iPlayer Downloader

Ruby, cross-platform

There’s currently (13th April) a problem with the iPlayer itself.

Introduction

This program downloads DRM-free video (h.264) and audio (MP3) files from the BBC iPlayer service by pretending to be an iPhone. There’s more information on the Beebhack Wiki.

It won’t download every programme that’s on the iPlayer website, because they’re not always available. Sometimes, this is by design (as in the case of films and expensive US series like Heroes); sometimes it’s due to omission or transient problems. In addition, it can’t currently download the embedded videos that are not part of the main iPlayer service.

To be clear, let me state it here: You can’t download most films. You can’t download some American TV series. You can’t download in HD. You can’t download things that aren’t on the iPlayer proper. Some other programmes also can’t be downloaded for reasons that are unclear.

I’m interested in hearing about systematic problems via the bug report form. However, please don’t bother telling me about one-off or occasional errors, as there’s nothing I can do about them.

This program will not work unless used from a UK IP address, either directly or via a proxy. Please do not ask me about how to use it from other locations.

Non-specific comments such as “it doesn’t work” are useless and will be deleted.

Using Windows and want to keep things simple? Skip straight to the Windows GUI instructions.

Command-line program

The command-line version is recommended for Linux users and anyone else who wants to use the advanced features like proxy support or subtitle downloads.

Note: Windows users should omit sudo when copying the commands below.

Get Ruby

You’ll need to install Ruby and RubyGems. Mac OS X should have these installed already. On Ubuntu, you can use:

sudo apt-get install ruby rubygems

On Windows, you can get the one-click Ruby installer.

Install

sudo gem install iplayer-dl

If your installed version of RubyGems cannot find iplayer-dl, you can download the .gem file and install it in a similar manner: sudo gem install iplayerer-dl-X.X.X.gem.

That’s it for installation, unless you’re using Ubuntu, in which case you’ll need to add /var/lib/gems/1.8/bin (or /1.9/) to your PATH. If you don’t know how to do that, this is a quick alternative:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/gems/1.8/bin/iplayer-dl /usr/local/bin/

Run

To run the program,

iplayer-dl --help

You can update at any time by typing:

sudo gem update iplayer-dl

Windows GUI

The GUI does not have all the features of the command-line tool, but it’s simpler to get started with on Windows. For most people, this will probably be the easiest way to go:

ipdl.exe version 1.14

Just download ipdl.exe from the link above, and run it. You can download a program by pasting the address of an iPlayer page into the box and pressing download. You’ll be asked where to save the file:

iPlayer Downloader Save As dialog

Once you click OK, the download will begin:

iPlayer Downloader download progress

If you see an error saying that msvcp71.dll or msvcr71.dll was not found, you’ll need to download the relevant DLL (try searching for it or look here) and put it in c:\windows\system32. Alternatively, I have heard that installing version 3.5 of the DotNet Framework will also install these DLLs. On 64-bit Windows, you may need to put the DLLs in the same directory as ipdl.exe.

Proxies

Please note that, although the command-line program and the underlying code supports the use of a proxy, there is currently no way to configure the GUI to use a proxy.

Watching the downloads

If you have trouble playing the downloaded files, grab a copy of VLC media player—it’s free, capable, and runs on almost any operating system you can think of. It can also transcode the files to other formats.

Source code

You can obtain the source code from GitHub:

Mac OS X GUIs

Other people have built on my work with graphical applications for the Mac. Try one of these programs that wrap iplayer-dl:

I am not responsible for these programs!

Alternatives

James Laver currently maintains get_iplayer which also allows you to download programmes from the iPlayer and provides a whole range of other features besides. If you want to download high-definition content or to schedule recordings, you may find it useful.

2008-06-12 13:29 UTC. Comments: 193.

Comments

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Paul Battley

Wrote at 2010-02-21 09:05 UTC using Chrome 5.0.329.0 on Linux:
I’ve archived the old comments again to make sure that this page loads in a reasonable time.

It looks like some video from the Olympics cannot be downloaded. I’m aware of this, but I suspect that it’s probably deliberate. There’s nothing that I can do about it.
me

Wrote at 2010-02-21 13:38 UTC using Firefox 3.0.18 on Windows XP:
Hi again.
Lovely application. THANK YOU!
Any idea about World Service files?
Thanks!
Mark

Wrote at 2010-02-22 13:11 UTC using Firefox 3.0.18 on Linux:
Many thanks for your work on this.

I’m getting inconsistent results. iplayer-dl fetched 2 programmes without a problem (Bubble and Mock The Week, in case it helps), but the QI download was a comparatively small file and apparently not an mp4 so I had to use BBC iPlayer for that. Also, trying to download Charlie Brooker’s Newswipe returned the error, “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later.” but BBC iPlayer allowed a download.

Thanks again
Alex

Wrote at 2010-02-22 18:35 UTC using Chrome 4.0.249.89 on Windows Vista:
Olympics can’t be downloaded? Darn. Oh well. I guess I’ll have to make do without. Thanks anyway.
karen lewis

Wrote at 2010-02-23 18:49 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista:
I get the following error message when I try and run the ipdl downloader on my vista premium os after I have downloaded it.

This application has failed to start because MSVCP71.dll was found.
Olly Newport

Wrote at 2010-02-23 23:05 UTC using Chrome 4.0.249.89 on Windows XP:
Likewise, Charlie Brooker’s Newswipe is also returning an ‘unable to download’ error.
Tim

Wrote at 2010-02-24 00:31 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Hi Paul:

It’s starting to look like any of the iPlayer downloads published over the last 36 hours are starting to fail with the dreaded “programme is currently not available”.

For example, I have downloaded the first two episode of “Generation Jihad”, but the third, published two days ago, will not download.
Again, Survivors is another example. Current episode will not download, but previous were ok.

Good luck, mate!
Peter W

Wrote at 2010-02-24 08:00 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Have to agree with Tim aboves comments, Nothing from the last 36 hours will download. Wish those monkeys would leave things alone, only want to watch the programmes on the train, not rob the train!!

All the best

Peter
Peter W

Wrote at 2010-02-24 08:29 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Update – I have looked on my Iphone and the number of programmes avialable to watch since Sunday has dropped a huge amount. The ones that you can see on your phone are avialable, so this programme still works, the problem appears to be that there are no programmes to actually download. I used Animal 24:7 as a test case as its one of the 3 avialable programmes for that day Mon 22-02-2010, and it DOES download using this programme. Hope this helps someone.

regards

Peter
Dave B

Wrote at 2010-02-24 08:43 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Hello I have downloaded the first two episode of “Generation Jihad”, but the third, screened on Monday 22nd Feb 2010 ago, wont download.

Just says “programme is currently not available” anyone know why?
Peter W

Wrote at 2010-02-24 08:56 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Dave B – Take a look at the note immediately above yours. I’m no expert, but from my understanding this programme emulates an Iphone, so if there are no programmes for a real Iphone to download, then this programme can’t function. The one you’re having trouble with is not listed. The only 3 that are

1. Animal 24:7
2. MI high
3. Survivors

If you can download any or all of the above progs then this programme is working, it’s the lack of available Iphone content that is the issue not this programme.

I hope I have not over stepped the mark with this post Paul, but I really am only trying to help

regards

Peter

regards

Peter
Peter W

Wrote at 2010-02-24 09:07 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Dave B et al

The following has been posted on the Iplayer technical help section. This explains the lack of avialabe programmes since Sunday I thnk.

From the BBC…..

http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/announcements/iPlayer_unavailable

There is currently a problem with the availability of new content on BBC iPlayer mobile.We’re currently experiencing problems publishing new content on BBC iPlayer mobile.

We’re working to resolve this issue as soon as possible, in the meantime thanks for your patience.

When further information is available, we’ll update this FAQ. You can either return to this page later to check for an update, or you can request an update by clicking the ‘FAQ Update’ option below if you currently use RSS (Really Simple Syndication – a way of getting the latest content from a website as soon as it is published, without you having to visit the site repeatedly to check for updates). If you’ve never used RSS before, please visit the Feed Factory to find out how to do so.
Gary

Wrote at 2010-02-24 09:15 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows 7:
Hi,
I think we have 2 issues here :-

Peter W’s latest post could account for most recent program problems, not sure, i’ll look into trying to download via BBC Iplayer direct..

The 2nd is that progs from about 2 weeks ago, I list these 2 :-
Survivors – Series 2 – Episode 4

How Earth Made Us – 4. Fire

seem to download via IPDL but once downloaded they cannot be played.

I downloaded “How Earth Made Us – 4. Fire” 2 weeks ago and that copy plays fine, but downloaded it last night and that copy (same filesize) does not.

hope this helps

Gary
Gary

Wrote at 2010-02-24 09:25 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows 7:
Sorry guys,

The progs downloaded last night DO play, it must have been finger trouble last night.

Top Gear – Series 13 – Episode 6
and
Top Gear – Series 12 – Episode 4

both downloaded this am and play

Gary
gary

Wrote at 2010-02-24 11:13 UTC using Firefox 3.0.15 on Windows XP:
the program works great sometimes and not at all others. here is an example.

I want to download this show:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/entrepreneurs/sharonwright.shtml

you will see there is no episode ID. so look in the HTML and you see: Programme Guide

so the program id = b006vq92

put it into the program and it just ends. stops. nothing. other shows download but this one, I can’t understand. oh and I am in London.

ideas from anyone?
Tim

Wrote at 2010-02-24 15:07 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
To Peter W:

The service link you provided no longer works.

However, I found this instead:

http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/mobile/recent_programmes_missing/

The BBC hope to have the problem resolved soon.

Cheers, Tim
Tim

Wrote at 2010-02-24 22:38 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
I’ve managed to successfully download both Survivors ep. 6 and How Earth Made Us tonight which were not available this morning.
They both play ok.
All’s well that ends well.
George

Wrote at 2010-02-25 16:23 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows 7:
Trying to download a documentary with prince charles in and still being told “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later.”

If i download using iplayer desktop then it comes down as a different ID (b00r0qss instead of b00r0qtr), and if i use that id instead then ipdl.exe just shuts down

All help appreciated

Geo
Russel Tarr

Wrote at 2010-02-27 08:53 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Mac OS X:
Hi,

The IPlayer downloader has been fantastic for me on my Mac so far but in the last few days it doesn’t download anything:

The appplication opens up as normal, but when I “click on a program to download” it simply opens up the page containing the program as normal within IPlayer – but then doesn’t play it.

I was just wondering if you were aware of this problem or whether there was a workaround.

Thanks,

Russel
Stuart

Wrote at 2010-03-01 11:01 UTC using Chrome 4.0.249.89 on Windows 7:
Great programme Paul.

I have been using it with no problem on my vista laptop but recently had to purchase a replacement laptop.

Unfortunately the programme has difficulties on windows 7. it has a system error stating that the program can’t start because MSVCR71.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the progran to fix this problem.

When I download Ruby to fix the problem the error reoccurs.

Your assistance would be gratefully appreciated.

kind regards,
Stuart
Jobby

Wrote at 2010-03-04 07:43 UTC using Firefox 3.0 on Windows XP:
Stuart

The answer is above you in the GUI section:

If you see an error saying that msvcp71.dll or msvcr71.dll was not found, you’ll need to download the relevant DLL (try searching for it or look here) and put it in c:windowssystem32. Alternatively, I have heard that installing version 3.5 of the DotNet Framework will also install these DLLs. On 64-bit Windows, you may need to put the DLLs in the same directory as ipdl.exe.
Des

Wrote at 2010-03-04 08:23 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
I am now getting the following message for all download attempts:
Unable to parse the metadata for this programme.
As a workaround, you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually.

Any ideas on how I can fix this problem?
Thanks!
PATRICK

Wrote at 2010-03-04 19:18 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Where do I get the programme ID I have been trying to get one for Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Children http://bbc.co.uk/i/r5ww9/
Des

Wrote at 2010-03-04 21:34 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
PATRICK:
The programme id is:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00r5ww9/Zimbabwes_Forgotten_Children/
mark sta ana

Wrote at 2010-03-05 14:59 UTC using Chrome 5.0.307.11 on Mac OS X:
paul – just wanted to say thanks for a fantastic app. works a treat! have you got a tip jar for beer or coffee funds?
Robert Hardy

Wrote at 2010-03-06 12:27 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:
I think the BBC has managed to differentiate between iplayer downloader and genuine itouch/phone streaming and so is blocking downloads of MPEG4 content, for instance ‘5 days’ was available yesterday to download, but today can’t be, though is still available on my itouch, they don’t yet seem to block audio downloads. Shame,but we have had an easy ride, will have to go back to recording it on transmission. Petty of the BBC really since there is nothing illegal about recording for later viewing and the quality is reduced in the iphone transmissions.
bob 76

Wrote at 2010-03-06 13:27 UTC using Safari 531.9 on Mac OS X:
I’m really sorry – as a computer novice with a new mac, how do I install? The exe is for windows so won’t work, right?

Please help – used on windows for a while now and love it and don’t want to miss out on a mac.

Thanks!
EDMUND

Wrote at 2010-03-06 19:02 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows XP:
works fine from my end, windows
Glocknspiel

Wrote at 2010-03-07 02:51 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows XP:
Okay, so BBC online isn’t allowing ipdl.exe to download any programs to my XP puter – none. What happened? Did they get smart, code things differently, and now the fun is over? Will this be resolved? Can anyone help?
Cm

Wrote at 2010-03-07 03:26 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows Vista:
i execute iPlayer Downloader
but saw this error:
‘’The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later’’
what’s the problem? tryin’ to download /b00r2j7f could you please help me?
Overseas user

Wrote at 2010-03-07 05:28 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows Vista:
Sadly, the people @ BBC iPlayer have yet again changed the way they stream TV programmes to iPhone…All TV shows broadcast on Friday 05.03.2010 evening and onwards (can’t exactly pinpoint the cut off time) give the dreaded “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later” message! Tried with at least 20 PIDs for popular shows (e.g. b00rfmlv,b00rdxrt,b00r93lh,b00r8f4c,b00r8z1n etc.) to no avail…At the time of posting, recent radio shows do get downloaded, albeit slower than usual, so I have to agree with Robert Hardy’s post.
I’m using WinGUI 1.14 with a UK VPN from abroad (please Paul incorporate proxy usage into the GUI!) and my OS is WinVista SP1.
Thank you Paul for your software and hoping for a fix, mostly for all the others, because I use it almost exclusively for radio shows (which are in any case available to Listen Again in the iPlayer for non-UK people, too!)
Rob

Wrote at 2010-03-07 11:29 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:
It’s not downloading anything today on my Mac. It looks like a systematic problem.
Jim

Wrote at 2010-03-07 16:14 UTC using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP:
Paul,

It looks like it is back to the drawing board again.

Hope you can get around thier changes again as i love this tool.

Keep up the good work.
Nick Tatham

Wrote at 2010-03-08 10:01 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows 7:
I was trying to train a computer novice to use this tool. It would help if there was a PASTE button to paste saved URLs or text into the programme ID box. They couldn’t get the hang of CTRL/V.
Peter W

Wrote at 2010-03-08 16:13 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
As I understand it this programme emulates a Iphone. Therefore if the programme is not available for Iphone then it won’t work. There has been some problem over the last few days at the Beeb, as the number of programs avial has dropped dramatically. To check you still have a working prog why not look on your iphone and try to download a prog you can see avail on there. If you dont have an iphone may I suggest BBC four Sunday 7th March at 7.15PM – The singer as a test piece. It worked for me. This happened a couple of weeks ago and the Beeb sorted it out in a couple of days.
Hope this help
regards

Peter
Ali D

Wrote at 2010-03-08 22:38 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows XP:
Nick,
Keep persevering with teaching shortcuts to novices but an alternative to adding a paste button cluttering the nice simple interface is to show them how to right-click in the box and select Paste from the context menu. Easier than remembering the shortcut and neater than an additional button.

Hope that is helpful.

Ali
henryg

Wrote at 2010-03-09 15:36 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows 7:
Very happy it hasn’t been blocked (yet?) by the latest BBC actions :-))
bob

Wrote at 2010-03-10 19:11 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows Vista:
Whenever i try to download a programme from a series i have previously downloaded from (Seven Ages of Britain) and other ones it comes up with the message “programme is currently not available, if it is new please try again later”. Is there anything you recommend doing/ or can you fix this issue? Please fix this issue asap.
Mark Wintour

Wrote at 2010-03-11 17:02 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Mac OS X:
Unfortunately I too am having problems downloading the lastest Seven Ages of Britain, though I can get other things, and have downloaded a couple of this particular series before.

I can view Seven Ages over iPlayer on the Mac, just not download using Grabber. Being lucky enough to have an iPhone, I’ve checked it out on that and Seven Ages doesn’t even come up on the search feature. So I’m guessing (hoping) that this is a now one-off incident with this one episode (maybe there’s a couple other programmes in a similar situation), perhaps due to the BBC not re-upping this episode after sorting out the problem with the iPhone iPlayer.
Vlad

Wrote at 2010-03-12 04:21 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Mac OS X:
The author of get_iplayer is no longer going to publish new versions of his fine script (this was announced on 10th of March 2010) so as I can see we have to stick with this program at the moment.
Vlad

Wrote at 2010-03-12 04:23 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Mac OS X:
..perhaps a merge of the two programs might come in handy ..
T - avid user

Wrote at 2010-03-13 10:37 UTC using Firefox 3.0.18 on Windows XP:
i only just discovered this downloading programme a few weeks ago, just before BBC changed the format so that downloads stop working!! I’m hooked. I really hope you’re able to work out a solution…. missing the short time I had using this facility! Thanks.
mrcpea

Wrote at 2010-03-13 22:05 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Linux:
good little program
Des

Wrote at 2010-03-14 08:03 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
I am still getting the following message for all download attempts:
Unable to parse the metadata for this programme.
As a workaround, you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually.

Please could someone(anyone!) offer advice on how to overcome this error.
Thanks.
mrcpea

Wrote at 2010-03-14 08:53 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
This will download radio stuff very well

http://www.nerdoftheherd.com/tools/radiodld/
Billy

Wrote at 2010-03-14 08:59 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
It’s a real sickener that this wonderful software has now been disabled by the BBC, what is a matter with them we all pay our licence fees so where’s the harm in people in this country downloading a few things for our own enjoyment?. A typical BBC decision probably made by someone on a big fat salary paid to think things up like this to spoil thousands of viewers pleasure. I hope the guy who brought us the software can come back with another version for us all and if you’re reading this whoever you are I’d like to say a massive thank you for your efforts. I am going to keep checking this website and if you do fix it can you keep us informed about it so we know it’s in full use again.
Jon

Wrote at 2010-03-14 20:44 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
Is still working for me. I can certainly download anything off the radio. The problem is the limited amount of programmes available. I have an iphone and I’m looking on that to see what I can download. Try Doctor Who.
Pahsnip

Wrote at 2010-03-15 12:50 UTC using Firefox 3.0.14 on Windows XP:
Yes, it is still working, and very nice it is too!
Remember chumps….
Just because a piece of software doesn’t work FOR YOU, doesn’t mean that it DOESN’T WORK!!

Thank the lord that there are marvellous people out there, developing free software for our every need, who continue to persevere, despite the stupid, depressing comments left on their web pages.
james

Wrote at 2010-03-15 22:51 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Having trouble with this and would really appreciate it if someone could download this 15 minute video.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p006wwnr

I keep getting the “if this is a new program, try later” message

Thanks
Robert

Wrote at 2010-03-16 23:22 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Linux:
I have just installed it (Jolicloud Linux on Asus EeePc 1101HA) and it works perfectly. Thank you so much!

Is there a way of listing the PID numbers of programmes available for download, rather than having to get them from the individual URLs of the programmes?
Oxman

Wrote at 2010-03-18 21:17 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
Still works for me – currently downloading direct from iplayer – 18-3-10

Thanks for the programme!

Sorry James – if its not from iplayer direct then it doesnt work.
Phil D

Wrote at 2010-03-18 21:57 UTC using Chrome 5.0.356.0 on Linux:
Thank you so much for this. I was a great fan of get_iplayer, and it’s seeming demise is a great shame. For what it’s worth, downloading the recent “Richard Hammond’s Invisible World” gave me no issues at all. That’s on a Linux machine.
Mac Rihanish

Wrote at 2010-03-19 02:38 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
I am able to download telly and radio, as normal.

If you are having difficulties, try completely uninstalling and re-installing from scratch.
mark Russell

Wrote at 2010-03-19 19:37 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows Vista:
my wife wants this would some one plesae check it downloads for them will not for me

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00r8hf5/Mastercrafts_Stained_Glass/
Anon

Wrote at 2010-03-20 01:21 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows 7:
Does this program use P2P at all?
Mac Rihanish

Wrote at 2010-03-20 05:35 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
http:// www.bbc.co.uk/ iplayer/ episode/ b00r8hf5 / Mastercrafts_ Stained_ Glass/ ...isn’t available. some programmes just aren’t – see the top of this page. You should be able to download it for a month on iPlayer.
Paul Battley

Wrote at 2010-03-20 10:10 UTC using Chrome 5.0.356.0 on Linux:
Anon: no, it doesn’t use p2p at all.
Alvo

Wrote at 2010-03-20 16:14 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows 7:
I no nothing about how iPlayer Downloader works but I think these problems has nothing to do with it.
Just go to the mobile page of iplayer and try to look for that episode of Mastercrafts:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mobile/iplayer/episode/b00r8hf5
You’ll get this message: “This programme is currently unavailable.”

Just one more example:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mobile/iplayer/episode/b00rf172

I guess it is something that BBC needs to fix. It is rather weird that some episodes of the same series are available on the mobile site while others not…
Andrew

Wrote at 2010-03-21 08:45 UTC using Opera 9.80 on Windows XP:
It might be just me, but I seem to get better results if I copy the download URLs from the iPlayer bigscreen page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bigscreen/). Also, if the download stalls for whatever reason (lost internet connection etc.) I find it’s best to delete the partially downloaded file and start again from scratch rather than continue with the one already started. Could be a pure coincidence, but it’s odd how I can download a programme once and it won’t play – either not at all or grinding to a stuttering halt part way through – and then downloading a second time from afresh fixes the problem! Finally, could I add what a great bit of software this is – thanks very much :-)
Des

Wrote at 2010-03-21 14:38 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
get iplayer is working fine-at least it is for me.
I cannot dl anything with this sw though-see my post on 14.03.
I’m hoping someone can help with that issue but…...!
Paul Battley

Wrote at 2010-03-21 14:55 UTC using Chrome 5.0.356.0 on Linux:
Des, no one can help you, since you haven’t told us anything useful.
Des

Wrote at 2010-03-21 22:57 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
Paul,
What info do you need?
You have my os etc and the issue-which affects any download attempt.Any other info that is needed please ask as I’d be happy to provide it.
Thanks.
Andy

Wrote at 2010-03-22 09:01 UTC using Chrome 4.1.249.1036 on Windows Vista:
Des – I encountered the same message this morning. I’m using the Windows GUI version.
I was halfway through downloading Relic, when my broadband dropped out. When I got online once more I tried restarting the download by pasting the URL of the show back into the downloader. Instead of resolving the filename to the normal name of the show, It tried to save a file with just the code name of the show, before returning the same error message you got.
I noticed all sorts of other broadband related issues at the same time – googlemail informed me the only partial service was available, and Radio Downloader got stuck too.
After a 10-minute delay, service returned to normal, and iPlayer Downloader managed to complete the previous download without trouble, successfully resolving the TV Program code into the right filename and then completing the download process.
I wondered if your system was correctly resolving the filename? For instance the URL http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rkhm0/Relic_Guardians_of_the_Museum_Episode_9/ should generate the filename Relic – Guardians of the Museum – Episode 9.mp4 by default, and not b00rkhm0.mp4 – which is what it tried to do for me when I experienced the issue.
Hope this is helpful with solving your problem.
Des

Wrote at 2010-03-23 07:53 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows XP:
Thanks for the advice Andy.
After trying to download the ep you mention I got the following filename:
b00rkhm0
It is after this I get the unable to parse the metadata message.
It would appear I am somehow missing something.
I have even done a sfc scan in windows to see if there were any missing files but,apparently,all is fine!
mark Russell

Wrote at 2010-03-23 19:02 UTC using Firefox 3.6 on Windows Vista:
thank you for look people wife think its funny how only my programmes can be downloaded or is it she just likes crap ?
Andy

Wrote at 2010-03-24 08:03 UTC using Chrome 4.1.249.1036 on Windows Vista:
Des – Yes that error was exactly what I got when my broadband was flunky. I’m assuming yours is fine, or you wouldn’t be posting here.
I’m also assuming your using the XP gui version 1.14 AND that it used to work fine.
Through the recent weeks when BBC had problems getting iPod versions my XP machine went kablooey, so I managed to set up a Ubuntu Linux system running from my extenrnal hard drive. From there I got IPDL working quite easily. Paul’s system does what it says on the tin, so my guess is actually the problem isn’t in IPDL, but something else, which is preventing your machine resolving the metadata. Is your broadband quality poor at the moment? Have BT been “Fixing” something for your neighbour and made your adsl noisy?
Have you tried downloading the latest version of RUBY and using the command line version of IPDL? Might be worth trying.
Ultimately, it might be worth re-installing Windows and starting again with a nice fresh machine. My own rebuilt XP machine is all lovely and whizzy again, and several other niggly bugs have been totally cleared – although I have found I quite like Ubuntu.
Des

Wrote at 2010-03-24 23:12 UTC using Firefox 3.6.2 on Windows XP:
Thanks again for the advice Andy.
I have tried with both versions with the same failure.
My broadband and other progs work fine(even get iplayer) so a re-install might be the only option left.
I agree with you that the problem is highly likely to be my current set up and nothing to do with IPDL.
Cheers.
Rich

Wrote at 2010-03-25 20:08 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows 7:
Hi, got the ipdl application working very easily and I have been able to download programs so many thanks.

A question – will my ability to watch these programs expire after a number of days in the same way as if one used iPlayer library to download, or is the expiry removed?
mrcpea

Wrote at 2010-03-25 22:09 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Linux:
Hi,
Is there a guide to how to search via the terminal in Ubuntu.
Its a bit new to me & only used this in windows.
Any help would be welcome

Regards
Julian Self

Wrote at 2010-03-27 11:49 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista:
Rich

“A question – will my ability to watch these programs expire after a number of days in the same way as if one used iPlayer library to download, or is the expiry removed? ”

There is no time limit or DRM

Regards,
Julian
Rich

Wrote at 2010-03-27 13:06 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows 7:
Thanks very much for this, Julian :)
Tracy

Wrote at 2010-03-29 11:03 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Hi,
I successfully downloaded 4 programmes this morning but when I have clicked on them to play they come up with error message :
Error-2041
An invalid sample description was found in the movie.

They had downloaded as MPEG -4Movie

I am totally useless at all this but was hoping to download a few programmes and save to show my business students!
Can anybody advise me as to what I have done wrong?

Thankyou
Rich

Wrote at 2010-03-30 21:28 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows 7:
^

Tracy,

I’m in the same boat as you as a Business teacher looking for ways to download programmes.

When you try to play them are you doing so at school? If the problem is happening there, it could be either a file compatibility problem or the network not being installed with the correct codec.

I think what you need to do is, when you’ve downloaded the files, you need to convert them to another format. It is highly likely that your network will have Windows Media Player installed, so you need to convert the files to .wmv format.

You will need another piece of software for this. OJOsoft do a file converter at http://www.ojosoft.com/video-converters/total-video-converter.html though the cost is $26.95 . It does the job easily, quickly and efficiently though.

Hope this is some help :)
Paul Battley

Wrote at 2010-03-30 22:08 UTC using Chrome 5.0.356.0 on Linux:
Tracy and Rich, rather than wasting money on converter software, just download VLC. I’ve added a link in the main article.
Lukasz

Wrote at 2010-04-01 01:57 UTC using Firefox 3.5.8 on Windows XP:
Thanks for great piece of software and advise – everything works great and I managed to download some really rare stuff. Thank you!
Matt

Wrote at 2010-04-03 08:53 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
“Phil Lewis maintains get_iplayer”

Not any more he doesn’t :(
So I think you should remove the link to his site.
Paul Battley

Wrote at 2010-04-03 11:33 UTC using Chrome 5.0.367.0 on Linux:
Matt: I’ve updated the link to point at James Laver’s fork.
Perfectshadow

Wrote at 2010-04-04 15:21 UTC using Safari 531.22.7 on Mac OS X:
Since I discovered it, iPlayer Downloader has been an absolute godsend, and I am very grateful to the developer. However, in the last few days, it has stopped working properly for me. It appears to be downloading a program: the desktop icon appears, with the correct programme title, and the download window opens. But it stays blank. I can leave it as long as I like (overnight in one case), but it has still recorded only five minutes of the programme. Incidentally, these are all radio programmes, either BBC Radio 4 or 7. I have tried various programmes to see if I happen to have chosen some not actually available, but they’re all the same. I am using OSX 10.6.3. Has anyone any ideas, please?
Jon

Wrote at 2010-04-04 18:30 UTC using Firefox 3.5.6 on Windows XP:
Can someone please explain the command-line parameters.
I am trying to figure out:

-t,—type-preference=VERSION Video types in order of preference.

An example would be very welcome. Thanks in advance.
dragonzzz

Wrote at 2010-04-04 19:20 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
How do I obtain the prog I.D. numbers?
Is there an index for all the channels available.

I need the information to be presented simply as I have brain damage and can be quite slow on occasions.

Regards
dragonzee
Paul Battley

Wrote at 2010-04-04 19:25 UTC using Chrome 5.0.367.0 on Linux:
dragonzee: Go to the BBC iPlayer site, browse to the programme you want, and copy the URL from your browser’s address bar. You can use that as a programme ID.
Des

Wrote at 2010-04-05 17:42 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
After following Andy’s excellent advice this wonderful app now works perfectly for me.
Thanks for all the help(and patience!)
Chris Farnell

Wrote at 2010-04-10 14:53 UTC using Safari 531.22.7 on Mac OS X:
Again, thanks for the great program…..

Seems to be working fine at the moment for downloading programs, but I’ve noticed that recent downloads will not play in iTunes (iTunes 9.1 / Mac OS). I’ve been changing the .mp4 extension to .mov as has been previously outlined, but that doesn’t seem to work. The files are not playable nor editable (i.e artwork etc).

All play perfectly in Quicktime.

Any ideas ?
Josef Davies-Coates

Wrote at 2010-04-13 00:47 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Linux:
Hey, wonderful app! :)

Just installed the latest version and ran an update but something isn’t working (maybe because I had previous version installed?)

Here is what I get:

josef@josef-netbook:~$ iplayer-dl b00s08bx
The Edible Garden – Peas and Beans.mov (version: default)
/usr/lib/ruby/1.8/uri/common.rb:436:in `split’: bad URI: (URI::InvalidURIError)
from /usr/lib/ruby/1.8/uri/common.rb:485:in `parse’
from /home/josef/lib/ruby/iplayer/browser.rb:47:in `get’
from /home/josef/lib/ruby/iplayer/downloader.rb:44:in `get’
from /home/josef/lib/ruby/iplayer/downloader.rb:111:in `content_length_from_initial_request’
from /home/josef/lib/ruby/iplayer/downloader.rb:64:in `download’
from /home/josef/lib/ruby/iplayer/downloader.rb:62:in `open’
from /home/josef/lib/ruby/iplayer/downloader.rb:62:in `download’
from /home/josef/bin/iplayer-dl:132
from /home/josef/bin/iplayer-dl:13:in `each_with_index’
from /home/josef/bin/iplayer-dl:97:in `each’
from /home/josef/bin/iplayer-dl:97:in `each_with_index’
from /home/josef/bin/iplayer-dl:97

Any ideas/ suggestion as to what I should do to get this great app working again much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Josef.
stephen

Wrote at 2010-04-13 11:05 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Windows XP:
Has something recently changed in the file format? I am asking because I can no longer play the files on on my Xbox classic (using an admittedly old version xbmc). They start out fine but will then start dropping frames and play at about 4fps with the video freezing for 10 seconds at a time. This has just started in the last week or so. Other files from other (ahem) sources play fine.

The BBC downloads also play fine on my PCs.

I don’t keep old files around so I can’t compare.

Is there anywhere more appropriate to ask this sort of question?
Jack

Wrote at 2010-04-13 20:38 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Anyone else having problems with ipdl today 13/4 /10 ?

I’m getting the unavailable message.

Jack
Paul Battley

Wrote at 2010-04-13 20:43 UTC using Chrome 5.0.374.0 on Linux:
Jack: It’s the iPlayer itself. There’s a problem at the BBC’s end.
Jack

Wrote at 2010-04-13 21:11 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Thanks Paul – Wakata
Bill

Wrote at 2010-04-14 11:33 UTC using Chrome 5.0.342.9 on Linux:
For some of the the Non-HD contents, like BBC World News, they still have different version, which is differ in resolution and bit-rate. However, the program will only try to download the one with a worst quality. So may I ask how can I choose which version to be downloaded? Thanks!
Roman

Wrote at 2010-04-15 19:10 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
@ Stephen, I suspect there is something different with the file format as since Easter I can’t convert the resulting ipdl file with my usual program, it either freezes or completes too early. I now use a different converter to convert to avi then back to the format I originally wanted.

However the file plays ok on the PC staright after d/l
Joe

Wrote at 2010-04-17 23:18 UTC using Safari 531.22.7 on Mac OS X:
Brilliant piece of software, thank you Paul. However, I’ve been having trouble downloading programmes in the past few days, using a VPN service. Is anybody else having problems or is the BBC likely to have cottoned on to the VPN service?
Thanks.
Gizmo

Wrote at 2010-04-18 03:50 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Have been using ipdl for a while now, much preferred it to get_iplayer, also iDownload is no longer free.
ipdl seems to have stopped working for me on 2 different pc’s, so have been hunting around for a way to download again. After much searching, I found a program called StreamTransport http://www.streamtransport.com/ which downloads flv. Have successfully downloaded from iplayer, and it also seems to work with 4OD, ITV etc.
Richard

Wrote at 2010-04-21 16:56 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Linux:
Hi,
I used to use iplayer_dl before get_iplayer came along. I may re-install it. Does it stream the live BBC channels?

get_iplayer now only seems to stream the RealMedia format radio (not aac) streams.
RobS

Wrote at 2010-04-27 21:52 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
I have just redownloaded ipdl after fully reinstalling my WinXP machine. Had to download the dll files from dll-files. The program loads up ok but when I give it a program ID and click download it seems to quit.
Any ideas to resolve
Cheers Rob
Dave

Wrote at 2010-05-01 09:48 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
This program is great but is there any chance you can put this code to use on http://iphone.tvcatchup.com to download content ?
Gman

Wrote at 2010-05-03 15:46 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Aloha, I am in the UK and excited about get_iplayer but the BBC seem to have thrown the toys out of the pram and it no longer works. I was happy to find out about your program but I keep getting this message appearing. I know very little about computers so any help would be appreciated. I am trying to download the saturday show from Off the Ball from BBC Radio Scotland, I am unsure if I get this message because its a radio show or I have done something wrong? “This programme file is not currently not available, if it’s new, try again later.” But the show is now over 2 days old and has been on the iplayer site about two hours after it aired.
Jay

Wrote at 2010-05-04 12:56 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Hi,

I keep getting an error saying unable to parse the meta data for this programme. As a wrok around you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually. This error is comming up for every programme I try to download. Can you help?

Thanks

Jay
Stephen Cloughley

Wrote at 2010-05-05 06:13 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Tried this today and downloaded 5 programs without any trouble. Inexplicably, some were downloaded as very small files and corresponding less-than-iPlayer quality (South African Walks series).
But Graham Norton downloaded at quality close to or same as iPlayer.
Steve D

Wrote at 2010-05-05 12:16 UTC using Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Windows 98:
RE: the Radio Scotland comment above, I have repeatedly over the past few months tried to download the Comedy Zone sequence and ALWAYS get the “This programme file is not currently not available, if it’s new, try again later” message.
It also doesn’t work with another radio downloader.
Conversely, I seem to have very few problems with TV downloads. I think everything I’ve tried has worked since early this year.
(I’m using Vista and IE8 at home.This is from work, which explains the antiquated posting software!)
NS

Wrote at 2010-05-06 11:06 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.29 on Windows XP:
I am getting the following error when I try to download using ipdl.exe:

“There is no page for this programme. This probably means the programme does not exist”.

This has happened for several different programmes that can be downloaded using the BBC downloader. I am entering the programme ID (not the whole url as I did to start with), and am in the UK.

Any ideas why this happens, and any solutions?
Thanks
Janet

Wrote at 2010-05-07 10:27 UTC using Chrome 4.1.249.1064 on Windows 7:
Great programme, thank you! Recently I’ve started having the same issues as NS (I am also in the UK). I’ve found that it is usually solved by re-downloading ipdl, but is there a quicker and easier way to do it? Thanks in advance.
Jon

Wrote at 2010-05-08 14:10 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.29 on Linux:
Has the Beeb changed the format of the audio stream lately?
A week ago any programmes I downloaded played great on my HTC Desire. But now theres no sound. However the same files will still play fine on my desktop.
I have re-downloaded the Iplayer-dl and tried on both Win XP & Linux with the same result.
Older files I downloaded still work as do files that have been on the the Iplayer site for more than a week or so.
Pity, because it was working fantasticaly before.
I realise that this is probably not really an IP-dl issue, but any suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers

Jon
X82

Wrote at 2010-05-08 15:31 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows 7:
Amazing programme!!
I would say though that it keeps saying that the programme might be new. But how long do I wait before I retry? I’ve tried this programme since thursday and I get the same message. Any ideas?
nic

Wrote at 2010-05-09 05:14 UTC using Safari 531.22.7 on Windows XP:
same as Des –
I get the following message for all download attempts:
Unable to parse the metadata for this programme.
As a workaround, you can use the -f option to specify a filename manually

but I’m using the windows GUI. Very grateful for your help
nic

Wrote at 2010-05-09 10:36 UTC using Safari 531.22.7 on Windows XP:
btw I forgot to say though this latest glitch forced on me by having to use windows is a bore, this is a fantastic thing you have created (for the mac at least) thank you thank you!
b

Wrote at 2010-05-09 15:08 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows 7:
very nice program, thanks!
John

Wrote at 2010-05-12 11:22 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
I have just downloaded your program, and am trying to download a program broadcast yesterday(11/5/2010).
I have tried several times but keep getting the message:
“There is no page for this programme. This probably means the programme does not exist”.

I can download it using the BBC iPlayer desktop, so it is available.
Is there a solution to this problem?
Mike

Wrote at 2010-05-12 11:41 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Same problem as John above. Any solution would be greatly appreciated.
RBZ

Wrote at 2010-05-12 20:18 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
I’ve found that since Sunday (9th), I’ve been unable to download any programmes.

After entering the code and clicking Download, the software (windows GUI v1.14) becomes unresponsive for several minutes, followed by more often than not a Save As window which tries to save the file as 8digitcode .mp4, as opposed to the programme’s name. If the programme’s name is shown, and I then try to save the programme, it becomes unresponsive for several minutes again, before alerting me that “the file is currently unavailable for download, please try again later”

Initially, I thought it might be my internet connection, followed by the ipdl software itself (or, rather, that the recent changes to BBC’s websites had included changes to iPlayer). However, I am now of a mind that it is most likely to be traffic caused by continued interest in the recent Election that is the root of the problem.

Hopefully this is the case and things will settle back down soon.
PM

Wrote at 2010-05-13 06:46 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Windows XP:
I suspect that there is a backlog in iphone encoding. I tried several new progs this morning, all unavailable. One prog (b00sf8vz), however, that had consistently been unavailable over the last few days downloaded successfully. It was originally transmitted on 10th May and only this morning became available to ipdl. A case of wait & see?

Paul
Tim

Wrote at 2010-05-13 23:24 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
PM:

I held onto to “Have I got news for you” for five days before it became available.

It also appears to be certain categories. All of the BBC Young Musician sections have downloaded without any probs.

No issues with audio downloads.
Jon

Wrote at 2010-05-14 16:10 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.29 on Linux:
Has anyone else lost audio on downloaded programmes when played back on a HTC Desire or other Android phone? It was working fine until 2 weeks ago and files downloaded before then, or older files on the iplayer website, still work.
Having to convert files before copying to my phone is a drag and takes a long time.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Jon
SomeDude

Wrote at 2010-05-15 05:33 UTC using Firefox 3.6.4 on Windows 7:
Hi, I’m probably just being paranoid, but the windows exe shows up as infected in a few av scanners as “Trojan Ruby Kakkeys”

http://www.virustotal.com/analisis/6bc4f3350bf47cf3833db49b7952c3a069ddb6f12c5d31e440dc797e55bd6b71-1273862771
PM

Wrote at 2010-05-15 10:39 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Windows XP:
There is a heap of stuff that I’ve been waiting for that has just become available to ipdl, including one prog that was first broadcast only last night. I think some catching up has been done at the Beeb.

Paul
Mac Rihanish

Wrote at 2010-05-15 11:08 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Like some others I get no audio on some mp4 files downloaded through ipdl when played on my Android phone (t-mobile pulse).

Smaller files work beautifully with sound and vision – say up to 150 MB, but ones over about 200 MB show a lovely picture but no sound. The problem only arises on the Android phone, not on any computer.

It’s obviously an Android problem and not an ipdl problem.
Withakay

Wrote at 2010-05-15 15:15 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.38 on Mac OS X:
Hi,

I have updated my iplayer-dl gui wrapper and it now supports, Windows, Linux and OS X.

Get it here:
http://fader.co.uk/post/iPlayer-Grabber-v2-the-iPlayer-Downloader-for-OS-X-Windows-and-Linux.aspx
markwho42

Wrote at 2010-05-15 16:29 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.38 on Windows Vista:
The ipdl always worked fine on my old Vista 32 bit computer (with the occasional problem of something being unavailable ). However, I just got a new computer with a 64 bit Vista OS and the ipdl will NOT work at all. I do not understand machine code enough to build the program in to the computer itself but if someone would explain where to enter the program lines above, I could probably do it).
Mark Atkinson

Wrote at 2010-05-15 20:40 UTC using Safari 531.22.7 on Mac OS X:
I’ve noticed that since the recent iTunes update, the downloaded programmes will continue to play in iTunes but when synced to Apple TV won’t play as they get flagged as an incorrect file format. Does anyone have any idea why this might be?
Cheers
Rob

Wrote at 2010-05-16 16:55 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Windows Vista:
For still using these files with sound on Android phone i’ve found if you then conver the file into say a mp4 program and then transfer to the phone (in my case the htc Desire) then it works just fine.

I use: http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/
max

Wrote at 2010-05-16 21:12 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Linux:
I found that if i use 2 iplayer downloaders at the same time i am able to get the programm i want it may sound odd but it works.
Think of it like using two jugs to fill one cup.
eg copy the current version of your iplayer so you have two on your desktop run the both as admin. copy and paste the programm you want to download into both players, start one wait till it times out then start the other one. one will eventually time out (don’t worry) start the other one. eventually the time outs will take longer to happen. When one of the iplayers hits 100 your download is done :). I guess it’s akin to milking a cow, but at least it works. Make sure that both iplayers store the file in the same location becasue this way they keep on topping each other up.
Mac Rihanish

Wrote at 2010-05-17 02:23 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Rob, thanks for the link, but it doesn’t seem to have the capacity to convert mp4 files which don’t play sound on Android into mp4 files that do play sound on Android.
dave

Wrote at 2010-05-18 09:53 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
hi there i downloaded ipdl but when i paste a programe in it says no page to display or the programe dose not exist what am i doing wrong thanks d
ps im using xp
Aaron

Wrote at 2010-05-18 12:30 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows 7:
just opened the program, typed in the program ID and all that happens is that it says it’s ‘waiting’... nothing else happens

any ideas folks?
Jon

Wrote at 2010-05-18 20:00 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.29 on Linux:
Hi, Does anyone know what the ” -t,—type-preference=VERSION” option does on the (linux) command line version? And what is the format for using the options?

Thanks

Jon
Jon

Wrote at 2010-05-18 22:13 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.29 on Linux:
Worked it out! -t=2(or 3) reports as audio described./ doesn’t seem to be any different though – still wont play on Android phone (HTC Desire).
Emma

Wrote at 2010-05-22 15:42 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows Vista:
I’m trying to download a programme and am getting the error

“There is no page for this programme. This probably means the programme does not exist”.

I’ve tried other programmes too and can’t download anything even though they definitely do exist! Any way of fixing this? The programme I’m after expires pretty soon and I don’t want to miss it…
williamwyman

Wrote at 2010-05-24 17:31 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
What a wonderful program this is! It does what it says on the box! Get it now if you want to download and save iplayer videos!
Gareth

Wrote at 2010-05-27 07:42 UTC using Safari 531.9 on Mac OS X:
Excellent programme.

If your internet connection is slow, it won’t download – ‘This prog. appears to be unavailable, it may be new’ etc etc.

If anyone can come up with a programme that downloads 4OD prgrammes, that’d be great ;)
Bentendo

Wrote at 2010-05-27 20:18 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Mac OS X:
Now that get_iplayer has stopped being supported, are you planning on making any updates to support HD downloads?
Happyscot

Wrote at 2010-05-27 20:59 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:
Excellent program and thanks for all your efforts. With the iPad now out and i got mine today wohoo! will there be a possibility of ‘pretending to be an ipad’ and downloading in higher definition. Thanks again
Pete

Wrote at 2010-05-28 10:57 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Linux:
Excellent job and heroic effort. Works nicely. Only feature I’d request is for the player to list currently available files. Would help greatly when scripting etc.

Thanks again for a job well done :)

Pete
Digitaldr

Wrote at 2010-05-28 15:57 UTC using Safari 528.16 on Mac OS X:
Hi,

just wondering if an iPad version is in the works?
Charlie

Wrote at 2010-05-28 22:10 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista:
Whenever I try to download anything it stops around 47 per cent and gives me a time out message, any ideas anyone? Cheers
Darren

Wrote at 2010-05-29 10:05 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows 7:
Just put ipdll onto my new computer running windows 7 but cant download anything old or new just get message:
” There is no page for this programme.This probably means that the programme does not exist”.
It used to work on my old vista computer and then transferred to my psp and all was good, but now nothing.
Darren

Wrote at 2010-05-29 10:15 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows 7:
Just put ipdll onto my new computer running windows 7 but cant download anything old or new just get message,
There is no page for this programme.This probably means that the programme does not exist.
It used to work on my old vista computer and then transferred to my psp and all was good, but now nothing.
Brian Gregory

Wrote at 2010-05-29 15:32 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Firstly, well done this is a great way to download BBC programmes to keep.
However I have some criticism. The Windows GUI version starts a process called rubyw.exe which grabs 100% CPU and even sometimes switches itself to High Priority bringing my whole PC to near standstill. Please could you at least stop it changing itself to High Priority, preferably switch to Below Normal Priority, or even better re-write so that there is no wasting of processor power. (I realize the latter is probably asking too much)
Richard Stern

Wrote at 2010-05-30 18:15 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
HI,
have you stopped development of ipdl?
Don’t see any recent news on the website

regards

Richard
Dalziel

Wrote at 2010-05-31 23:53 UTC using Safari 531.22.7 on Mac OS X:
I too have been struggling recently with the extracted files not playing on an apple TV. The description of the audio channel seems to be inconsistent with the file. While handbrake can re-encode, this takes a long time and re-encodes the video. The quickest way to repair the container that I’ve found so far is to use VLC to stream the output to a new mpeg4 container without re-encoding the audio or video channels. This takes only a few seconds per file. I can’t find a way to automate it yet. However, this may help some others.
Billy

Wrote at 2010-06-02 17:40 UTC using Unknown browser on Unknown OS:
The BBC seem to have made some changes again since June 1st, iplayer downloader has stopped working for me again :(
TJ

Wrote at 2010-06-03 01:35 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.55 on Windows XP:
Not working any more. The program is prompting an error “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later.”
Simon

Wrote at 2010-06-04 07:50 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows Vista:
What a brilliant tool! I installed it yesterday afternoon, and I’ve already downloaded 15 radio shows and 3 TV programmes. Using iPlayer online to listen/watch programs isn’t always convenient, so being able to download and view/listen when it suites me is great.

Thanks Paul.
Simon

Wrote at 2010-06-04 07:56 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows Vista:
Re. Brian Gregory’s posting.

I checked my processes whilst IPDL was running, and it never used more that 10% of my processor.

(I’m running Vista on a Dell Vostro 1520, with a Intel Core2 Duo 2GHz CPU and 3GB memory)
Philip B

Wrote at 2010-06-04 18:07 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows 7:
Hi Paul – ipdl has made such a difference to my life. I go running listening to downloaded radio show etc. Thank you. It looks like the BBC has changed their system – please can you make ipdl work again?

Phil
al

Wrote at 2010-06-05 07:17 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.55 on Windows Vista:
Love this – use it to download whole radio programs that arnt available as podcasts then put to iphone to listen later THANKYOU!
Cheesechase

Wrote at 2010-06-06 00:21 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Which a few tweeks would ipdl work with ITV player?
Des

Wrote at 2010-06-06 00:46 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
This great prog is still working.
Shows that aired on June 5th can be downloaded so I don’t know what the issues others might be having.
The beeb is much slower encoded the programmes now but most are availalble within a couple of days.
Many thanks Paul.
Mark B

Wrote at 2010-06-06 07:39 UTC using Safari 531.22.7 on Mac OS X:
Looks brilliant but has stopped working on my mac with snow leopard.

It goes to download, but the download bar never moves. Will there be a fix? Or is there an alternative?
Rob

Wrote at 2010-06-06 10:46 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Windows Vista:
Sorry for not getting back sooner Marc.

Re my post on the 16th May. I use the downloader (thank you Paul) and then the converter on my PC, and transfer final file onto my Desire. On the Desire i use the Act 1 Video player which I rate. Together this is all still working perfectly!

Hope that helps

Rob
Johnny

Wrote at 2010-06-06 19:56 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows 7:
Love the app mate just wondering will you be making iPad downlaods available?
philnic

Wrote at 2010-06-07 14:32 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Hey Paul and all.

I’ve been using ipdl with good results for some time, but have found the same lack of sound when playing on my new htc Desire as mentioned in a previous post.

It will be good to use on the new phone (as the image is very nice) so any thoughts re the sound – I’d prefer not to need an additional conversion if poss.

Other videos play ok and with sounds, but ther are not mpeg-4, so I imagine that is at the heart of the problem(?)

Cheers.
Matt

Wrote at 2010-06-08 11:00 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Windows 7:
Nice work, it works really well. Oddly it pretty much always fails to download movies but for programmes it works well.
Mat Dunning

Wrote at 2010-06-08 11:51 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
Hi, like another poster, I ran Ipdl.exe through virustotal, and it got 4 out of 41 hits, with a ruby trojan. Is this totally safe to use ?
Des

Wrote at 2010-06-09 17:54 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
This prog doesn’t have any viruses or malware and is completely safe to use.
Yasmin

Wrote at 2010-06-09 21:58 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows Vista:
Evening,

In principle this is a fantastic bit of software you’ve created, kudos on your part. Sadly however it appears not to work properly.

Make it work, and I’ll donate you a few drinks or something.

Regards,

Yasmin
Pat

Wrote at 2010-06-10 14:49 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:
I don’t understand how to use the -f option. Can someone give an example anything I try doesn’t work.

Pat
Pat

Wrote at 2010-06-10 16:39 UTC using Safari 531.21.10 on Mac OS X:
I currently can’t get iplayer-dl or “iplayer downloader” to work at all
Des

Wrote at 2010-06-10 17:55 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows XP:
It still works fine.
You’ll have to be more precise than just saying “it doesn’t work!”
Sponge

Wrote at 2010-06-15 23:01 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows 7:
Hi,
does anyone else get this problem?
some programmes complete, but most give a;
c:/ruby/lib/ruby/.1.8/timeout.rb:60in ‘rbuf_fill’: execution expired (Timeout::Error)
followed by many lines of error messages which I can list if anyone thinks it will help. This happens in the same place for each download.

I am using the windows command line ruby iplayer-dl, latest edition with windows 7. I’m using a UK proxy.

thanks,
Sponge
TV is pointless without the beeb…
rich

Wrote at 2010-06-19 13:03 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Mac OS X:
hi paul

just a thought i see iplayer now has a beta for ipad running quicktime apparently its HD quality is there any way of making your software mimic an ipad and download ?

cause its fab just sometimes the quality is a little iffy not your fault but the beebs !
thanks
pete

Wrote at 2010-06-20 13:13 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows 7:
its not workig for any bbc radio , does this have anything to do with the files being mp3 instead of aac?
Charles

Wrote at 2010-06-20 16:10 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.70 on Windows XP:
Hi I see the iPlayer streaming to the iPad, and normal iPlayer Flash streaming website now offer much higher quality streams, (832×468 pixels) so does this mean it might be possible to make this utility download the higher quality H264 files?
Simon

Wrote at 2010-06-22 06:23 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows Vista:
Used IPDL to download 3 episodes of the Radio 2 ‘Radcliffe & Maconie’ show, copied them to CD, and listened to them whilst driving from Sydney to Cootamundra in NSW.

Thanks for a great tool Paul.
welshmike

Wrote at 2010-06-24 07:26 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Linux:
Many many thanks Paul for creating iplayer-dl. My opsys is Ubuntu 9.10 and I did my first download today ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rvv6t/Biology_of_Dads/ ).
The download took perhaps 10 minutes for a 1 hour programme and plays perfectly using VLC or Movie Player.
I have a netbook for travelling and having a library of programmes to watch will keep me entertained / informed.

Mike
welshmike

Wrote at 2010-06-24 08:06 UTC using Firefox 3.5.9 on Linux:
Oh! I forgot to add:
Can I assume that there is no time limit for playing the MP4 files downloaded from BBC iplayer?
Gizmo

Wrote at 2010-06-27 06:25 UTC using Firefox 3.6.4 on Windows Vista:
Thanks Withakay, excellent work on iPlayer Grabber, works really well.

I reccomend this to anyone who wants to try it.

http://fader.co.uk/post/iPlayer-Grabber-v2-the-iPlayer-Downloader-for-OS-X-Windows-and-Linux.aspx
Jon

Wrote at 2010-06-28 19:50 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.29 on Linux:
Hi,
I posted a few weeks ago about sound suddenly disapering from Iplayer Dls when played on my HTC Desire (Android). Since then I’ve used VLC to convert before copying to my phone, but this is less than satisfactory.
I have now found a new movie player on the Desire( and other android phones) that can play the unconverted files. It also plays DivX. and many other unsupported formats.
The program is Rock Player and can be downloaded as a Beta from here http://www.diffthink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4)?
Hope this helps other Android owners make the most of Iplayer-DL.

I would like to show my appreciation to Paul for a great App and a fantastic site with much interesting content.
Cheers.
Anthony

Wrote at 2010-06-29 00:39 UTC using Safari 533.16 on Mac OS X:
I’m interested in being able to download iPad-quality video too.
Raven

Wrote at 2010-07-01 18:37 UTC using Firefox 3.6.6 on Windows 7:
Hiya …
I’m having a problem with hits. the link to download the “ipdl.exe version 1.14” works fine, it downloads etc, but when i go to run it, I get a message up that says

[quote] “The program can’t start because MSVCP71.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem” [/quote]

Is this a problem on my computer somewhere? is there an error in the file? I’m not sure what to do/how to fix this so any help is appreciated… thanks

Raven
martin

Wrote at 2010-07-02 01:46 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows Vista:
probs downloading some radio shows? the following will not download despite being a few days old:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00ssryk/Classic_Scottish_Albums_Series_3_Psychocandy_by_The_Jesus_and_Mary_Chain/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00sw45d/Classic_Scottish_Albums_Series_3_Glasvegas_by_Glasvegas/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00st3q5/Edith_Bowmans_Album_Show_25_06_2010/

These are all radio scotland progs is there an issue here for access if in England?

Thanks for any help received
Martin
Marc

Wrote at 2010-07-02 14:52 UTC using Firefox 3.6.3 on Windows 7:
For Android users:

You can fix broken audio. Get a copy of mp4box, and use it to run the following command:

mp4box -add nameofdownloadedfile.mp4 nameofnewfile.mp4

The resulting file plays fine for me (N1).
Shafii

Wrote at 2010-07-02 23:41 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.70 on Windows XP:
I stumbled upon you from Google but just though i’d comment saying this is absolutely AWESOME.

Thanks for building this!

If you’ve in England have you thought about trying to apply this app to a site like http://tvcatchup.com they have an iphone site and it’s a live TV streaming site.

Would be interesting to see if you could replicate this for that site.

But again, thanks, this is really awesome!

Shafii
John

Wrote at 2010-07-08 17:36 UTC using Firefox 3.5.10 on Windows XP:
This iPlayer Downloader is the bee’s knees. I just navigate to my program on the iPlayer site and then check that “More downloads” (in other formats) pull-down menu is available for this programme, then cut/past the URL into the iPlayer Downloader windows app and press download. I don’t have to download and then convert. I am downloading, via my laptop direct to my networked media tank (Popcorn Hour A110) so it’s a quick and hassle free 1 step process. I then get to watch the content my license fee paid to make on the platform that I have chosen to connect to my TV.
Fabulous! Thankyou!

Cheers,
John
Phil J

Wrote at 2010-07-17 19:16 UTC using Firefox 3.0.19 on Linux:
Tried installing, followed the instructions, and upon executing iplayer-dl via the command line, I got this?

/usr/lib/ruby/1.8/rubygems.rb:578:in `report_activate_error’: Could not find RubyGem mocha (>= 0) (Gem::LoadError)
from /usr/lib/ruby/1.8/rubygems.rb:134:in `activate’
from /usr/lib/ruby/1.8/rubygems.rb:158:in `activate’
from /usr/lib/ruby/1.8/rubygems.rb:157:in `each’
from /usr/lib/ruby/1.8/rubygems.rb:157:in `activate’
from /usr/lib/ruby/1.8/rubygems.rb:49:in `gem’
from /var/lib/gems/1.8/bin/iplayer-dl:18

Any ideas? Ubuntu 8.10, if it helps. Thanks!
Ahmed

Wrote at 2010-07-18 21:22 UTC using Firefox 3.6.6 on Windows XP:
Paul,
You are a Genius!
Thank you VERY Much
Alex

Wrote at 2010-07-22 10:28 UTC using Firefox 3.6.6 on Windows XP:
Paul,

This is an extremely clever way of going about getting great quality bbc programs on your ipod. I congratulate you on a job well done!
Emlyn Whitley

Wrote at 2010-07-22 22:39 UTC using Firefox 3.6.6 on Windows XP:
A brilliant and simple-to-use program – I’m delighted with it. However I’m so delighted that I’ve refrained from downloading the latest iPlayer offered by the BBC in case they have sabotaged Paul’s program (which they would, I’m sure).
Is it safe to download and is there any need to do so?
Sarah Ward

Wrote at 2010-07-24 15:55 UTC using Firefox 3.6.7 on Windows Vista:
Thanks for this, but I think BBC have cracked on to me using this! The reason I think this is because I managed to download Mon, Tues and Thurs episodes of eastenders earlier in the day and they all have sound. Now when I try to download Fridays eastenders, its only giving me a video with no sound except a version for the blind (i.e. where a man talks over it saying what everyone is doing)
Jojo

Wrote at 2010-07-24 16:20 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.99 on Windows 7:
I need help download, every time I try I get this error. “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later.” I see others have the issue too. But no one seems to have offered help yet.

I was trying to download a show from BBC radio Scotland. Would it have been a problem since it’s from there?
Jojo

Wrote at 2010-07-24 18:56 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.99 on Windows Vista:
Now I am getting this error “There is no page for this programme. This probably means the programme does not exist.”

Any known fixes or advice? Please. I don’t want to miss the program.
me

Wrote at 2010-07-25 01:28 UTC using Firefox 3.6.8 on Windows XP:
iPlayer Downloader generally doesn’t deliver results from BBC Radio Scotland or the BBC World Service.
P

Wrote at 2010-07-25 02:32 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Hi Paul,
I am trying to run your program on Win Vista and constantly getting the following message:
“
What could be the problem in your opinion?
Just few things about my PC –
I am in USA and using VPN program and UK server to watch the Iplayer – it works fine. Howvere, I read that –
“You can grab the latest version of iPlayer-dl from here. Since the BBC has an IP filter running to prevent those outside the UK from using the service which British TV owners pay for through the TV licence, this won’t work if you live anywhere else”
Do you think that this is the problem? Any ideas how to fixed?
Many Thanks,
Pavel
P

Wrote at 2010-07-25 02:39 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Sorry Paul, here is the message: ” “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later”
P

Wrote at 2010-07-25 02:42 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista:
Hey Paul,

One more question if I may…Is it true that I have to be off BBC Iplayer website when trying to download the movie using your Iplayer downloader?
Thank you,
P.
Paul

Wrote at 2010-07-26 09:39 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.99 on Windows 7:
P.
1) There’s the clue “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later”

2) No.
Paul

Wrote at 2010-07-26 09:40 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.99 on Windows 7:
Raven Sent you the missing files, check your email and junk box as well.
P

Wrote at 2010-07-26 20:39 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Thanks Paul!

Did Raven sent to me the missing files?
If so, can Raven possibly re-send the files again?

many thanks!
Sean

Wrote at 2010-07-26 23:16 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.99 on Windows XP:
excuse me for being such a newbie, but I managed to configure the script to use my proxy server but I can’t seem to run the application. am I supposed to use the windows Command prompt or the ruby console?

btw I run windows xp sp3
Roberto Rodrigez

Wrote at 2010-07-27 00:06 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.99 on Windows XP:
im in the states and and have tried to configure the command line to download via a proxy, but i end up with “The programme file is not currently available. If it’s new, try again later” even though the program i like 3 days old. heres what i wrote: “iplayer-dl -p (myproxy:withport) -d C: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00t6jg4/Mock_the_Week_Series_9_Episode_5/” is the scripting correct? or is it just a BBC problem? and i know the proxy works fine because i can watch the videos within the iplayer site.
Paul

Wrote at 2010-07-27 07:44 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.99 on Windows 7:
Roberto Rodrigez
We , (UK) get that message sometimes, try another programme. Just a BBC problem….
P

Wrote at 2010-07-27 13:46 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Hi Paul,

If you’d be so kind, can you please give me a hint/idea how to download the bbc radio 1 – music shows.
I was capable to do so by using IPlayer Converter, however, it’s no longer converts the PID into URL and etc.

I was wondering what method or utility would you use to download the music shows from Radio 1?

As always, Many Thanks!

P.
Mike

Wrote at 2010-07-28 11:39 UTC using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP:
Paul, I echo the thanks of the people above for such a great programme.

Do you think that you will have an opportunity to develop a higher quality iPad version which will make it even better?
Simon

Wrote at 2010-07-29 12:42 UTC using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP:
Hi there, not sure if anyone else has seen this problem, but having downloaded a programme, added it to the iPod and played it, the programme sometimes just stops and closes at random points. When you try and play it again, it simply starts the programme from the beginning – and crashes at the same point. Has anyone else experienced that?
John

Wrote at 2010-07-29 17:14 UTC using Chrome 5.0.375.125 on Windows 7:
Hello,

I have just tried this programme now that Radio Ripper is in trouble, it doesn’t work at the moment, the Beeb keeps fiddling with the format of the iPlayer files.

I want to grab b00t4q82 which is this morning’s Voices from the Old Bailey but it comes back with “this programme doesn’t exist” but I think this is because it is trying to download it as a .mov file not .mp3 or whatever the format for a radio broadcast should be.

Any tips?

Thanks

John D

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