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  1. Hi. I use youtube-dl for when I want a permanent copy of a BBC show - anything on the BBC iPlayer is downloadable. However, I've just discovered that youtube-dl won't do the same with Channel 4's 'on demand' service. Before I go through what could be a lengthy trial and error process, I wonder if anyone here can tell me of an alternative downloader that they know will work with Channel4/All4?

    Here's a sample link, although it may not work for you as I had to sign in to get it:
    https://www.channel4.com/programmes/8-out-of-10-cats-does-countdown/on-demand/67844-010

    My grateful thanks in advance.
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  2. Average video editor Sviests's Avatar
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    It's DRM protected. You can get an encrypted .mp4 file,but you'll need a decryption key to decode it....
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  3. Thanks for that. Out of interest, what are you using to get the encrypted mp4?
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  4. Average video editor Sviests's Avatar
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    Curl+Wget
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  5. Originally Posted by Sviests View Post
    It's DRM protected. You can get an encrypted .mp4 file,but you'll need a decryption key to decode it....
    Why does it work in the browser then?

    Also, why can the Scene do WEB-DL of TV/Movies but noobs can't?
    Last edited by Tortle; 28th Jan 2019 at 05:15.
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  6. You can use developer tools (F12) in FF or chrome to sniff the streaming link and then either right click + save as or use YT-DL to grab the mp4, but as mentioned, its pointless as its unplayable.

    The thing is - ITVplayer is also encrypted but YT-DL works just fine there and somehow bypasses the encryption and results in a perfectly playable mp4.

    Why it cant do that with Ch4 or My5 is a mystery... and also a bit of a PITA

    Scene cappers have the decryption key - hence why they can rip from anywhere
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  7. Member DB83's Avatar
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    What I noticed is that the programs start with commercials. They can be captured in the normal way. Once the actual program starts the transmission shifts to a different server and can not be captured.

    Just do screen capture.
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  8. Screen caps suck ass man, takes too long

    I'm pretty sure ITVplayer has adverts as well as encryption... yet YT-DL doesnt have a problem there
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  9. Member
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    Originally Posted by DB83 View Post
    What I noticed is that the programs start with commercials. They can be captured in the normal way. Once the actual program starts the transmission shifts to a different server and can not be captured.

    Just do screen capture.
    I have tried doing screen capture from All4, and all I get is just black.
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  10. Member
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    Originally Posted by Noah Kelly View Post

    I have tried doing screen capture from All4, and all I get is just black.
    Warning Notice: Swedish Ministry of Resurrected Threads.
    Any reason you chose this three year old thread rather than read one of the many more up-to-date solutions for C4 given on this forum?
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