Converting a .asx file (Streaming Media). Need Help.

[DivXExpert]

IFilm movies are streaming. I looked at the HTML and downloaded the file, but I think it was just a link to the video on a server.

The file is .asx, and when I open it, it starts buffering.

I would like to convert the file. What do I need? I have yet to find a guide on this.

[DarrellS]

IFilm movies are streaming. I looked at the HTML and downloaded the file, but I think it was just a link to the video on a server.

The file is .asx, and when I open it, it starts buffering.

I would like to convert the file. What do I need? I have yet to find a guide on this.

The trick to downloading .asx files is to rename to .asf and save as all files instead of mediaplayer shortcut to download the file instead of the shortcut. You could also try ASF Recorder or StreamBox vcr to download the files.

You can use the old VirtualDub 1.3c to edit and convert to .avi or Graphedit which can be found in the tools section of this site with instructions on how to convert .asf to .avi.
I also found a program called Video Edit Magic that accepts .asf and .wmv.

[Cornucopia]

Wrong!

The trick to downloading ASX files is to NOT download the ASX files, but instead to open the ASX up in notepad, read where the source files come from, and download just the source files. Those would usually be ASF, but could also be AVI, MPG, and others. Microsoft specifically states though that if it's WMV files to be downloaded, the redirector files are NOT to be called ASX, but rather WVX (sp?). Syntax is still the same.

Once the Source files have been downloaded, convert as usual.

Note: the redirector might not use the HTTP protocol, instead it might be Microsoft's MM? protocol. If you replace with HTTP, you might still be able to retrieve it/them.

Renaming ASX to ASF to retrieve and decode the ASF's has kinda got the same ring to it as renaming VOB's/DAT's to MPEG to get the MPEG material. Not really the correct procedure-might still work at certain times in a kludgey way though. ASX files are much more akin to aliases/shortcuts or RAM files, or QT reference movies.

For some examples, see my past posts.

Scott

[DivXExpert]

Thanks, but I figured out the opening the asx in notepad, then putting the asf url in asfrecorder. I think I should try harder on some things before I go to the fourms.

[DarrellS]

>>The trick to downloading ASX files is to NOT download the ASX files,<<

Exactly! It doesn't matter if you name it .asf, .asx or .wmv, the key is to save as "all files" and not windows media player shortcut. If the video file can be downloaded with right click, save as, it will be.

>>but instead to open the ASX up in notepad, read where the source files come from, and download just the source files. Those would usually be ASF, but could also be AVI, MPG, and others. Microsoft specifically states though that if it's WMV files to be downloaded, the redirector files are NOT to be called ASX, but rather WVX (sp?). Syntax is still the same. <<

That works for files that you can't right click on and save. For those files you have to use a third party downloader like ASF Recorder, StreamboxVCR, Download Demon etc...Some Windows streaming media files can be saved by using a program like Irfanview and clicking file, thumbnail, C:\Windows\temp int files\ +sign on content , search folders for files and send to wherever you save your movies.

>>Note: the redirector might not use the HTTP protocol, instead it might be Microsoft's MM? protocol. If you replace with HTTP, you might still be able to retrieve it/them.<<

And alot of streaming files are just impossible to download if the site goes through enough trouble of keeping you from it. There are more ways than one to download streaming media files but unless you try them all, you don't know for sure if they can be or not.

[Mr_PeA]

I have been trying to convert my asx files for ages but still havent succeded. When I tried to save the file as "all files" and then tried to play it in WMP all I got was IE opening up and directing me to http://licence.videoloungetv.com/do/licence?playerVersion=1&challenge=... where I was encouraged to get a license for the file. When I open the file up in Notepad I cannot se any path to the real asf file but rather a path to the above license.

Does anyone else have this problem and more importantly, does anyone know a way to get around it in order to be able to convert the file into anything that can be played without being forced to have the license?

[bugster]

I recently found a little app on www.download.com called WMrecorder (I think). You run this as you stream the file and it records the stream as it arrives at your PC (just like asf recorder). However, you don't need to know the URL, it simply intercepts any stream arriving at your PC. Just one hint. Use WMrecorders 'play' option on any recorded stream. This uses the .asx and downloaded data to convert it to .asf format that you can then play normally.

It works for the few sites I have tried it on anyway.