUI is very limited, and I’m not really motivated to address that, or to give users the features they’re asking for. Similarly, I don’t take bug reports very seriously.
  • I’ve got other new projects to work on that are better ways to spend my free time.
  • There are other programmes that will do the same and more.

The code will still be there. I recently moved it to Github, so it’s easier than ever to fork it, and I might even pull the changes. What I’m proposing to do is to abandon responsibility for keeping it up to date or adding new features.

A lot of people keep asking if my program can download HD content. It can’t. But I know a program that can: get_iplayer. It doesn’t make sense to me to duplicate that work.

Anyway, at the moment, it’s just something I’m thinking about. I’d welcome your feedback.

2009-05-26 22:10 UTC. Comments: 29.

Comments

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  1. Ed

    Wrote at 2009-05-27 06:37 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:

    Given that I use it every day, and my ability to code and /or program is 0, I’d be massively disappointed to see you give it up. To the point where I’d be quite happy to pay for the app if you chose to go commercial.

    However, given what you’ve posted, my confidence in this comment influencing your decision is also 0.

    A great shame, but thanks for putting it out there.

  2. Reg Braithwaite

    Wrote at 2009-05-27 13:34 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Mac OS X:

    Miles Davis revolutionized jazz five times. Four of those times, he did so by walking away from his existing success and setting out in a new direction.

    If you feel you’ve learned what can be learned and shared that knowledge with the world, you’ve done all you can and what I have to say is “Thank you, good luck with what comes next.”

  3. w

    Wrote at 2009-05-27 13:45 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows XP:

    im here in singapore and this piece of software is a lifesaver for me!!! i would be willing to pay for it. please dont abandon it

  4. dan russell

    Wrote at 2009-05-28 10:04 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:

    Hi

    Sad news, but thanks for your efforts. Can you recommend a Windows alternative please?

    Thanks

  5. kzap

    Wrote at 2009-05-28 11:38 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:

    That’s a shame but I’ll try get_iplayer, worse case scenario I use the BBC’s adobe air downloader :(
    Thanks for taking it this far man, you have started something great.

    -Kzap

  6. Strawp

    Wrote at 2009-05-28 13:34 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:

    Good innings though eh?

    There hasn’t been much change from the BBC in terms of obfuscation. I think they pretty much reached their logical limit in trying to stop this sort of app.

    Phil checked off the other terrestrial UK channels in get_iplayer but I agree that once you’ve proved you can do it and stuck your flag in the top it’s less fun. I’ve never been one for maintaining code either.

  7. Ben Slee

    Wrote at 2009-05-28 14:36 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Linux:

    Congratulations Paul on a programme I also use every day and hope very much that I will be able to find a viable alternative to.

    It was a great journey and I have had fun relating your iplayer exploits to my friends from the very start.

    Now I have begun exuberantly relating your new EU exploits which is certainly free time well spent. Everything moves on but I just hope someone else will take over responsibility for iplayer_dl, as just the fact that it downloads twice as fast as the bbc’s, makes iplayer so much more useful.

    Thanks again and good luck in your new projects.

    Ben

  8. Mogsog

    Wrote at 2009-05-29 23:28 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows NT:

    It’s understandable that you no longer want to maintain the software but I can only thank you for the freedom it has given me. Downloading shows and literally putting them straight onto my ipod has helped waste away many-a-boring days. I am sure that a alternative will be found easily!

  9. malbry

    Wrote at 2009-05-30 07:37 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:

    Just a quick note to say thanks for creating iplayer-dl, which I use regularly. You asked for feedback, here’s mine: even if you don’t add new features, it would be great if you could at least keep the existing code working (ie. if the BBC changes formats etc). I think your users would really appreciate that. Thanks again for all the time you’ve spent on this project.

    Best regards,
    Malcolm

  10. Terence Eden

    Wrote at 2009-05-31 11:07 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:

    It’s your game – you can take the ball home any time you choose. It’s a great little application, though, one which has saved me from boredom on countless flights.

    The only thing I’d ask of you is to make sure that the code is well commented. That way, it becomes easier for anyone to repair or fork it.

  11. dave massingham

    Wrote at 2009-06-01 11:03 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows XP:

    Paul, you’re a hero.
    You are part of the Open Source army.
    I use your downloader often, and worry if the Beeb change their coding again.

    I think the idea of a volountary contribution for your efforts should be considered. You won’t get to be as rich as Gates, but more deserving.
    How about via PayPal?

    Many Thanks again.

  12. dapxin

    Wrote at 2009-06-03 02:22 UTC using Opera 9.80 on Windows XP:

    I am not a fan of many bbc programs but the occasions I have had to listen to some radio shows, this tool was heaven-sent;

    But it would be terribly hurtful, although to get to a point where it doesn’t work, and there is no one to fix it, I guess not too many people can complain, but the world would be one tool, a sadder place….

    If I could make one wish, it is to keep the app functional until time=infinity; forget new features. The least is to keep it well commented so someone may always be enlightened enough to fix it…

    You’ve been king to many people!

  13. Rob

    Wrote at 2009-06-03 13:26 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Windows Vista:

    Paul,
    Thank you for all the work you put into the iplayer downloader. I have no programming knowledge but was one of the many people who discovered that you could download the iphone copies by changing the user agent of a web browser. When that fact was spread around the web and the BBC closed the loophole it was this software that came to the rescue. Thank you.

    Also thank you in highlighting the existence of get_iplayer. It’s great that it allows for the downloading of higher quality sources but lacks in the GUI/ease of use. Just want to share the command I use particularly for windows users:

    cd to directory containing perl.exe and the get_iplayer.pl script. Then:

    perl.exe get_iplayer.pl—get—pid ?????—vmode=flashvhigh—subtitles—output=E:Videosget_iplayer

    Clearly replace ????? with the pid code of the TV programme, vmode can also be set to flashhd (if shown on BBC HD), or vmode=iphone to download the .mov copy we are used to.

    subtitles are overlaid (not embedded in the video), but if you don’t need/want them just remove that bit.

    Finally Output= directory to save to.

    Hope this helps anyone who is struggling

  14. dbstar

    Wrote at 2009-06-05 11:35 UTC using Safari 525.20 on Mac OS X:

    Does the “get_iplayer” application actually delete files after 30 days.
    Or does it just notify the user. DRM Locked???
    Would like response from someone who has used it for longer than 30 days.
    Finally, if this is the case please give details of (free) ways to get around this.

    Loved it and best of luck in future Paul.

  15. Kevin

    Wrote at 2009-06-06 22:48 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:

    Hi
    Just like to say thanks for what you have achieved.

    Kevin

  16. bonedome

    Wrote at 2009-06-06 23:54 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:

    Big thanks for this, I use yellowdog linux on my ps3 and as there’s no adobe flash for ppc get_iplayer is the business.

    dbstar ,no drm, keep for as long as you like, just like the olden days when I had a video recorder

  17. Bob B

    Wrote at 2009-06-07 20:49 UTC using Safari 523.10 on Mac OS X:

    Hi Paul,

    I use your application to download radio content on a daily basis and it has made my travels to and from work (thanks to comedies on Radio 4 and BBC 7) a bearable experience once more.

    I too would ask that the current code be kept functioning after any attempts by the beeb or others to defeat it succeeds, but totally acknowledge this is your decision and yours alone. No sane person would think less of you if you decide enough is enough.

    Whatever happens, I will continue to pop in and see what your latest jottings are (knowing someone personally whose life was ended by the very same left turning you have high-lighted I can only praise your comments) and may even post a comment once again (though don’t hold your breath…).

    Till the next time,

    Bob

  18. Penny

    Wrote at 2009-06-11 19:38 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:

    Thanks, it is a great app, would be sorry to see it stop working, but can understand the desire to move on to better things. Thanks!!

  19. dr.dee

    Wrote at 2009-06-14 11:45 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:

    Paul san,

    Thank you for all that you have done.

    Whilst I have a Dphil most of the technical stuff is beyond me (forking?! long code?!), nevertheless, I do enjoy your site together with its attendant observations and comments.

    The sense of empowerment that your software has given is immense. I shall miss it, but fully understand your reasons – although, I am mindful that you do not have to provide any reason or excuse for desisting with this project – giri is not applicable here!

    Domo arigato.

    Jeff

  20. anon450879897987

    Wrote at 2009-06-21 19:00 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows XP 64 or Server 2003:

    Is there a version for S60 3red edition as I need to use it on my phone. I need it to work in this way:
    1.let me use my 3G (since i’ve got a data plan)
    2.Ask me to choose where to store the download e.g memory card and which folder
    3. While downloading, make it give percentage complete and time remaining info thanks.

    I’d really like in this format as it’s a lifesaver for me on PC but what about my phone?

  21. David

    Wrote at 2009-06-24 13:11 UTC using Safari 530.17 on Windows Vista:

    Hi Paul

    A bit late picking this thread up, but I do hope you continue with iPlayer – I use it almost daily and would gladly donate or pay for it.

    Thanks

    David

  22. Jason Tolson

    Wrote at 2009-06-28 09:02 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows XP:

    Gotta say I’m gutted to hear that you’re gonna stop updating the Iplayer Downloader.

    It’s probably the piece of software that I use most everyday because the idiot BBC refuse to make more than about 4 programmes available as podcasts.

    I listen to almost all radio stuff these days as downloaded mp3s on my phone so I’m a big user of IPDL.

    Anyway, you did this for free and we’ve all been very lucky to benefit from your hard work. That means I guess we can’t complain but it’s a big shame.

    Thanks for writing the code in the first place an for giving me a year of a really useful app.

    Cheers

    J.

  23. Subhash

    Wrote at 2009-06-30 16:10 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista:

    Thanks Paul. Your program has been a god-send. Does anyone know if get iplayer has a hack which allows it to be kept for longer than 30 days or is this just something they have to say?

  24. Gary

    Wrote at 2009-07-01 14:38 UTC using Opera 9.64 on Windows XP:

    Even if you never add another feature, I do hope you find some time, at least, to ensure it functions as well as it currently does.

    Either way Paul, thank you very much for sharing your coding talents with the rest of us.

  25. Woll

    Wrote at 2009-07-17 06:29 UTC using Safari 530.18 on Mac OS X:

    The thing I like about iplayer-dl is it’s simplicity and elegance.

    The other apps (including get_iplayer.pl) seem to be a bit baroque in their design. I’ve just tried get_iplayer.pl and it does seem to work, so I guess I wouldn’t be stuck if you stopped maintaining iplayer-dl, but…

    Anyway, thanks a lot for all the work you have put into creating iplayer-dl so far – much appreciated!

  26. Woll

    Wrote at 2009-08-20 13:47 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:

    Hmm, following my previous message saying that get_iplayer.pl seemed to work, I now find that it doesn’t work very well at all!

    get_iplayer.pl completely fails to download some programmes that iplayer-dl downloads with no problem. get_iplayer.pl seems to look for various versions of the programme (different qualities/resolutions?) but fails to download any of them. iplayer-dl downloads the same programmes first time with no problems.

    So, unfortunately my conclusion is that get_iplayer.pl is NOT useable as a replacement for the wonderful iplayer-dl!

  27. Tyndyll

    Wrote at 2009-09-11 13:07 UTC using Opera 9.80 on Mac OS X:

    Very late in coming in on this, but I’ve been using iplayer-dl for a long time and have greatly appreciated your efforts.

    That said there comes a point where development becomes maintenance – noone likes being paid to do it, so to do it out of obligation holds no joy at all.

    Go forth and enjoy yourself, knowing you’ve helped out a lot of people. So long and thanks for all the fish

  28. Paul

    Wrote at 2009-10-12 06:09 UTC using Firefox 3.5.3 on Mac OS X:

    I use iplayer downloader all the time and would hate to see it abandoned. You do a really good job. In fact just before I found this site I was thinking that I should donate as the programme has been so useful. Perhaps all those who use it should donate.

  29. Neil

    Wrote at 2010-01-23 09:11 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows NT:

    I realise this is an old post but I’ve only just found iplayer-dl and I wanted to thank you for it. It has given me the opportunity to quickly download quality TV programmes in a place where most TV is rubbish and where the Internet is not as fast as in most European countries. BBC iPlayer is so slow. I only hope that the BBC doesn’t change the coding. Thanks once again.

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