iPlayer Downloader
Ruby, cross-platform
I’m aware of the current problems with TV downloads.
Introduction
This program downloads DRM-free video (h.264) and audio (MP3) files from the BBC iPlayer service by pretending to be an iPhone. There’s more information on the Beebhack Wiki.
It won’t download every programme that’s on the iPlayer website, because they’re not always available. Sometimes, this is by design (as in the case of films and expensive US series like Heroes); sometimes it’s due to omission or transient problems. In addition, it can’t currently download the embedded videos that are not part of the main iPlayer service.
To be clear, let me state it here: You can’t download most films. You can’t download some American TV series. You can’t download in HD. You can’t download things that aren’t on the iPlayer proper. Some other programmes also can’t be downloaded for reasons that are unclear.
I’m interested in hearing about systematic problems via the bug report form. However, please don’t bother telling me about one-off or occasional errors, as there’s nothing I can do about them.
This program will not work unless used from a UK IP address, either directly or via a proxy. Please do not ask me about how to use it from other locations.
Non-specific comments such as “it doesn’t work” are useless and will be deleted.
Using Windows and want to keep things simple? Skip straight to the Windows GUI instructions.
Command-line program
The command-line version is recommended for Linux users and anyone else who wants to use the advanced features like proxy support or subtitle downloads.
Note: Windows users should omit sudo when copying the commands below.
Get Ruby
You’ll need to install Ruby and RubyGems. Mac OS X should have these installed already. On Ubuntu, you can use:
sudo apt-get install ruby rubygems
On Windows, you can get the one-click Ruby installer.
Install
sudo gem install iplayer-dl
If your installed version of RubyGems cannot find iplayer-dl, you can download the .gem file and install it in a similar manner: sudo gem install iplayerer-dl-X.X.X.gem.
That’s it for installation, unless you’re using Ubuntu, in which case you’ll need to add /var/lib/gems/1.8/bin (or /1.9/) to your PATH. If you don’t know how to do that, this is a quick alternative:
sudo ln -s /var/lib/gems/1.8/bin/iplayer-dl /usr/local/bin/
Run
To run the program,
iplayer-dl --help
You can update at any time by typing:
sudo gem update iplayer-dl
Windows GUI
The GUI does not have all the features of the command-line tool, but it’s simpler to get started with on Windows. For most people, this will probably be the easiest way to go:
Just download ipdl.exe from the link above, and run it. You can download a program by pasting the address of an iPlayer page into the box and pressing download. You’ll be asked where to save the file:
Once you click OK, the download will begin:
If you see an error saying that msvcp71.dll or msvcr71.dll was not found, you’ll need to download the relevant DLL (try searching for it or look here) and put it in c:\windows\system32. Alternatively, I have heard that installing version 3.5 of the DotNet Framework will also install these DLLs. On 64-bit Windows, you may need to put the DLLs in the same directory as ipdl.exe.
Proxies
Please note that, although the command-line program and the underlying code supports the use of a proxy, there is currently no way to configure the GUI to use a proxy.
Source code
You can obtain the source code from GitHub:
Mac OS X GUIs
Other people have built on my work with graphical applications for the Mac. Try one of these programs that wrap iplayer-dl:
I am not responsible for these programs!
Alternatives
Phil Lewis maintains get_iplayer which also allows you to download programmes from the iPlayer and provides a whole range of other features besides. If you want to download high-definition content or to schedule recordings, you may find it useful.
2008-06-12 13:29 UTC. Comments: 39.
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2010-02-21 09:05 UTC using Chrome 5.0.329.0 on Linux:
I’ve archived the old comments again to make sure that this page loads in a reasonable time.It looks like some video from the Olympics cannot be downloaded. I’m aware of this, but I suspect that it’s probably deliberate. There’s nothing that I can do about it.
me
Wrote at 2010-02-21 13:38 UTC using Firefox 3.0.18 on Windows XP:
Hi again.Lovely application. THANK YOU!
Any idea about World Service files?
Thanks!
Mark
Wrote at 2010-02-22 13:11 UTC using Firefox 3.0.18 on Linux:
Many thanks for your work on this.I’m getting inconsistent results. iplayer-dl fetched 2 programmes without a problem (Bubble and Mock The Week, in case it helps), but the QI download was a comparatively small file and apparently not an mp4 so I had to use BBC iPlayer for that. Also, trying to download Charlie Brooker’s Newswipe returned the error, “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later.” but BBC iPlayer allowed a download.
Thanks again
Alex
Wrote at 2010-02-22 18:35 UTC using Chrome 4.0.249.89 on Windows Vista:
Olympics can’t be downloaded? Darn. Oh well. I guess I’ll have to make do without. Thanks anyway.karen lewis
Wrote at 2010-02-23 18:49 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista:
I get the following error message when I try and run the ipdl downloader on my vista premium os after I have downloaded it.This application has failed to start because MSVCP71.dll was found.
Olly Newport
Wrote at 2010-02-23 23:05 UTC using Chrome 4.0.249.89 on Windows XP:
Likewise, Charlie Brooker’s Newswipe is also returning an ‘unable to download’ error.Tim
Wrote at 2010-02-24 00:31 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Hi Paul:It’s starting to look like any of the iPlayer downloads published over the last 36 hours are starting to fail with the dreaded “programme is currently not available”.
For example, I have downloaded the first two episode of “Generation Jihad”, but the third, published two days ago, will not download.
Again, Survivors is another example. Current episode will not download, but previous were ok.
Good luck, mate!
Peter W
Wrote at 2010-02-24 08:00 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Have to agree with Tim aboves comments, Nothing from the last 36 hours will download. Wish those monkeys would leave things alone, only want to watch the programmes on the train, not rob the train!!All the best
Peter
Peter W
Wrote at 2010-02-24 08:29 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Update – I have looked on my Iphone and the number of programmes avialable to watch since Sunday has dropped a huge amount. The ones that you can see on your phone are avialable, so this programme still works, the problem appears to be that there are no programmes to actually download. I used Animal 24:7 as a test case as its one of the 3 avialable programmes for that day Mon 22-02-2010, and it DOES download using this programme. Hope this helps someone.regards
Peter
Dave B
Wrote at 2010-02-24 08:43 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Hello I have downloaded the first two episode of “Generation Jihad”, but the third, screened on Monday 22nd Feb 2010 ago, wont download.Just says “programme is currently not available” anyone know why?
Peter W
Wrote at 2010-02-24 08:56 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Dave B – Take a look at the note immediately above yours. I’m no expert, but from my understanding this programme emulates an Iphone, so if there are no programmes for a real Iphone to download, then this programme can’t function. The one you’re having trouble with is not listed. The only 3 that are1. Animal 24:7
2. MI high
3. Survivors
If you can download any or all of the above progs then this programme is working, it’s the lack of available Iphone content that is the issue not this programme.
I hope I have not over stepped the mark with this post Paul, but I really am only trying to help
regards
Peter
regards
Peter
Peter W
Wrote at 2010-02-24 09:07 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Dave B et alThe following has been posted on the Iplayer technical help section. This explains the lack of avialabe programmes since Sunday I thnk.
From the BBC…..
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/announcements/iPlayer_unavailable
There is currently a problem with the availability of new content on BBC iPlayer mobile.We’re currently experiencing problems publishing new content on BBC iPlayer mobile.
We’re working to resolve this issue as soon as possible, in the meantime thanks for your patience.
When further information is available, we’ll update this FAQ. You can either return to this page later to check for an update, or you can request an update by clicking the ‘FAQ Update’ option below if you currently use RSS (Really Simple Syndication – a way of getting the latest content from a website as soon as it is published, without you having to visit the site repeatedly to check for updates). If you’ve never used RSS before, please visit the Feed Factory to find out how to do so.
Gary
Wrote at 2010-02-24 09:15 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows NT:
Hi,I think we have 2 issues here :-
Peter W’s latest post could account for most recent program problems, not sure, i’ll look into trying to download via BBC Iplayer direct..
The 2nd is that progs from about 2 weeks ago, I list these 2 :-
Survivors – Series 2 – Episode 4
How Earth Made Us – 4. Fire
seem to download via IPDL but once downloaded they cannot be played.
I downloaded “How Earth Made Us – 4. Fire” 2 weeks ago and that copy plays fine, but downloaded it last night and that copy (same filesize) does not.
hope this helps
Gary
Gary
Wrote at 2010-02-24 09:25 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows NT:
Sorry guys,The progs downloaded last night DO play, it must have been finger trouble last night.
Top Gear – Series 13 – Episode 6
and
Top Gear – Series 12 – Episode 4
both downloaded this am and play
Gary
gary
Wrote at 2010-02-24 11:13 UTC using Firefox 3.0.15 on Windows XP:
the program works great sometimes and not at all others. here is an example.I want to download this show:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/entrepreneurs/sharonwright.shtml
you will see there is no episode ID. so look in the HTML and you see: Programme Guide
so the program id = b006vq92
put it into the program and it just ends. stops. nothing. other shows download but this one, I can’t understand. oh and I am in London.
ideas from anyone?
Tim
Wrote at 2010-02-24 15:07 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
To Peter W:The service link you provided no longer works.
However, I found this instead:
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/mobile/recent_programmes_missing/
The BBC hope to have the problem resolved soon.
Cheers, Tim
Tim
Wrote at 2010-02-24 22:38 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
I’ve managed to successfully download both Survivors ep. 6 and How Earth Made Us tonight which were not available this morning.They both play ok.
All’s well that ends well.
George
Wrote at 2010-02-25 16:23 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows NT:
Trying to download a documentary with prince charles in and still being told “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later.”If i download using iplayer desktop then it comes down as a different ID (b00r0qss instead of b00r0qtr), and if i use that id instead then ipdl.exe just shuts down
All help appreciated
Geo
Russel Tarr
Wrote at 2010-02-27 08:53 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Mac OS X:
Hi,The IPlayer downloader has been fantastic for me on my Mac so far but in the last few days it doesn’t download anything:
The appplication opens up as normal, but when I “click on a program to download” it simply opens up the page containing the program as normal within IPlayer – but then doesn’t play it.
I was just wondering if you were aware of this problem or whether there was a workaround.
Thanks,
Russel
Stuart
Wrote at 2010-03-01 11:01 UTC using Chrome 4.0.249.89 on Windows NT:
Great programme Paul.I have been using it with no problem on my vista laptop but recently had to purchase a replacement laptop.
Unfortunately the programme has difficulties on windows 7. it has a system error stating that the program can’t start because MSVCR71.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the progran to fix this problem.
When I download Ruby to fix the problem the error reoccurs.
Your assistance would be gratefully appreciated.
kind regards,
Stuart
Jobby
Wrote at 2010-03-04 07:43 UTC using Firefox 3.0 on Windows XP:
StuartThe answer is above you in the GUI section:
If you see an error saying that msvcp71.dll or msvcr71.dll was not found, you’ll need to download the relevant DLL (try searching for it or look here) and put it in c:windowssystem32. Alternatively, I have heard that installing version 3.5 of the DotNet Framework will also install these DLLs. On 64-bit Windows, you may need to put the DLLs in the same directory as ipdl.exe.
Des
Wrote at 2010-03-04 08:23 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
I am now getting the following message for all download attempts:Unable to parse the metadata for this programme.
As a workaround, you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually.
Any ideas on how I can fix this problem?
Thanks!
PATRICK
Wrote at 2010-03-04 19:18 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Where do I get the programme ID I have been trying to get one for Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Children http://bbc.co.uk/i/r5ww9/Des
Wrote at 2010-03-04 21:34 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
PATRICK:The programme id is:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00r5ww9/Zimbabwes_Forgotten_Children/
mark sta ana
Wrote at 2010-03-05 14:59 UTC using Chrome 5.0.307.11 on Mac OS X:
paul – just wanted to say thanks for a fantastic app. works a treat! have you got a tip jar for beer or coffee funds?Robert Hardy
Wrote at 2010-03-06 12:27 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:
I think the BBC has managed to differentiate between iplayer downloader and genuine itouch/phone streaming and so is blocking downloads of MPEG4 content, for instance ‘5 days’ was available yesterday to download, but today can’t be, though is still available on my itouch, they don’t yet seem to block audio downloads. Shame,but we have had an easy ride, will have to go back to recording it on transmission. Petty of the BBC really since there is nothing illegal about recording for later viewing and the quality is reduced in the iphone transmissions.bob 76
Wrote at 2010-03-06 13:27 UTC using Safari 531.9 on Mac OS X:
I’m really sorry – as a computer novice with a new mac, how do I install? The exe is for windows so won’t work, right?Please help – used on windows for a while now and love it and don’t want to miss out on a mac.
Thanks!
EDMUND
Wrote at 2010-03-06 19:02 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows XP:
works fine from my end, windowsGlocknspiel
Wrote at 2010-03-07 02:51 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows XP:
Okay, so BBC online isn’t allowing ipdl.exe to download any programs to my XP puter – none. What happened? Did they get smart, code things differently, and now the fun is over? Will this be resolved? Can anyone help?Cm
Wrote at 2010-03-07 03:26 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows Vista:
i execute iPlayer Downloaderbut saw this error:
‘’The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later’’
what’s the problem? tryin’ to download /b00r2j7f could you please help me?
Overseas user
Wrote at 2010-03-07 05:28 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows Vista:
Sadly, the people @ BBC iPlayer have yet again changed the way they stream TV programmes to iPhone…All TV shows broadcast on Friday 05.03.2010 evening and onwards (can’t exactly pinpoint the cut off time) give the dreaded “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later” message! Tried with at least 20 PIDs for popular shows (e.g. b00rfmlv,b00rdxrt,b00r93lh,b00r8f4c,b00r8z1n etc.) to no avail…At the time of posting, recent radio shows do get downloaded, albeit slower than usual, so I have to agree with Robert Hardy’s post.I’m using WinGUI 1.14 with a UK VPN from abroad (please Paul incorporate proxy usage into the GUI!) and my OS is WinVista SP1.
Thank you Paul for your software and hoping for a fix, mostly for all the others, because I use it almost exclusively for radio shows (which are in any case available to Listen Again in the iPlayer for non-UK people, too!)
Rob
Wrote at 2010-03-07 11:29 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:
It’s not downloading anything today on my Mac. It looks like a systematic problem.Jim
Wrote at 2010-03-07 16:14 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP:
Paul,It looks like it is back to the drawing board again.
Hope you can get around thier changes again as i love this tool.
Keep up the good work.
Nick Tatham
Wrote at 2010-03-08 10:01 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows NT:
I was trying to train a computer novice to use this tool. It would help if there was a PASTE button to paste saved URLs or text into the programme ID box. They couldn’t get the hang of CTRL/V.Peter W
Wrote at 2010-03-08 16:13 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
As I understand it this programme emulates a Iphone. Therefore if the programme is not available for Iphone then it won’t work. There has been some problem over the last few days at the Beeb, as the number of programs avial has dropped dramatically. To check you still have a working prog why not look on your iphone and try to download a prog you can see avail on there. If you dont have an iphone may I suggest BBC four Sunday 7th March at 7.15PM – The singer as a test piece. It worked for me. This happened a couple of weeks ago and the Beeb sorted it out in a couple of days.Hope this help
regards
Peter
Ali D
Wrote at 2010-03-08 22:38 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows XP:
Nick,Keep persevering with teaching shortcuts to novices but an alternative to adding a paste button cluttering the nice simple interface is to show them how to right-click in the box and select Paste from the context menu. Easier than remembering the shortcut and neater than an additional button.
Hope that is helpful.
Ali
henryg
Wrote at 2010-03-09 15:36 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows NT:
Very happy it hasn’t been blocked (yet?) by the latest BBC actions :-))bob
Wrote at 2010-03-10 19:11 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows Vista:
Whenever i try to download a programme from a series i have previously downloaded from (Seven Ages of Britain) and other ones it comes up with the message “programme is currently not available, if it is new please try again later”. Is there anything you recommend doing/ or can you fix this issue? Please fix this issue asap.Mark Wintour
Wrote at 2010-03-11 17:02 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Mac OS X:
Unfortunately I too am having problems downloading the lastest Seven Ages of Britain, though I can get other things, and have downloaded a couple of this particular series before.I can view Seven Ages over iPlayer on the Mac, just not download using Grabber. Being lucky enough to have an iPhone, I’ve checked it out on that and Seven Ages doesn’t even come up on the search feature. So I’m guessing (hoping) that this is a now one-off incident with this one episode (maybe there’s a couple other programmes in a similar situation), perhaps due to the BBC not re-upping this episode after sorting out the problem with the iPhone iPlayer.