iPlayer Downloader
Ruby, cross-platform
I’ve fixed the latest download problems on 18th March. Grab an update below (1.11 or 0.1.15).
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 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 offering.
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.
Quick start (Windows)
Just download ipdl.exe version 1.11 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.
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.
Quick start (Mac OS X)
Other people have built on my work with graphical applications for the Mac. Try one of these programs that wrap iplayer-dl:
Source distribution (Linux, command-line, etc.)
The source code is available via Subversion:
svn co http://paulbattley.googlecode.com/svn/iplayer-dl
The latest release is always available to download as a tarball:
iplayer-dl-latest.tar.gz (Version 0.1.15)
Installation and use
If you are using an installed version (as opposed to running it in-place as explained below), you must perform the setup procedure after each update.
Make sure that you have Ruby installed, and then type the following from within the source directory:
ruby setup.rb config ruby setup.rb install
(You will need to run the second line with sudo or su or as an administrator.)
iplayer-dl PID
On Windows, you’ll need to run it via ruby:
ruby C:\PATH\TO\iplayer-dl PID
PID is the programme ID, in the form of the viewing page URL or the short identifying code (something like b0081e3).
Various other options are available: run the program without an ID to see them.
Running the downloader in-place
Again, you’ll need to have Ruby installed first. You can then run it from the source directory like this:
ruby -Ilib bin/iplayer-dl PID
Using the GUI
If you’re on Windows, you’ll almost certainly find the pre-built executable easier. If you’re on Linux or Mac OS X, you’ll probably find it easier to use the command-line application: it has many more features at present, and is probably easier to get working. However, if you wish to try the GUI, here’s how:
You’ll need WxRuby installed; the easiest way is probably to use RubyGems:
gem install wxruby
You can then run the GUI from the source directory:
ruby -Ilib bin/iplayer-dl-gui
(You might need to use ruby -rubygems if you installed WxRuby via that method.)
At present, the GUI will break when run from anywhere else. I’ll fix this in due course.
2008-06-12 13:29 UTC. Comments: 260.
fl3tch
Wrote at 2009-02-05 12:27 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
I’ll try and respond to some of the above (repeating) comments.1. “The programme is not available” – not every programme listed on the iplayer is available on the iphone. The BBC only transcodes a (fairly high) proportion of the programmes for the iphone. They are also not always available as quickly as the main site’s versions. Patience is a virtue.
Occasionally the transcode gets screwed from the BBC’s side, again your SOL unless it gets re-encoded. The un-drm’ed mp4 version of the programme is their lowest priority in the big scheme of things.
2. “Timeouts” – this happens even on the iphone, but in practice you get a pause in the “streaming” while it tries to continue downloading. Remember the BBC doesn’t have to deliver the download at max speed as the “iphone viewers” are watching the programme at “near” real time.
In practice the script will timeout eventually.
If your using the command line version of Paul’s script hit the up arrow on your keyboard to re-enter your last terminal entry and the download will resume.
This tool is a hack based around the iphone specific iplayer site and is not an all encompassing “on-demand” downloader. Be happy with what you get for free with no drm restrictions.
AndrewM
Wrote at 2009-02-06 15:08 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Windows Vista:
Tim, it is possible to download videos like the one you mentioned (although that page seems to have disappeared) with a program called Orbit Downloader .Make sure you follow the (admittedly not entirely clear) instructions on their blog
kzap
Wrote at 2009-02-07 16:54 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
Will you continue to maintain your Iplayer-DL script when the BBC Iplayer manager for Linux and MAC is out of beta.I think you should because:
A. I hate DRM and I assume that even on the linux Iplayer the videos will have this.
B. I can’t get it to work KDE (I know it’s in beta but still)
C. I can’t uninstall the damn thing! There are articles on the BBC site on how to do this fro Windows and MAC but not Linux.
D. The Iplayer application is incredible invasive, it will load on start-up unless you tell it not to (and will eat up bandwidth because it is P2P)
kzap
Wrote at 2009-02-07 17:50 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
Oh two quick things:1. Hustle Season 5 Episode 2, isn’t working though the others seem to be fine, the problem is probably at the BBCs end.
2. Could you (or someone) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make a Firefox add on for this, it would be soo amazing it would just need to pop-up on any BBC iplayer page and entire the PID code into the script for you then open up a terminal and run it.
I don’t know how to make Firefox addons myself otherwise I would have already.
anon
Wrote at 2009-02-08 12:36 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
Thank you so much for this excellent program, and the fix to get it working again.Dave Thomas
Wrote at 2009-02-08 17:16 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
Instead of giving you little complaints or comments about problems I am having I am going to tell you that this is an outstanding program.I installed it on linux and within 2 minutes of downloading the tarball I was up and running.
The wife is away for 2 weeks working in the USA, and this means I was able to download the program she missed, then send it to her via FTP for her to watch in her hotel.
Seriously, thank you so much. Really appreciate it.
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-08 22:46 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
I’ve hidden the older comments because they were making the page really long and slow to transfer, and many of them weren’t relevant any more.evan
Wrote at 2009-02-11 19:42 UTC using Safari 525.20.1 on Mac OS X:
Thanks again Paul for this excellent util!Can anyone suggest how to get it installed properly under OS X Leopard? It worked fine on Tiger (worked from any location) but in Leopard I can see it’s installing bits to places that don’t exist, and so iplayer-dl will only run in place. This is my own lack of knowledge but any tips would be appreciated!
Chris
Wrote at 2009-02-11 22:16 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.16 on Windows XP:
Might we have one that can use a Socks proxy? If I’m correct to say it already can use an HTTP proxy, Socks takes things a step further. Then it becomes slightly easier to download outside the UK, or through firewalls etc.Iain
Wrote at 2009-02-13 17:12 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Windows XP:
Thank you so far your program has worked well. I often store up progs so that I can get on with my life. I then have a mega session on a wet weekend. The 30 day rule is a drag and you have helped me get past that.I know this is dumb even as i ask it but why can I not cut and paste a URL from say Fiver into the box and have it download from there or even Channel 4s player?
Oh and the gentleman who asked for a Firefox add on had a good point.
You see the more you give the more folks want! lol.
Thank you for you efforts once again.
Iain
Chris
Wrote at 2009-02-13 20:45 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:
I’m liking the iplayer-dl a lot – I’ve got it quite nicely integrated on OS X 10.4 (Tiger, G4) to keep an iTunes playlist populated for synching to my Touch (for when wi-fi isn’t available).However,... while a download is in progress, Ruby consumes all available CPU. I’m not at all fluent in Ruby, but my suspicions center around the downloader.download method, although I can’t work out why an http download + progress indicator should be such a CPU hog. I’m quite happy to debug given some instruction, but don’t know where to start.
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-13 23:03 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
Chris, I think the problem really lies in Ruby’s Net::HTTP library, which has notoriously bad performance.Mark I
Wrote at 2009-02-14 18:55 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows Vista:
Hi there – Loving the program but one question.Does it cause issues with internet connectivity? Both my PC and laptop have had major connection issues recently and I’m pretty sure that this is the only software that I have added lately.
Many thanks
Mark
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-14 19:29 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
Mark: No. It doesn’t change the configuration of your computer in any way. The problem will be something else.Mark
Wrote at 2009-02-15 16:38 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Thanks Paul.Glad I can carry on using it!
ajay
Wrote at 2009-02-16 01:35 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP:
yep its all goodexcept for the fact i cant download anything cos im in the U.S
can you help me with this matter plz paul?
Ed
Wrote at 2009-02-16 05:21 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows 98:
Although iPlayer Downloader will not run on Windows 98/ME, there is an alternative which will: a program called get_iplayer at http://linuxcentre.net/getiplayer/Ken Harvey
Wrote at 2009-02-16 18:41 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
I have tried to download some shows from BBCi player today and I keep getting “The programme file is not available – Try again later”. This as happened on all the files I have tried including television shows and radio shows from BBB7. I have also tried shows I have already downloaded successfully and get the same message. Have BBC stopped the downloads from working? I have also tried to download the Realplayer files manually using FlashGet and that as stopped working as well. Anyone else getting this problem today?Peter
Wrote at 2009-02-16 18:51 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Linux:
Firstly, thanks.Secondly, I think this programme is so good that it deserves it’s own site :)
evan
Wrote at 2009-02-16 19:41 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:
Hi again,I’m currently getting:
The programme file is not currently available.
If it’s new, try again later.
For any programmes I try.
Temporary fault or has something changed?
Incidentally I’m just trying the BBC’s own Adobe based downloader (beta, for mac), but I somehow doubt I’ll be able to actually do anything with the resulting file than play it on this mac so it’s a bit pointless.
Phil Lewis
Wrote at 2009-02-16 20:07 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Linux:
Yup, can anyone confirm that this is also affecting iPhones? Also affecting get_iplayer. From what I can tell it is also affecting many Adobe downloader prog also.Phil Lewis
Wrote at 2009-02-16 20:35 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Linux:
Yes, Apple iPhones cannot get iPlayer also….Ken Harvey
Wrote at 2009-02-16 21:42 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
I have just tried downloading again and it’s started working although quite slow. Hopefully it was just a temporary fault. I am currently downloading a radio show from BBC7. I will try downloading some videos and let you know the result.Ken Harvey
Wrote at 2009-02-16 21:46 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
The downloads have stopped working again, I think it’s just a temporary fault. I will try again tomorrow.Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-16 21:55 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
I’m aware of some intermittent problems at the moment. There also seem to be some problems with the metadata files; I’ve fixed the code (it’s available via svn but I’ve not released it) but I’m waiting to see what’s going on.Neo The one
Wrote at 2009-02-17 00:14 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
I have the similar problem which the download can’t start at all. I discovered that if I let the tv show run like normal in my browser, then use the iplayer downloader to d/l, it works for the first 20%, and it stopped again. I have to keep pressing the download button and point to the un-finished downloaded file location until it continue d/l again. It is quite cumbersome to use this method though.Hope this little piece of info helps.
A bit Disappointed
Wrote at 2009-02-17 00:20 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows Vista:
Doesn’t work for me… though love the idea and i like the nice simple interfaceevan
Wrote at 2009-02-17 16:56 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
iPhone iPlayer seems to be working again at the moment, and so is iplayer-dl.@Disappointed: try it again
Rokincow
Wrote at 2009-02-17 21:16 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows Vista:
Hey, i cant seem to get the file to run…Geta popup window saying the app failed to start as file MSVCP71.dll was not found…
it says to reinstall and that may fix it but ive tried and it doesnt work!
Is it worth trying again?
Sun
Wrote at 2009-02-18 13:27 UTC using Chrome 1.0.154.48 on Windows XP:
Is there a PC compatible version of this?thanks.
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-18 15:30 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Mac OS X:
Rokincow: just find the DLL online and put it in Windows’ssystem32directory. I’ve added some more instructions above.Sun: What? Quick start (Windows) not clear enough for you?!
Jon
Wrote at 2009-02-18 23:21 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows Vista:
I’ve noticed something odd about this.I tried downloading James and Oz Drink to Britain – it worked. But the version that downloaded was the televised version, with the narrator at the end and the start of the next program at the end. Even the credits did their shrinking down thing. On the version on the iPlayer site, it doesn’t do that.
Regardless, entering the “Programme ID” (b00gn2zw for episode 1) does indeed download episode 1, but the original televised version.
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-19 07:57 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
Jon: in the playlist there’s only one version of that programme. That claims to be the default version, but if it’s really the signed version then it might be an error at the BBC end.Mike H
Wrote at 2009-02-19 10:33 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows 2000:
Paul,Just in case no-one’s said it for a while can I just say sincere and massive thanks from the now surely legions of us, who use your excellent program daily. It is utterly brilliant work. Well done and thanks.
I don’t suppose… you’d be looking at ITV and C4 at any stage ? :-)
best wishes
Mike H
Penny
Wrote at 2009-02-19 19:43 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
Mike H,Get the FlashGot add on for Firefox and Net Transport or Flashget. Then when you navigate to the ITV player, click the little icon in the bottom right hand corner and select the video it’s detected. It’ll download the playlist and flashgot will then tell you which .wmv’s are there, (I always get about 4 that are all the same), click on one and download it. This will only be the first part, you then either have to rinse and repeat for all the other parts, or just copy the url and change the equivalent part that I’ve asterixed to 2, 3 and 4. (mms://itvbrdbnd.wmod.llnwd.net/a1379/o21/ucontent/2009/1/19/9b68685-a_23583_itv1_384_***1***_4.wmv?MSWMExt=.asf
Now I’m not a developer or a programmer and this is a bog standard fumbly attempt at ripping streams, but it works for me. Someone cleverer than me can probably write a fancy software, but for me slow and methodical will do. If you want to stick the parts together, I use Asftools (what! It’s free…) The quality is low, it’s only a .wmv after all. They are mostly DRM free (I think).
The links to the 4OD streams aren’t actually that well hidden, if you can find it (you can hire the A Team, no wait a minute, you can’t) but you can copy and paste it into Net Transport to download it. Again you might have to do each part of the show, between ad breaks, at a time. Last time I d/l’d something, it wasn’t DRM free, soooo, it’s up to you; I just used Win Media Player shrugs.
I’m not too good at explaining, but I hope that helps.
Penny
ezra
Wrote at 2009-02-19 21:45 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Mac OS X:
Hi PaulI have been talking to developers of a couple of the Mac GUI apps that you mention with regard to getting the script to work with a proxy server with a password and ID, in addition to IP address and PORT. I am currently using the evaded network proxy which is a fee paying service and excellent. I can watch streamed content from iPlayer at very high qaulity from here in Spain. However I would love to be able to download shows to watch on my tv from my iPod touch. Do you plan to extend the script to allow for this? I know there are a lot of people using the evaded network for proxy access to iPlayer and this would be the ultimate solution for home viewing.
ezra
Mark Facey
Wrote at 2009-02-19 22:51 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
I have a Blackberry 8320, when i transfer the File all I get is the sound and no video can you help?mark jones
Wrote at 2009-02-20 09:09 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
can anyone download this… keeps having an error… but part 1 works fine…http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dvc19/The_Sarah_Jane_Adventures_Series_2_The_Last_Sontaran_The_Last_Sontaran_Part_2/
ajay
Wrote at 2009-02-21 23:04 UTC using Opera 9.63 on Windows XP:
hey sean can u help me with my problem that im out of the uk?austozi
Wrote at 2009-02-23 00:24 UTC using Opera 9.63 on Windows XP:
It seems Windows gui version requires admin rights to run? I’ve tried to use it on WinXP Pro under a restricted user account (non-admin). All I see is an hour-glass and the program fails to load. Right-clicking under the same user account but selecting “Run as…”, then specify an administrator account, and the program runs just fine. Would you be able to confirm this and perhaps update the program to address this issue (if it’s not too much to ask)? I hate to be running programs under admin credentials on Windows, just too paranoid to do so. Thanks.fg
Wrote at 2009-02-24 03:42 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows Vista:
Cheers mate! This app satisfies my NEEDS just fine thank you.Matt McGregor
Wrote at 2009-02-24 12:18 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:
Paul, fab program. I notice in Prefs on a mac, that you have a proxy settings for future experimentation, can we use this?I want to download from iplayer on the mac form abroad, havent tried it yet, but will it work without proxy (will BBC know its not uk??) as it would be great if it did.
Many thanks, great download, keep it up
Matt
DanBUK
Wrote at 2009-02-25 00:26 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Mac OS X:
Hi,I needed to install this on a Centos 5 machine therefore I have knocked together a RPM. You can find it all from here
Cheers,
DanBUK.
Paul Elliott
Wrote at 2009-02-25 03:24 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows Vista:
Hi Paul, thanks for the app but I can’t get it going.After running it from my desktop and adding the b00hpk15 link, hitting download and the app closes down, no warning and no error messages.
I have the msvcp71.dll in c:windowssystem32, any ideas what that could be please?
Thanks
Paul
Paul Elliott
Wrote at 2009-02-25 15:34 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows Vista:
ah sorry Paul, looks like I got it going now.Thanks very much :)
Paul
DP
Wrote at 2009-02-26 12:49 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Linux:
I’m using a proxy outside the UK that has foxed the iplayer site but IPDL tells me that “The BBC’s geolocation has determined that you are outside the UK. You can try using a UK proxy.”How can that be?
Pieter
Wrote at 2009-02-26 13:18 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
I got the “The BBC’s geolocation has determined that you are outside the UK. You can try using a UK proxy.” error.I’ve set up Tor, but where can I enter the proxy address?
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-26 13:31 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Mac OS X:
Pieter and DP: only the command-line program supports a proxy. The GUI doesn’t have any way of setting a proxy, even though the underlying code would support it. I’ve added a note above.Setting a system or Intenet Explorer-specific proxy won’t have any effect.
peter
Wrote at 2009-02-26 13:53 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Windows XP:
Please forgive me for the naive question but I’d expected ipdl.exe to produce an .mp4 file not an .mov file. Am I doing something wrong?Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-26 14:21 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Mac OS X:
You’re not doing anything wrong, Peter. It’s only a question of the three letters at the end, and the file itself is unchanged. The MPEG-4 Part 14 (.mp4) and QuickTime (.mov) formats are essentially identical anyway. Early versions of the downloader used.mp4as an extension, but I changed it to.movin response to feedback that the latter was easier to play for some people.peter
Wrote at 2009-02-26 17:34 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Windows XP:
Paul – thanks for this. When I change the file extension to mp4 my Sony MP4 player (model NWZA818, which has always worked fine with MP4 videos) won’t play it and says ‘file format not supported’. Curiously however it displays the name of the iPlayer TV show which it didn’t with .mov as the extension.Any ideas?
Peter
Bruce
Wrote at 2009-02-26 20:34 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Linux:
Hi, may I add a suggestion for a new feature? It would be great if iplayer-dl also downloaded the subtitles file associated to the video. Thanks!Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-02-26 21:15 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Linux:
Bruce, it’s coming.DanBUK
Wrote at 2009-02-26 21:39 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Mac OS X:
Hey Paul,Would it be possible for you to change the return value on the CLI tools when a download fails. At the moment it always returns 0.
....
The programme file is not currently available.
If it’s new, try again later.
dan@x ~/public_html/bbc $ echo $?
0
dan@x ~/public_html/bbc $
Cheers,
DanBUK.
peter
Wrote at 2009-03-01 20:47 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Windows XP:
I’ve solved the problem of compatibily with my Sony MP4 player (model NWZA818). I just used MediaCoder with settings for iPod and now works fine.Darren Stephens
Wrote at 2009-03-02 12:09 UTC using Firefox 3.1b2 on Mac OS X:
Hmm.Getting a bit of weirdness this morning trying to run the following:
(http://pastie.org/404549)
This may not be unconnected to the fact that I’ve just installed Ruby 1.9.1 to investigate. I’m not a programming noob but I’m just picking ruby up now and wanted to check it out.
PS: Great piece of software. My iPod Classic loves you.
stuart b
Wrote at 2009-03-02 14:29 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Windows XP:
I keep receiving the following message when trying to download certain bbc radio streams.The programme file is not currently available.
If it’s new, try again later.
Now i may be stabbing in the dark here but all the streams that give this message have bad language in them. this usually is notified before the stream starts by the bbc within iplayer. I no nothing about coding but could this be connected??
Natalie
Wrote at 2009-03-02 17:57 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Hi ThereI was wondering if you had burned an episode from the iPlayer onto DVD using Windows Media Player, whether it was possible to play it again once it had expired.
The episode I want to watch starts to play, then comes up with the message ‘Downloading Media Rights’ before coming up with the iPlayer message ‘this programme has expired and is no longer available for download’.
I’d love to be able to watch it one more time and then be able to ‘grab’ it for the media player.
Any suggestions?
Many Thanks!
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-03-02 19:53 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Linux:
Darren, you’ll need to reinstall the libraries: Ruby 1.9 will have itssite_rubydirectory in a different location.Just repeat the
ruby setup.rb configandsudo ruby setup.rb installsteps.Cam
Wrote at 2009-03-07 10:26 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Linux:
Thanks for the effort, this is simple to use script and very effective.Andrew
Wrote at 2009-03-07 21:41 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
I’m using the Windows version and I also have the problem where it closes without an error message when I try to download a programme. Any ideas what I’m doing wrong?Thanks
Barry
Wrote at 2009-03-10 07:50 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Hi. First of all – good work in putting this badly-needed bit of kit together.Now, I have the same problem as Pieter a few posts above, as I am not living in the UK but can watch from the iplayer using proxy server set-up. Problem is that iplayer downloader doesn’t get routed through the proxy because I keep getting the Geolocator message. Maybe if you could develop a switch add-on for Firefox (which is what I use to view the iplayer) that may work.
Ian Cole
Wrote at 2009-03-10 13:18 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Top Banana – this works a treat, where the usual suspects seem broken (orbit, Net Trans).Thanks.
Darren Morter
Wrote at 2009-03-10 14:17 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
HiLike Mark Facey who left a comment at 2009-02-19 22:51 UTC (18 days ago). I also have a Blackberry Pearl which only has sound and no video when I playthe file on my Pearl.
My wife has a Blackberry Bold and the same file on this works fine.
Please, please can anyone help?
Dave
Wrote at 2009-03-11 19:05 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows Vista:
This is wickid, thanks!Ron
Wrote at 2009-03-11 23:43 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
I know there’s no proxy for the GUI , but is their anyone looking into the GUI Proxy wise, whats the main reason the proxy isnt working currently ?Im an Brit Expat , and always watch BBC when I can , It would be nice to find some way to use the Proxy.
I would like to know how the GUI uses the Script.
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-03-12 00:00 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
Ron, the GUI uses the same libraries as the script (and therefore has proxy support, potentially). However, whereas adding a feature to the command-line is easy (just another--somethingoption), it’s a bit more work to add it to the GUI, since it would need some kind of configuration dialog. I haven’t written one.I’d be happy to integrate a patch if anyone feels motivated enough to write one.
James
Wrote at 2009-03-12 10:23 UTC using Netscape 4.0 on Mac OS X:
Thanks for all of your hard work on this project, your efforts are much appreciated by many.James
Hanii Puppy
Wrote at 2009-03-15 14:57 UTC using Safari 528.16 on Mac OS X:
Hey. iPlayer Downloader and all of the programs based on it now produce a small .mov file that doesn’t open for me. Is there a way to fix this?jack
Wrote at 2009-03-15 23:06 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
hi i tryed this and it onli downloads the second half of the video ?? weirdbut i want the whole video
any way of helping ?? thanks :)
Paul
Wrote at 2009-03-16 02:16 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP:
Message to Jack :BBC Iplayer is not working 100%.
There are a few glitches in the system and have been for the past few days.
Hopefully the BBC will have it sorted out in the next few days.
Soon you will realise how good and usefull IPDL is.
Stick with it and soon you’ll love IPDL.
Mike H
Wrote at 2009-03-16 07:00 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows 2000:
In reply to NATALIE:I routinely convert downloads done with Paul’s marvellous ipdl.exe into real DVDs. The steps you need to do through are:
1. Download the programme and save it as .MOV as usual.
2. Get hold of a copy of Total Video Converter from the web – an absolutely excellent conversion tool – and use that to convert the .mov format to DVD-PAL (MPEG2). This is saves as a .mpg file generally. It will be about 4.5Gbyte for a full 90 minute DVD-full programme, so have enough disc available.
3. Then get hold of a copy of a decent free DVD burner programme if you don’t have one such as BURN4FREE – and use that to burn the .mpg to a new DVD+RW or whatever you use and that will play perfectly in any modern DVD player.
regards
Mike H
Mike H
Wrote at 2009-03-16 07:06 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows 2000:
Penny,Thanks very much for your advice on the ITV dowload process above (your note at 2009-02-19 19:43) – I’ll definitely give that a try !
Mike H
Adrian
Wrote at 2009-03-16 09:57 UTC using Firefox 3.0.1 on Windows XP:
On Windows, you can get ipdl.exe to use a proxy by setting an environment variable. You can do it temporarily from the command prompt like this…set HTTP_PROXY=myProxy:myPort
If your proxy’s IP is 192.168.0.100 and your port is 8080, the command would be…
set HTTP_PROXY=192.168.0.100:8080
This setting only works within the scope of the command line, so you’ll need to start ipdl.exe from there too.
If you want to make this setting system-wide, open your System Properties (Control Panel -> System or right-mouse My Computer -> Properties), goto “Advanced”, “Environment Variables” and under “System variables”, click “New” enter HTTP_PROXY as the name and your proxy address and port as the value in the same form as described above.
Alan
Wrote at 2009-03-16 21:46 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
I get this mssage about my geographical location?? tells me I can use a UK proxy server. How do i do that exactly??cheers, Alan
Usng windows vista
km
Wrote at 2009-03-17 01:39 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Linux:
Here’s a little patch on the current SVN to pass the proxy user/password if available:.
.
—- bin/iplayer-dl(revision 363)
+++ bin/iplayer-dl(working copy)
@ -89,7 +89,7@http_proxy = ‘http://’ + http_proxy unless http_proxy =~ %r{^http://}
u = URI.parse(http_proxy)
$stderr.puts “Using proxy #{u.host}:#{u.port}”
– http = Net::HTTP::Proxy(u.host, u.port)
+ http = Net::HTTP::Proxy(u.host, u.port, u.user, u.password)
else
http = Net::HTTP
end
Bluefin
Wrote at 2009-03-17 19:27 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
I’m having a few problems downloading programmes.The following are available for the ipod but ipdl throws a message “the programme file is not currently avaiable”
Two programmes i’ve noticed are; – ../b00j8bkc/In_Search_of_Wabi_Sabi_with_Marcel_Theroux/ – ../b00jcx8v/Grow_Your_Own_Drugs_Trees/
Like i said these are available for the ipod.
Anybody else noticing this?
KenH
Wrote at 2009-03-17 19:37 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
I am having the same problems downloading any TV programme or Radio show. I noticed a few problems yesterday when you clicked on the download the file to be saved was just called the ProgrammeID and with a .mov extension. Thing is it had .mov even though I was downloading a Radio show which is usually .mp3. Today nothing is downloading using ipdl but I was able to download one of the radio shows using FlashGet as a .ram file.Joe
Wrote at 2009-03-17 21:00 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows Vista:
>>Thing is it had .mov even though I was downloading a Radio show which is usually .mp3. Today nothing is downloading using ipdl.Aye same problem happening for me, tried a variety of tv and radio shows all coming back with the same error. Any suggestions?
nathan
Wrote at 2009-03-17 21:11 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
I keep getting the following error;The programme file is not currently available.
If it’s new, try again later
I’m trying to get
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j8dq6/Six_Nations_Rugby_2009_England_v_France/
but it seems to happen on all.
Miles
Wrote at 2009-03-17 21:49 UTC using Chrome 1.0.154.48 on Windows XP:
programme was working brilliantly since I downloaded a couple of weeks ago, now, nothing getting the same erro messages as nathanThe Programme file is not currently available.
If it’s new, try again later
have tried later, and days later too, still no joy, this has been an excellent tool.
KenH
Wrote at 2009-03-17 21:49 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Joe,I don’t have any suggestions re ipdl not working. When there as been issues downloading before it starts working again after a few days, probably an issue at the BBC end. Can only suggest you use FlashGet to download any radio shows, these download in Real Player format. If you want to download TV shows and you use Firefox you could install the FlashGot addin which will allow you to download video files but I have not tried it with BBCi TV shows. It does work on ITV shows though. Personally I will wait a few days to see if BBC sorts out the issues.
KenH
qbie
Wrote at 2009-03-17 22:05 UTC using Firefox 3.1b3 on Windows Vista:
I think there are some major problems with the iPlayer today. I can’t watch any videos on my iPhone or iPod – just keep getting an error saying “You need to be on a WiFi connection to watch video” when I am.Also the flash player on the web seems very slow too.
Dakin80
Wrote at 2009-03-18 08:04 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows Vista:
I’ve been using ipdl most successfully for some time now and am very grateful to Paul for this. Unfortunately it does appear to be quite broken at present and is misreporting that programs are not currently available. I’ve been trying out get_iplayer from http://linuxcentre.net/getiplayer which is now available with an automated windows installer to take the pain out of integrating the various packages it needs. As a consequence it’s a piece of cake to get working and it is able to download the same material that ipdl is unable to at present. Well worth a try.Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-03-18 08:56 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
I know what’s wrong, and I’ll fix it today.Joe
Wrote at 2009-03-18 09:17 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows Vista:
You’re so lovely Paul :)peter
Wrote at 2009-03-18 18:44 UTC using Unknown browser on Unknown OS:
thanksKenH
Wrote at 2009-03-18 19:08 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Paul,Thanks for all your good work on this.
KenH
evan
Wrote at 2009-03-18 21:14 UTC using Safari 525.20.1 on Mac OS X:
Yes, it’s working again with the update! Just like magic. Thanks Paul!Bobj
Wrote at 2009-03-18 21:14 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows Vista:
Thanks Paul for your continued work on this.Excelent tool that I couldn’t do without
KenH
Wrote at 2009-03-18 21:41 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Paul,Great work I am up and downloading again.
Thanks.
KenH
Mike H
Wrote at 2009-03-18 22:07 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows 2000:
Great job, thanks Paul. What a great tool.I’m guessing that what you had to fix was the split choice of two resolutions the Beeb now offer : the default (lower quality) is some grainer compression (vc?) not compatible with standard players, and the nicer higher quality MPEG4 compression required a button-press on the flash player to select it. I guess you did that ‘under the bonnet’.
John Fuller
Wrote at 2009-03-18 22:27 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Up and running again! Marvelous program and ….......marvellous Paul !
Many thanks for the great support.
John
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-03-18 22:30 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
Mike, it was much simpler than that: I was always requesting pages with headers that indicated I could handle gzip-compressed content. The BBC servers never actually returned compressed content, though, until now.The fix is just not to ask for it to be compressed. I was a bit worried that this might make the request look unlike an iPhone and break something else, but it doesn’t make a difference. Decompressing the pages would be trivial if that did turn out to be an issue, but this fix is even simpler.
Guy
Wrote at 2009-03-18 23:40 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Paul thanks for this fantastic tool & for the fix!legend!
Chris Farnell
Wrote at 2009-03-19 01:03 UTC using Safari 528.16 on Mac OS X:
I’ve been using iPlayer Grabber on the Mac – is there a way to integrate the fix into that or do I need to wait for them to update the application ?Fantastic tool by the way. Thanks
Special-K
Wrote at 2009-03-19 01:20 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Excellent! Thankyou, great program I rely on this every day so your work and speedy solutions are greatly appreciated when problems arise with BBC downloads :-) Thankyou again!rak
Wrote at 2009-03-19 02:10 UTC using Mozilla 1.9.1b4pre on Mac OS X:
Great work on another fix Paul!Just updated Beeb Downloader with the fix.
Thanks! – Rak.
http://labsix.net/beeb/
fyi: iPlayer Grabber should be updated soon too.
JamesFlames
Wrote at 2009-03-19 06:52 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
Thanks for making this app and keeping it up to date. I drive all day at work and would probably go mad with boredom if I couldn’t download a bunch of radio mp3s to listen to.Andre
Wrote at 2009-03-19 08:06 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Mac OS X:
Great tool. However when I try to download PID b00ccfj0 I get an error stating that the file is not available and on the terminal I see the following error message:ruby(187,0xa0042720) malloc: *** error for object 0xbffffff7: Non-aligned pointer being freed
*** set a breakpoint in malloc_error_break to debug
Am I missing anything in my installation?
Paul Ryan
Wrote at 2009-03-19 16:32 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:
Thanks for the updated version – really grateful!Geoff Moore
Wrote at 2009-03-19 19:29 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Thanks PaulYou really are a diamond bloke
Geoff
DJBoddington
Wrote at 2009-03-19 21:47 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows NT:
Thankyou for the update!Programs are now downloading again {they didnt before}
Thankyou very much, keep up that great work!
Thanks once again :)
dr3n
Wrote at 2009-03-19 22:10 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
thanks for the update… :) i was really gutted when it stopped working but now im proper chuffed its fixed…!!cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers…!!! :D
John Fuller
Wrote at 2009-03-20 13:46 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Paul, I think there may be a problem still with audio. Video downloads are ok but both BB7 and Radio4 – cannot download anything – getting the message Program is not available if new try again later etc. This has been the case yesterday pm ang again am today.John
John Fuller
Wrote at 2009-03-20 14:21 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Paul, I just did a quick test and found I can download any of Monday’s audio. Looks like the issue is with the BBC – why can’t they leave things alone! No doubt they will fix in the next day or so.Jon
Wrote at 2009-03-20 14:31 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Windows XP:
Paul, a quick word of thanks for a brilliant ap, well documents and especially upgrades.Cheers, Jon
Math Campbell-Sturgess
Wrote at 2009-03-20 16:36 UTC using Safari 528.16 on Mac OS X:
Just updating our app as well.Having to roll in another fw scripts as well so we can support ITV and other services so it’ll be a couple of days, but thank you as ever Paul for your scripting and fast-fixing…
Since we’re not on the list above of mac-based gui’s, you can find the site at http://www.lawrencedudley.co.uk/iplayer
KenH
Wrote at 2009-03-20 17:17 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Paul,I have got problems downloading audio on BBC 7 and BBC 4. I have been unable to download any since Tuesday. Monday shows downloaded okay. Is this a BBC issue and is it likely to right itself in a day or two?
KenH
davep
Wrote at 2009-03-20 20:06 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
attempting to play some audio streams in iplayer states ‘please first install real player’ despite it being loaded already. This has coincided with new ipdl problems.Chris Farnell
Wrote at 2009-03-21 02:54 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:
Still having problems – have tried the updated iPlayer Grabber and Beeb downloader on the Mac and even the ipdl.exe on a windows machine. Files download, but a a lot faster to download and smaller – downloaded file cannot be played. Tried on Top Gear ep5 and Six Nations rugbymerkatron
Wrote at 2009-03-21 07:32 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Thanks for the update, Paul. I use a lot of audio and video for teaching, so your programme has been invaluable.TQ
Wrote at 2009-03-21 08:14 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Completely concur with John Fuller’s comments – radio downloads still seem to be broken even with the latest versionPaul Battley
Wrote at 2009-03-21 11:48 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
Math, you’re on the list now.Math Campbell-Sturgess
Wrote at 2009-03-21 13:01 UTC using Safari 528.16 on Mac OS X:
Ooh, thanks Paul…Just like you no know I appreciate that a lot :)
You’d probably be interested to know that the new version of the script runs slightly faster (at least it does here, using my app, so basically the same as console, on OS X 10.5.6 intel)
About a 5% cpu usage drop actually. Which is nice if you’ve got 10 downloads going at once, I can tell you :)
Special-K
Wrote at 2009-03-21 16:36 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
I’m getting download problems from Radio 7 too. The all too familiar “The programme file is not currently available at this time”.Examples
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j7qhl/Round_The_Horne_Series_1_Episode_16/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00f265m/The_Brightonomicon_The_Baffling_Business_of_the_Bevendean_Bat/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00f5×8x/The_Brightonomicon_The_Sensational_Saga_of_the_Saltdean_Stallion/
Interestingly this programme
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dy0wj/The_Brightonomicon_The_Fantastic_Adventure_of_the_Foredown_Man/
is also producing the same error whereas it was available for download Wednesday so maybe there is a problem with ipdl rather than the iPlayer?
Regards
Special-K
Special-K
Wrote at 2009-03-21 17:39 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Actually I think this may be a BBC problem as Im able to download programmes from Saturday somaybe the Beeb have omitted some of their iPhone broadcasts.Mike H
Wrote at 2009-03-22 14:54 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows 2000:
To Chris FarnellChris, just in case this helps diagnosis in any way, you’re describing EXACTLY what I was seeing BEFORE Paul’s most recent update: I also downloaded the Rugby and got a 56Mb (instead of 200+Mb as typical) file which reported as ‘vc’ compression [right click in the iPlayer window for type info] and was unplayable on anything I have. But this had only happened since the BBC brought the “higher definition” button alive (previously the button was there but it just gave you the same stream). From what Paul has indicated in his reply to mine above, it may only be the the Beeb are (very crudely) post-compressing an already compressed stream to achieve this smaller (and much grungier) file that only plays in their own flash player.
But since Paul’s fix, I now get the same file sizes I was getting before, and the acid test is that they are “legit” MPEG4 compression, and play cleanly in VLC, Quicktime and WMP (which the new ‘lower-quality’ BBC ‘vc’ mode tweaked streams will not.
So suggest simply make double triple sure you have his latest version – works for me (Win XP).
regards Mike H
PS anyone seeking to make real DVDs from these – use Total Video Converter (brilliant) to convert to PAL DVD and tweak the settings for an output video compression bitrate of 6mbps [not the over generour 9mbps default] – this makes you a 4GB .mpg file – burn that to a clean DVD with BurnOnCD&DVD (free tool) and bob’s your uncle.
MH
Barry Hol
Wrote at 2009-03-22 19:25 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows Vista:
Paul, I am a complete amateur when it comes to computing but I have relished using your iplayer downloader. It answers all my wishes with regard to watching and listening to past BBC programs. Here comes the ‘but’ – at present I am getting the “program file is not currently available. If its new try again later” Is it something I have done? Is it something that I can get around ‘easily’ (remember I am an amateur)? Is it imposssible to fix? Whatever I hope you continue to hone your program because it is so incredible useful and easy to use. I am a ‘silver surfer’ and would be willing to contribute to your program. Best wishesTim
Wrote at 2009-03-23 22:35 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Loving this with my Nokia 5800.mp3s are obvious, but for video I just transcode the movs into mp4 with vlc and the job’s a goodun!
The 5800 has an iPlayer “application” (ie link to iPlayer site in browser) but it doesn’t run over 3G and it hangs really badly with wifi so this is the business!
Jess
Wrote at 2009-03-24 09:50 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows Vista:
Downloaded the update and it is now working fine. Just wanted to say thank you SO MUCH for providing this brilliant program and for fixing it so quickly as well. It’s very much appreciated :)Mike H
Wrote at 2009-03-24 20:14 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows 2000:
Tim – I have the same experience on the N95. Iplayer itself is a nightmare on that (takes minutes to load, then reports “not enough memory” – oh great thanks BBC).By the way for anyone using a mobile which has Realplayer preinstalled, like the N95 has, try also another marvellous site, for Audio – it fishes out the Realplayer links and allows you to run Listen Again live on a mobile (make sure you have an unlimited web allowance first, though):
http://www.iplayerconverter.co.uk/choose_aod.aspx
Oh and you can play LIVE BBC Radio 4 if you store this link in your phone bookmarks:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/realplayer/media/fmg2.ram
Ruari
Wrote at 2009-03-25 08:38 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
For those living abroad who are more technically minded, here are a couple of quick tips (sorry it would take me a while to explain all the steps for the less technically inclinded).If you are technical this is probably all obvious anyway … but what the hell I’ll spell it out.
If you have a access to a Linux/UNIX machine in the UK (e.g. a UK friend/family member’s computer you have an account on, University/Work machine, VPS or regular hosting account, or even a UK shell account) you can connect to this via ssh and then run the ruby script remotely (use ‘ruby -Ilib bin/iplayer-dl PID’ if you don’t have root access to install). Then use scp, sftp, ftp, http, etc. afterwards to download to your local machine. ;)
Alternatively, if you don’t have enough disk space on your remote account you can use port forwarding, e.g. ‘ssh -L 80:www.bbc.co.uk:80 [remote server]’ and enter ‘127.0.0.1 www.bbc.co.uk’ into your hosts file. Then run iplayer-dl locally and the shows will be downloaded over your forwarded ports. Remember to change your hosts file back afterwards or you won’t be able to access www.bbc.co.uk. ;)
By the way, dynamic ports forwarding with the ssh ’-D’ switch has not worked for me because:
1. No native SOCKS support in iplayer-dl
2. The common Linux7UNIX socksifier ‘tsocks’ doesn’t play nicely with iplayer-dl for some reason.
Ruari
Wrote at 2009-03-25 09:47 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
Another quick thought in follow up to my previous post. If you want to use the port forwarding method but don’t want to constantly be editing your hosts file each time you use iplayer-dl, edit the ruby files in lib/iplayer and change all ‘www.bbc.co.uk’ references to ‘localhost:9999’. Then prior to running iplayer-dl start up your ssh connection as follows:ssh -N -L 9999:www.bbc.co.uk:80 [remote server]
faceless
Wrote at 2009-03-25 17:18 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows Server 2003:
Thanks for the program and the update – it’s genuinely one of the neatest wee programs I’ve seen in a long while.cheers
Steve A
Wrote at 2009-03-25 20:49 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Paul – great program, very useful indeed. BBC should comission your great work and put this out for everyone to use, we’ve paid for the content in the first place!!The new version was working OK with all Radio files I tried downloading until Thu, 19 Mar. The Radio 2 show Radcliffe and Maconie illustrates the problem – shows up to the 18 Mar are fine. Any ideas what’s up?
Steve
Charles
Wrote at 2009-03-25 22:10 UTC using Firefox 3.0 on Linux:
Agree with Paul above – I’ve been trying to download last week’s Radio 4 Book of the Week series. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday downloaded fine, but Thursday (b00j7ly9) and Friday (b00j7lyd) just won’t work – I keep getting the message ‘The programme file is not currently available.’ I’m also getting the same problem with Any Questions (b00j58sk) and the Archers Omnibus (b00j5kd7).Any idea what is wrong?
Charles
Wrote at 2009-03-25 22:12 UTC using Firefox 3.0 on Linux:
Sorry, meant to say Steve, not Paul!BTW, great program, I use it all the time!
Special-K
Wrote at 2009-03-26 01:50 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
I downloaded a programme from Radio 2 at Wed 10.25amhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j8fmf/The_Single_Story_Episode_3/
It’s now 1.45am Thur morning and I cant download it again. Am getting the “programme file is not currently available” message. Reason I tried downloading this again is cos all my downloads are producing this same error.
Has something changed at the BBC end?
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-03-26 09:15 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
Special-K: that programme works from here. Whatever the problem is, it doesn’t seem to be a systematic change.Roops
Wrote at 2009-03-26 09:54 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
I am also getting sporadic problems, with the same message “programme file is not currently available”.However I have discovered that if I repeatedly attempt to download the same programme ID, eventually it works. Sometimes it works first time – sometimes it takes up to 6 attempts.
Rich
Wrote at 2009-03-26 16:02 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Roops – i’ve found the same thing. Persistence is rewarded.Does anyone know anything that will download other tv channel programs for an ipod – from channel 4 etc?
Ian
Wrote at 2009-03-26 20:51 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows XP:
Superb idea.The ipod touch now takes on a new dimension.
What would be a nice feature is if you could queue multiple items to let the app download overnight.
If the download fails on the first attempt then it tries after 5 seconds for 5 attempts and then moves onto the next one
Good work fella
NomadUK
Wrote at 2009-03-27 18:48 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:
Just downloaded the latest version of Beeb-downloader, which is based on your stuff, and it works great! I’m running 10.4.11 on a 667MHz Powerbook, and playing back the iPlayer Desktop downloads just doesn’t work right. But Beeb-downloader does the job. Thanks!Steve A
Wrote at 2009-03-27 23:15 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
I had problems most of this week with Radio 2 downloads but all OK now. Had tried at various times of the day and was always getting the ‘show unavailable’ message. Looks like it was ol’ Auntie Beeb rather than the rather splendid ipdl.Hurrah for being able to listen to R2 downloads on my rather ancient mobile on my work commute next week.
Cargo Cult
Wrote at 2009-03-28 06:31 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:
For what it’s worth, I just installed the command-line version on a jailbroken iPod Touch 2G. It appears to work!bytor
Wrote at 2009-03-29 10:11 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows Vista:
Thanks a lot for this great program. The update allowed the latest Dr Who to be downloaded!Brian
Wrote at 2009-03-30 13:58 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Hi PaulGreat program but something has gone wrong today. On all the TV programmes I’ve tried I get the following error message:
Unable to parse the metadata for this programme. As a workaround you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually.
I’m using the Windows GUI and don’t know what the -f option is. Can you help?
Brian
drew
Wrote at 2009-03-30 18:54 UTC using Safari 528.16 on Mac OS X:
On OSX I also get the same error as Brian (above)./iplayer-dl -d~/Movies/ -s -fTheFileName b00dwcjn
produces
./iplayer-dl:112: undefined method `metadata’ for # (NoMethodError)
from ./iplayer-dl:13:in `each_with_index’
from ./iplayer-dl:97:in `each’
from ./iplayer-dl:97:in `each_with_index’
from ./iplayer-dl:97
It seems specifying the -f option doesn’t help. the metadata is foobar?
I tried version 0.1.14 and 0.1.15.
Reducing the command to ./iplayer-dl -f TheFilename b00dwcjn causes a different error –
‘The programme file is not currently available.
If it’s new, try again later.’
Mike H
Wrote at 2009-03-30 19:20 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows 2000:
To Steve A – if you’re a radio recording fan (so am I) you might be interested to look at an excellent site that “scrapes off” the BBC PID codes for you (which Paul’s IPDL understands) – and means you don’t even need to waste time visiting the bloated BBC site at all : http://www.iplayerconverter.co.uk/r/4/aod/default.aspxKzap
Wrote at 2009-03-30 19:53 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Linux:
Robin Hood is not DLing :(.Just comes up with the error:
Unable to parse the metadata for this programme.
As a workaround, you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually.
When I do manually specify a file name:
Resuming download at 0 bytes.
Robin_Hood-1._Total_Eclipse (Default)
The programme file is not currently available.
If it’s new, try again later.
The pidcode is: b00jngfd
Hugh Bryant
Wrote at 2009-03-31 06:13 UTC using Opera 9.64 on Windows XP:
Dear Paulipdl.exe used to work brilliantly, but now I get this error message saying the programme is too new or something, come back later – which doesn’t work either. Can you suggest a fix? (Please assume very little tech knowledge)
MTIA
Hugh
Brian
Wrote at 2009-03-31 12:38 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Sorry, I used the wrong terminology in my last post on 30th March. I’m using the Windows pre-built executable on Windows Vista. I’m still getting the error message on all attempted downloads. Help, please.Brian
Paul McGrath
Wrote at 2009-03-31 14:00 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Hi Paul,great job thank you. I was wondering if it was possible to download the high quality version that you can watch on faster connections. At the moment the files are maybe 200mb but the HQ ones might be better and easier to watch if converted for TV.
Thanks
Paul
Brian
Wrote at 2009-04-01 09:54 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Hi PaulPlease see my posts on 30th and 31st March re unable to download. I’ve just tried on my laptop which uses Windows XP and dl is working fine. I still can’t dl on my Windows Vista desktop so I guess this is a Vista problem. Is it one you can solve?
Brian
Brian
Wrote at 2009-04-01 12:19 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Hi Paul,It must be frustrating for you to get several posts from the same person on the same subject. Hopefully this will be my last on this. I ran ipdl on my Vista machine in XP compatibility mode as administrator and it downloads just fine now. Sorry to have troubled you. Please keep up your good work.
Brian
IanT
Wrote at 2009-04-01 15:39 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows Vista:
If you find that you get the announcer then try using the ID you get when you right click on the video itself instead of the one in the URL of the page :)IanT
Wrote at 2009-04-01 16:09 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows Vista:
oh sorry that doesn’t work, seem like there are 2 versions in the playlist now and the default is the signed version, using the other ID causes the windows exe to close.Shane Mace
Wrote at 2009-04-02 05:59 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
When I try to download The Apprentice: You’re Fired Episode 2, after putting in the code instead of coming up with the usual save as file name box, is just closes down the application?!? HELP!! The code I am using is b007qgcl.Thank you for any assistance that you can provide, and thanks for such a great little application.
Gazza
Wrote at 2009-04-03 09:00 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.18 on Windows Vista:
Excellent as expected!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!witchy
Wrote at 2009-04-03 18:41 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Mac OS X:
this is perfecto, thank you!! Now if you could just do the same for the ITV player I would be completely blissed out and would probably rarely stray from my sofa again : )))Dafydd
Wrote at 2009-04-04 18:30 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Linux:
HiYou mention that the subtitles are coming. I am not clear if the subtitles are already available or if it is still work in progress.
If it is already available can you explain how I can view the subtitles.
I currently use Linux and apple mac computers.
spafon7e
Wrote at 2009-04-05 11:44 UTC using Mozilla 1.8.1.21 on Windows XP:
Thanks for this programme, Paul. It’s simplified my life some, and saved me time. But …... please don’t think me picky, but, in addition to R3, 4 & 7, I record a fair bit from the BBC’s World Service. To date I’ve been unable to capture any World Service programmes with IPDL.
Typically (in my experience) IPDL doesn’t recognise World Service IPlayer URLs such as: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p002mbs0
It does recognise them when configured:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002mbs0
But it then reports that the programme is unavailable.
Am I doing something wrong?
Regards,
Peter
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-04-05 15:48 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Linux:
Dafydd, just use the--subtitlesoption.Amanda
Wrote at 2009-04-06 09:10 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
I am trying to download radio programmes as MP3s to go on to my iPod. Some download as MP3s perfectly, others download as .mov which I can’t put into my iTunes library. And I can’t open them with QuickTime, as it says it is not a file it understands. Is there something I can do to ensure that the file downloads as an MP3?Thanks – and it’s a brilliant program!
Kurt Munro
Wrote at 2009-04-06 13:18 UTC using Firefox 3.0 on Windows XP:
This is another shout for the HQ version… They’re not worth watching in Normal Quality.Ian
Wrote at 2009-04-06 19:38 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows XP:
Hi there, have you considered writing a similar app for ITV Player?http://www.itv.com/ITVPlayer/
spafon7e
Wrote at 2009-04-07 00:56 UTC using Mozilla 1.8.1.21 on Windows XP:
Amanda, *.mov files can be opened with video editing software, and the sound element saved separately.Sound editors such as Audition have *.mov plug-ins which open only the sound element.
meaty
Wrote at 2009-04-07 07:26 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows XP:
Thanks for this great application, I’m using the windows version & would love to see the option to download the high quality .mov streams. Would this be possible in a future release.Thanks In Advance.
Brandon
Wrote at 2009-04-07 08:51 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Hey,Thanks so so much for this-Its awesome!!!! I really want to be able to download Channel 4 and ITV programmes. Any chance of this is the very near future?
Does anybody know other programmes that will do this meanwhile?
Thanks so much again, been using since its first release, best application for the job!
Many Thanks,
Brandon
scott glynn
Wrote at 2009-04-07 16:40 UTC using Chrome 1.0.154.53 on Windows XP:
thanks for this, just discovered it. great piece of softwareLuke
Wrote at 2009-04-08 13:11 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
I have started getting the same message as a lot of people on here seem to be getting – program currently unavailable etc. Is there a pattern as to when the ipdl2 works? ie does it tend to work the day after the program is broardcast or a week? Is there a fix for this? Ipdl2 used to work great but i havent been able to download anyhting in ages. Any advice would be great. Thanks. Lukejohnc
Wrote at 2009-04-09 15:41 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Linux:
I think bbc must have changed something. This worked fine a few weeks ago, but now almost every program I try gives :- “Unable to parse the metadata for this programme”Luke
Wrote at 2009-04-10 08:30 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Top job paul! The new fix seems to be working great.Ronnie
Wrote at 2009-04-11 16:03 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5 on Windows XP:
Hi there would just like to say great programwould it be able to download the HQ if so how
i noticed if you right click on the on screen video it give you a diffrent id tried this in the url instead but did not work ant ideas
Endo
Wrote at 2009-04-13 22:43 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows XP:
Errr, I’ve downloaded this on an XP machine and when I click the exe file absolutely NOTHING happens – now I know it works cuz I’ve just spent 20mins reading all the fantastic reviews above… so… what have I done wrong?!Adam Smith
Wrote at 2009-04-14 04:43 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Mac OS X:
Endo: it could be that you don’t have the missing dlls (look for ‘msvcp71.dll or msvcr71.dll’) above as if you don’t have either of these files you will need to download them – there is a link above too (under one of the screenshots). I have XP too and it works with no problems.Endo
Wrote at 2009-04-14 17:06 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows XP:
Cheers Adam, I grabbed those dll’s last night while trying to get it to work – it was only after I’d done that and it still wouldn’t work that I left the message…All rather odd… Maybe I’ll try downloading again…
Endo
Wrote at 2009-04-14 17:14 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows XP:
seems to have done the trick… thanks folks!!Oli H
Wrote at 2009-04-16 10:34 UTC using Chrome 1.0.154.53 on Windows XP:
Hi Paul,Just wanted to say thank you for this brilliant app, muchos gracias!
.Oli.
Smart
Wrote at 2009-04-16 12:34 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows XP:
I’m using XP Media Center and get an error “unable to parse the metadata” every time (I’m going for the MotoGP coverage from BBC2Can I do anything about this, please?
Adam Smith
Wrote at 2009-04-17 19:40 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Mac OS X:
Smart: You can download the MotoGP ‘preview’ 2009, so I guess the programme from the 13 April is one of those that (quote from Paul above):“Occasionally the transcode gets screwed from the BBC’s side, again your SOL unless it gets re-encoded. The un-drm’ed mp4 version of the programme is their lowest priority in the big scheme of things.”
It’s probably that. One of Charlie Brooker’s Newswipe episodes also wouldn’t download, but the others did.
I have to say that these types of ‘unable to download’ incidents are becoming less and less in the last coupe of months.
Adam
Shane Mace
Wrote at 2009-04-18 19:25 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Once I download a programme, and have added it to my iPod I like to delete the file from my hard disk, due to limited space. However, on a lot of files, if I try and delete the file, I get a message advising the file is in use. I have tried deleting both with the iPod plugged in, but also without it plugged in.J
Wrote at 2009-04-20 14:07 UTC using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X:
Hello Paul, thank you for a fantastic programme. However, I’m finding that every time I click on Radio 3, a page opens with a children’s illustration (?) on the upper half and blank underneath with no programme details whatsoever – with not even a back button to go back, thereby forcing me to quit iPlayer Grabber to start again. (I can, however, go Radio Stations – then click on a particular genre in Radio 3 to access programmes, but it’s kind of inconvenient…) Why is this? Has this happened to others? I recently re-installed your updated version, but the same problem persists still. I do not have problems at all with any other programmes. Except – I’m desperate at the moment to download: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00js5tb/Arts_Classical_and_Jazz_Zone_16_04_2009/ but without success…. Is this one of those unavailable and impossible to download? Please help me. Thank you so much in advance.Steve A
Wrote at 2009-04-21 20:18 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows Vista:
Sometimes when I tried to download certain files I get the error mssg ‘The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later.’ Retrying another day usually works, but not every time.The mp3 filename correctly shows in the save as dialog box, but the error mssg then appears when I click save.
The file will play OK on the BBC’s website yet not download. I am new to how this download gets the files and wondered how it can play yet not be downloaded as though it doesn’t exist. If this problem has been addressed before, my apologies. As everyone says, it’s a great program.
For example this file will not download as of 21-4-09:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b007jpxk/Journey_into_Space_The_Red_Planet_Episode_6/
Thanks
Keswick
Wrote at 2009-04-23 01:51 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Windows XP:
Hi PaulIs there anychance in the future you could develop the program so, it downloaded the content in an avi format?
Also, what about keeping the original quality so the downloads can be played back through a avi/divx dvd player.
Great work though Paul!
Cactii are great
Wrote at 2009-04-25 07:08 UTC using Opera 9.26 on Windows XP:
Hi Paul, once again thanks for your wonderfull IPDL, it makes life so much more flexible and enjoyable.Regarding :-
Special-K … Am getting the “programme file is not currently available” message …
Paul Battley … works from here …
I have been having quite a few problems recently.
It seems some times if you download too many things (e.g. 2 items per hour) then the BBC feed you the error message. I have found renewing my IP address tends to sort this problem out and downloads normaly work fine. This has now worked 6 times out of 7.
Sometimes I can do quite a few downloads and there is no problem, then other times the BBC sends out the error notice (which obviously IPDL then reports “program currently …”).
Also there tends to be more problems if you try both playing and downloading in the same session and using the same IP address (in other words – download or watch, then renew your IP address and do the opposite).
Cheers
Paul
ADavid Palmer
Wrote at 2009-04-26 17:12 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Windows Vista:
Hi,Just like to say a very big thank you for your fantastic programme You made my day capturing a programme I wanted Best Wishes David
Rehan Uddin
Wrote at 2009-04-26 17:13 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Windows Vista:
Hi,Check out iDownload –
http://r2software.blogspot.com/2009/04/idownload-download-bbc-iplayer-drm-free.html
Tool to download DRM-Free content from BBC iPlayer. This content can be played on any device that supports Apple QuickTime Movies (.mov files) and Advanced Audio Content (.aac) including iPhone, iPod Touch and any PC with the latest QuickTime Player installed. Supports TV and Radio programmes, although not all programmes are available. Search BBC iPlayer programmes based on Channels, Genre and Title search.
Koant
Wrote at 2009-04-28 14:50 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Linux:
Great app, thanks!I’ve just upgraded to Ubuntu 9.04 (64bits), updated to ruby 1.9.0 and iplayer-dl doesn’t want to work anymore. I tried and re-install it but to no avail, I get the following message:
/usr/local/lib/site_ruby/1.9.0/iplayer/preferences.rb:6:in `initialize’: uninitialized constant IPlayer::Preferences::PLATFORM (NameError)
from /usr/bin/iplayer-dl:18:in `new’
from /usr/bin/iplayer-dl:18:in `’
I made the symbolic link /usr/bin/ruby for /usr/bin/ruby1.9, not sure if it matters.
Note that I had to use sudo for both commands when I re-installed it.
Thank you in advance for any pointers!
f1fan
Wrote at 2009-04-29 10:07 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
hi paul im having troble gettinghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00k369n/Formula_1_2009_The_Bahrain_Grand_Prix_Part_2/
have the beeb update the protection or am i being stupid lol
thanks f1fan
Rich
Wrote at 2009-04-29 10:20 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:
I’m getting the following for this radio programme:http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00k2862/Adam_and_Joe_25_04_2009
The programme file is not currently available.
If it’s new, try again later.
Can anyone advise?
The new java iDownload app also won’t work with this content…
JK
Wrote at 2009-04-30 16:20 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows XP:
The iPlayer recently had an upgrade to stream HD content. Any show that is available to watch on the BBC HD Channel will also have that content available as a 720p stream. Any chance your excellent downloader software could be updated to download HD content if available?Information regarding HD content available at:
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/about_iplayer/watch_hd
Adam
Wrote at 2009-04-30 19:29 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Hi.First of all, I would like to thank you for this brilliant application, I regularly use it so that I can download programs for offline viewing later.
I just have one suggestion I was thinking about. I don’t know if it’s possible but I thought I’d shoot it out here. It would be great if it gave an option to show the direct link (that’s where I’m not sure if it’s possible as the link could be specially suited to the application) to input into a download manager, or to just download it with iPlayer Downloader itself.
Thank you for the great work.
-Adam
Martin T
Wrote at 2009-05-01 08:48 UTC using Firefox 3.0.3 on Linux:
I can download most programmes. But when I try to play them back, they will play for a few mins, then the image freezes, the sound goes “crunch” and that’s it. I used avidemux to convert the .mov to .flv. Same problem. Used avidemux to try and “fast forward” through the file – gets to the frozen frame and then it’s like the rest of the file consists only of that frozen frame. It distorts/pixelates. Won’t play any further. Indeed, it seems like the rest of the file consists only of that frozen frame. This haappens with every programme I try to watch (and I have tried with several programmes). If you tell me somewhere to send or post a file, I’ll send one for you to see yourself. This has happened with totem, vlc and mplayer.pajh
Wrote at 2009-05-04 00:18 UTC using Mozilla 1.9.0.6 on Linux:
Thank you for this.David Harrison
Wrote at 2009-05-04 11:06 UTC using Firefox 3.0.6 on Mac OS X:
You haven’t got the time to write a similar one for Channel 4 have you? ‘cos living abroad and relying on the internet deities, only sometimes do I get enough bandwidth to watch streamed stuffSteve A
Wrote at 2009-05-07 22:11 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
To Mike H – many thanks for taking the time to share that. Will give it a try for the Radio Scotland shows that ipdl always seems to have not worked for. Cheers.Gratuitus Maximus
Wrote at 2009-05-08 14:08 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
I have an odd problem sometimes with signed versions of programmes. Sometime if I download a programme it is the sign language version even though the version on the iplayer site is not signed, nor is the version which I stream to my iphone.This isn’t just a mistake on my part downloading one version but viewing another. It has happened just now with the programme at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00k9c1m/sign/Wainwright_Walks_Coast_to_Coast_Mowbray_and_the_Moors/
If I stream on my PC, it’s not signed. If I stream on my iphone, it’s not signed. If I download it using iplayer downloader and then view that file, it is signed. I double checked, downloaded again with exactly the same result.
Any ideas? It’s probably a mix up at the iplayer end of things but I wonder if there is any way for your downloaded to check for signed and unsigned versions of a programme and give the option of which to download.
Many thanks for a great tool.
rob b
Wrote at 2009-05-09 08:34 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows Vista:
Hi PaulOne slight glitch to report with this otherwise excellent piece of work. I use the “mgtek dopisp” Windows Media Player Ipod plugin (I hate Itunes) and since loading the latest version (March 09) of the downloader, I got error when trying to sync a couple of episodes of Saturday Kitchen on the wife’s Ipod. I actually find this plugin less fussy on formats than Itunes used to be, but did not try Itunes on this occasion. Interestingly, when I used VLC to transcode the MOV to an MP4 they load and play, but lock-up the Ipod mid episode.
I wonder if anyone else has had similar? maybe the beeb have put something sneaky in like a rogue frame?
Cheers
Rob
Me
Wrote at 2009-05-12 01:20 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Feature request,download queuing!
phil
Wrote at 2009-05-12 16:58 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows Vista:
I want to put some on dvd but cannot find out how so im hopeing what i have just downloaded will workPete
Wrote at 2009-05-12 23:05 UTC using Firefox 3.5b4 on Windows Vista:
Hi PaulGreat job as ever with the downloader, had many months of happy usage with various versions.
Just tried to grab the Big Weekend output and whilst it picks up the correct name for the ID it says that the programme is currently not available. Have the BBC not put out the normal feed for Big Weekend that the downloader intercepts? Or is there are quick fix that can be done to get it working?
Cheers
Pete
Paul
Wrote at 2009-05-12 23:11 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:
Paul,Thanks for this – installed the Linux version fine and it worked perfectly first time.
The files run great on my EEE 901 straight from an SD card – perfect for watching on the train.
Intoxic
Wrote at 2009-05-13 19:33 UTC using Firefox 3.0.5;MEGAUPLOAD on Windows XP:
As of 13th May, any radio shows I tried to download are ‘not currently available’.Any chance of a fix?
Thanks =)
Mike
Wrote at 2009-05-14 10:21 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Linux:
Intoxic,I don’t believe the problem is with the downloader. I’ve found that a lot of the radio programmes don’t work on my iphone either. Maybe it’s a trans-coding backlog at the beeb or something
Cheers
Mike
Ben
Wrote at 2009-05-15 06:30 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista:
I know you do lots about iPlayer, but do you know how to download itv programs?Mick
Wrote at 2009-05-15 15:17 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
I “succesfully” download a video and ended up with a mov file which I tried to play with VLC Player but it wouldn’tI then tried to convert it to a DVD using ConvertXtoDvd3 and when loading the file I got an error saying that there was no video content.
Do you have any idea why this hould be
Thanks
Steve
Wrote at 2009-05-16 01:00 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Have a problem downloading from 1xtra radio shows (b00kbym8) what is the exact problem? I find it strange that I can play it back fine in the browser but the iplayer downloader states it cannot be found and if it is new try again later, the link is 4 days old now. Why is this happening?AC11
Wrote at 2009-05-18 00:05 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows Vista:
I have the same problem as Mick. Each file is downloaded as mov format and no player I have seems to play it. I will try again and update you but the download froze at 98.8% and when I retried it downloaded OK, but other downloads now fail with an error.I am not using VLC as I know in the past it won’t play mov files for me but using MPC Star which does play my other mov files. And yes I am using windows virusware/junkware OS.
The error given is as follow: Unable to parse the metadata for this programme. As a workaround, you can use the f- option to specify a file name manually.
What does that mean?
Applemac1
Wrote at 2009-05-19 10:05 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Mac OS X:
Having the same problem as AC11, however I have entered the file name manually and it still does not down load, since last Thursday ive been getting error code 70.Not been able to download anything uptill now, was working perfect before Thursday.
Jo
Wrote at 2009-05-22 22:40 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows Vista:
As mentioned before, will it be able to download in avi format?Nigel Hales
Wrote at 2009-05-23 11:19 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows XP:
Tried down loading Annie Macs Mash up 23rd May, noticed using “SureStream” which gives “prog not available” error!http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00kgfds/Annie_Macs_Mash_Up_22_05_2009/
Any chance of a fix?
Great Down Load Program
Analitik
Wrote at 2009-05-24 00:27 UTC using Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP:
Excellent program. Thanks a lot Paul.Is there a way to download programs in HD quality (in case it is available at BBC)?
Even if I provide the full address, e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00kmv11/hd/South_Pacific_Series_1_Castaways/, it still downloads the regular quality analog of it (same address by without /hd/ specification in it).
Many thanks.
Bruce Herriett
Wrote at 2009-05-25 14:02 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Has anyone got this to work outside of the UK?I’m off the the US in a few weeks on holiday, and would really like to be able to use it there.
Mark
Wrote at 2009-05-25 15:32 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Great program, but it has stopped working for me a few days ago. All programmes from BBC radio 7 give the error message “The programme file is not currently available”. They work from the regular iplayer.Mike
Wrote at 2009-05-25 16:56 UTC using Chrome 1.0.154.65 on Windows XP:
Tried every programme on the Radio 1 site, nothing will downloadstuart b
Wrote at 2009-05-25 21:44 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Same here struggling with radio1, managed to download kissy sell out from friday morning but kutski and judge jules wont download.AC11
Wrote at 2009-05-26 02:06 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows Vista:
Hi, me again. I did manage to download a few shows from iPlayer but then this error started to show. Error: The programme file is not currently available. If its new, try again later. Hmm, I think they are on to us.I know I am not the first to mention this error but I was actually trying to download shows from BBC3 and BBC2. Seems this software is now blocked or perhaps our MAC and or IP addresses are also….
Chris
Wrote at 2009-05-26 14:34 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Hi,I can’t download a single thing, keep getting the following error:
Unable to parse the metadata for this programme. As a workaround you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually.
Ideas ?
Steve
Wrote at 2009-05-26 21:35 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista:
I can’t download radio files recently – e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00kfvgl/Gardeners_Question_Time_22_05_2009/Can anyone get this to start downloading? I get the program not available message.
Xris
Wrote at 2009-05-26 22:48 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Seems like they are changing the radio player from flash to realaudio. Although I was able to load Jaguar Skills (25/05) but neither Pete Tong nor Annie Mac…Very sad… Hope they change their mind or we can find a way to record the surestream. ;-(
Derrick Brown
Wrote at 2009-05-28 09:12 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP:
As I’m not that computer literate, it would be nice if all this was explained in layman terms or something I could understandWhy does it download in such a small file, when (and if it ever works) its very pixelated
Cant it be downloaded as a AVI or WMV file ?
Or even some other format rather than this tiny file, I know its so it thinks its an iphone or ipod touch file, but playing it on a PC monitor is awful
dom
Wrote at 2009-05-28 19:23 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:
Fantastic program.Thanks v. much for developing it Paul!
Please keep going.
Cheers,
Dom
cem2
Wrote at 2009-05-29 05:06 UTC using Firefox 2.0 on Linux:
HiHave been using this successfully for months – until yesterday when downloading the latest apprentice (episode 10 (b00kq0sv)) – it appears to be successful, but won’t play in any movie player – just plays a duration of 0.00.
I do this via a proxy.
You’re Fired worked fine –
Any pointers would be great.
Thanks!
spadge007
Wrote at 2009-05-29 08:12 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows Vista:
Cem2,I too downloaded Episode 10 of the Apprentice and it did not play in Quicktime.
However, I noticed the download size to be significantly smaller than normal (only 139mb).
I tried to watch the episode via my iphone directly from the iplayer website which was not possible.
I think the problem lies with the beeb!
Dave
Wrote at 2009-05-30 20:26 UTC using Chrome 3.0.182.0 on Linux:
Thanks for this, Paul. I once wrote a snarly bash hack so I could d’load Andy Kershaw’s show. It worked, but was too inelegant (realtime recording, ram -> stream -> wav ->ogg + lots of needtoknow options) to share. Then they sacked AK anyway. Been thinking about revisiting it but this is SO much nicer!More power to you, mate. Will bookmark your site.
Brian Glanville
Wrote at 2009-05-31 19:54 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Hi Guys not a programmer but have tinkered with the Iplayer system for some time. Usually downloaded using version 9 of Media Player, then cracked the file using Mirakagi & FairUse4wm, before converting to DVD format with Win AVI and burning to DV.Tried out this downloader and then got Error: The programme file is not currently available. If its new, try again later
OK. so then removed the old Iplayer Download Manager which was still on my system and the Desktop new version of Iplayer downloader, leaving Pauls downloader only on the system.
Now everything works fine: films download as do Radio progs. and in my case, of especial interest, music archive film documentary’s. Downside is that they only download in a slightly lossy format. i.e if the normal download is 650mb I actually get a downloaded version at 250mb, and it will only play back in Real Player. Any downloaded movie files can then be converted in Win AVI if you have the time and intention.
Thought that perhaps the above info may be of interest to you code crunchers who have a better understanding of system coding than I do!
Cheers
Ragamuffin Brian.
http://ragamuffin.biz
Greg Fleming
Wrote at 2009-06-02 16:09 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:
Genius. Downloaded the tarball and had it up and running in seconds on my Ubuntu 9.04 installation.I like Ruby, too.
Emma
Wrote at 2009-06-02 19:53 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP:
This is ace and has helped me heaps-i really want to download 4od programmes too. Is there a program which will do this?Any help much appreciated.
Cheers,
Em
mikey
Wrote at 2009-06-06 19:29 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:
if the filename and the directory (or path) are both given to iplayer-dl should it not save to the given file in the given path rather than create a new subdirectory in the given path and save it with the given name there?As this makes it impossible to specify exactly where to save it. Otherwise well done!
Dangger
Wrote at 2009-06-07 09:51 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Thank you! very cool app.Shane Mace
Wrote at 2009-06-08 18:13 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Brilliant app, use it nearly every day!However, I appear to be having a problem with a few of the Apprentice programmes at the moment
b00l1qz0 – The Apprentice Series 5 Episode 12
b00l6c8q – The Apprentice Series 5 You’re Hired
b00kq0sv – The Apprentice Series 5 Episode 10
As well as a couple of others, keep getting the “not available message” and to try again later.
Any ideas? (and I have tried again later)...
cem2
Wrote at 2009-06-11 04:49 UTC using Firefox 2.0 on Linux:
Shane Mace,Episode 10 looks like an issue with the BBC as the complete file wasn’t available.
I am having the same problem with Episode 12 and You’re Hired.
Lets hope they become available from the BBC – I’ve been trying now the last few days, not looking to good.
cem2
Wrote at 2009-06-12 14:10 UTC using Firefox 2.0 on Linux:
Apprentice Episode 12 is available – You’re hired is packaged in with it :) YaayAdam
Wrote at 2009-06-15 17:22 UTC using Chrome 2.0.172.31 on Windows XP:
Hi, great little application, been using for a while. Tried to download a few programs today and keep getting a “There is no page for this programme” message. Its been mentioned before – do you know if the BBC have broken the iplayer again? Cheers AdamMatt Bradley
Wrote at 2009-06-15 17:58 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:
I’ve used iplayer-dl on linux for a while now, and what a fantastic little utility!Unfortunately, I cannot download the latest episode of South Pacific (ep.6) more worryingly, I cannot download previous episodes of it anymore either, even though I’ve successfully downloaded them previously. I guess the beeb have tweaked something in the last week.
spafon7e
Wrote at 2009-06-15 18:46 UTC using Mozilla 1.8.1.21 on Windows XP:
Hi Paul,I’ve been using your fine utility virtually trouble free for months now … until today, when each attempted download resulted in the error message:
“There is no page for this programme.
This probably means that the programme does not exist”.
Rebooted, and received the same message.
This is for programmes where a BBC page does exist eg http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00l0vjp
Has something changed, or is this just a temporary blip?
Regards,
Angela
Wrote at 2009-06-15 18:53 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
I just love iPlayer Downloader and don’t know what I’d do without it as for some reason the BBC’s Iplayer never installs properly on my computer and my internet speed is too slow to watch the streaming version. But as mentioned above it looks like the Beep have been busy messing stuff up again as I keep getting the “There is no page for this programme” message too on everything I try to download, even stuff I’ve already successfully downloaded. Is there any chance you could work your magic again Paul? Please!Chris Hopcroft
Wrote at 2009-06-15 21:35 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Mac OS X:
Looks like the BBC have changed up on us, and there’s only 3 days of Springwatch left—looks like I’ll have to miss the last 5 episodes. Bummer.KenH
Wrote at 2009-06-15 21:48 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows XP:
The downloads on the BBC7 site as started working again and I am also in the process of downloading a TV programme from last night. So everything is working fine again.Matt Bradley
Wrote at 2009-06-16 06:40 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:
working again now.Paul Shepherd
Wrote at 2009-06-16 20:04 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Hi PaulJust a really big thank you to go with all the others. I have just used it on Windows XP and works perfectly and have easily downloaded programmes I really wanted now.
Im going to have a look back through your site for the Mac version as I prefer to use my MacBook Pro Laptop really but thought as I have both I would try XP first.
You instructions were perfect, everything spot and and worked first time.
Cheers Matey.
Paul
Barry Carlyon
Wrote at 2009-06-17 02:13 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Linux:
Much love for this app :-)Works well on W1nd0w5 and my Asus EEE pc ;-)
Steffen
Wrote at 2009-06-17 18:24 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Linux:
This is amazing, thank you so much! Finally I can keep the fruits of my license fee for more than 7 days! And no longer do I have to wait for several seconds just because I wanna go back in a radio show to listen to a particular song again.Thanks!
Andre Leigh
Wrote at 2009-06-18 12:57 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Excellent software, has been a joy to use. Yesterday I upgraded my Iphone to new version of software (3.0). Have recently tried to copp downloaded programmes from I-player as usual and Itunes now complains that it cannot play the file format and therefore will not let me copy.Not too sure if Apple have done something with this latest version of sofware, any ideas ??
John
Wrote at 2009-06-21 13:23 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Linux:
When I run: ruby setup.rb configI get:—-> bin
lib—-> lib/iplayer—-> lib/iplayer/gui
John
Wrote at 2009-06-21 13:31 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Linux:
ErrorsWei
Wrote at 2009-06-21 15:42 UTC using Safari 530.17 on Mac OS X:
I tried to download a movie with subtitles option. It downloaded the movie and a xml files seems has all subtitles. How can I use the xml file with I’m plying back the movie? VLC & QuickTime seems don’t load this automatically.Paul
Wrote at 2009-06-24 17:09 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows Vista:
Many thanks. 1st time operation on BBC iPlayer after much searching for an answer to iPod touch refusal to allow play.I run iPod 2.2.1 firmware, 3.0 upgrade doesn’t like interference.
barry
Wrote at 2009-06-25 06:43 UTC using Unknown browser on Unknown OS:
HiThanks for the app.
I get an error message about it being unable to parse and , as a workaround, use the -f file instead.
Can I ask someone who has greater knowledge than I what this means and how do I do this ‘workaround’ please?
ravenslament
Wrote at 2009-06-25 15:13 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista:
firstly , excellent programsecondly , when i’ve finished downloading from iplayer and close the ipdl i lose the whole application and have to redownload , could you give a clueless like me any help in saving the appilication on my pc . i am using vista .
thanks
ravenslament
JulianSelf
Wrote at 2009-06-25 22:44 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Excellent tool. I’ve been using it from early on and it continues to be solid.Updated my iPhone to OS 3.0 and everything still works just fine.
Keep up the good work, Thanks.
E.D.
Wrote at 2009-06-26 07:04 UTC using Firefox 3.0.10 on Windows XP:
Something I’ve noticed is that when a playlist has multiple versions of the same video item, it is always the last version in the playlist that is played.This explains why when you look at iPlayer through a browser you get the “default” video – but when downloading the same playlist ID through this app, you often get the “signed” version instead.
As an example of this look at “The Secret Life of the Airport” (b00l7q57)
The playlist has both versions in it, but the downloader retrieves the one last in the file ( which is the signed one )
alternate id=”default”
alternate id=”signed”
Roger Wilson
Wrote at 2009-06-26 08:38 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
This is a genius piece of software!!! Excellent work. Just regret that I cant avoid using the ‘intrusive’ iTunes to get the resulting file onto the iPodMuch appreciated
dapxin
Wrote at 2009-06-27 00:19 UTC using Opera 9.80 on Windows XP:
@roger,Why not – just get Floola.
I dont use iPods but heck that bullcrap has me going cracks each time I had to fix it for my sister.
Do a google on Floola and it works.
Andrew Megaughin
Wrote at 2009-06-27 03:57 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows XP:
I’ve just noticed that two of the programs I downloaded last night have produced 1Kb files, though no error.When the .mov file is opened in a text editor it shows some XML code : http://pastie.org/526182
The two programs are :
b00kmtl9 = My_Weapon_Is_a_Dog
b00lc6xb = The_Chasers_War_on_Everything_Episode_1
Not sure if it’s related but these programs are marked “Guidance : Contains some strong violence” and “Guidance : Contains some strong violence and upsetting scenes”. The video fails to download irrespective of how the parental Lock is setup.
I’d be greatful if this could be fixed as my wife’s a dog-trainer and would really like to grab one of them.
Thanks for the great program !
AJ
Bob B
Wrote at 2009-06-27 10:22 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Hi,I too have found this.
I’ve just tried downloading Friday Night with Jonathan Ross (for my wife I add…) and that has had the same result.
I’ve also noticed the “use this link in your tweeter feed” or some such. Is it connected?
I’ll have to resort to setting tonight repeat to record on the Sky+.
:-)
Bob B
Mark Payne
Wrote at 2009-06-27 14:55 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows Vista:
Dear Paul,Having trouble downloading some glasto highlights – did notice there was a prompt for age which may have caused this
Andrew Megaughin
Wrote at 2009-06-28 07:23 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows XP:
Managed to successfully download 123 programs last night but 4 gave the same problemb00lfhv2 = Famous Rich and Homeless – Episode 2.mov
b0074f8t = Little Britain – Series 3 – Episode 5.mov
b007stmh = James Mays 20th Century – Series 1 – Blast Off.mov
b00lg941 = Martha Speaks – Martha Runs Away.mov.txt
Of these “failures” 2 contain some sort of parental guidance and 2 don’t. (One is a kids programme) so I now think the parental lock thing is a total red herring.
The percentage indicator rises to 100% as normal and a .mov file is created , just doesn’t contain any video , just xml. (My previous post includes an example)
Rerunning the download has the same result and it’s affecting both the command line and GUI versions on my windows XP system. As far as I’m aware nothing has been changed on my system in the last couple of days that could have caused this problem.
At least I can now stop praying that Springsteen doesn’t go all potty-mouth at Glastonbury !-)
Paul
Wrote at 2009-06-28 18:03 UTC using Opera 9.80 on Windows Vista:
Excellent program for windows, thank you.One request though?, can you enable ctrl+a in the dialogue box so it is easier to enter the next url.?
TIA
Reg
Wrote at 2009-06-28 23:15 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Absolutely great!Haven’t tried videos but, as I often miss stuff on BBC Radio 7 and would like to listen to plays and comedies on my Ipod, I’ve always been frustrated having to listen via the computer. I tried your programme and it downloaded the streams as mp3’s straight away.
Thanks VERY MUCH Paul this is exactly what I’ve needed for ages. Top bloke.
Mike Mobi
Wrote at 2009-06-30 20:33 UTC using Chrome 2.0.160.0 on Windows Vista:
Hi there,What a wonderfull program you’ve got here. I’ve been using it for a while and its fantastic. Keep up the good work.
I just wanted to know if there’s anything similar for ITV’s ITV PLAYER and CHANNEL 4’s 4OD.
Cheers
Mike
Carl M.
Wrote at 2009-06-30 20:55 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Fantastic program, but I’m having a similair problem as some others and I cannot fin a solution above.BBC download is 654mb, dowload via iplayer downloader is 113mb
It is saved as a ”.mov ” file, but when I try to play it, I get the message
“Error 2048 Couldn’t play (file name).mov as it id not a file that quick time understands.
How can I convert this to an MP4 or WMV file please??
I have noticed ‘Total Video Converter’ has been mentioned, but would that work for what I require??
I just want to be able to watch it on my PC!!
Thanks for any help!!
Mike Mobi
Wrote at 2009-06-30 22:28 UTC using Chrome 2.0.160.0 on Windows Vista:
Hi there (Carl M)Id download VLC player from http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ It plays all media file formats including (.mov and alsp .flv).
I use it to play all my iplayer downloads
Hope it helps
Mike
steve
Wrote at 2009-07-01 08:25 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP:
Excellent piece of software.Can you you download HD programmes? Mine always defaults to the SD version.
webweasel
Wrote at 2009-07-01 22:36 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Mac OS X:
Hi Paul (and others)I’m trying to grab some of the Glastonbury vids from the BBCs microsite:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/glastonbury/2009/videos/
Is there any way of finding out what their PID is? They don’t appear on the general iPlayer page.
Many thanks, and thanks once again for a terrific script.
Gary
Wrote at 2009-07-02 15:31 UTC using Opera 9.64 on Windows XP:
@webweasel:As far as I’m aware those videos use the Adobe Secure RTMP Measures, which iPlayer Downloader is not designed for. I imagine google will find you some good quality tv-rips though.
gefflo
Wrote at 2009-07-03 12:29 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows Vista:
Hey guys anyone that knows hows to listen to bbc 1Xtra live on Blackberry 9000?Bill Hung
Wrote at 2009-07-03 20:46 UTC using Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows XP:
Wow, the place you work “Made by Many” looks like a very fun place to work.I haven’t tried this app yet, but greatly appreciate your effort. And probably will try it in near future.