Hi there,
Since the BBC released the iPlayer in 2007, I’ve always been intrigued as to how I could keep a copy on my computer so I could see it later. Although you can download the programmes and watch them later, you’ll notice that programmes are often kept from anywhere between 7 and 30 days so if you’re too late, that’s the end of it (even if you haven’t watched it)!
So there are times when I just fancy watching a particular programme whenever I want and not have this restriction. Probably like you, I lead a busy life and I just don’t get round to watching something I’d really like to see but I simply forgot or am way too busy. It’s really annoying to find something has expired. And, I don’t exactly keep a diary of when the time limits expire.
The reason the BBC and other similar online streaming sites like Channel 4 On Demand (amongst others like Hulu in the United States) is down to copyright law. Whilst you could record things onto your home video or DVD / Hard-drive recorder, strictly speaking you’re not supposed to keep them for more than a “reasonable” time-frame (applicable for the UK, the US is different). See the BBC ‘s iPlayer message board to see what I mean at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbiplayer/F7331806?thread=7263538. Of course, it goes without saying that re-distributing programming is a definite no-no: that’s called piracy! But how the BBC exactly intend to check (and later, enforce) everyones Video / DVD-HD recorder, I have no clue…
If you’re interested in keeping something for a little while longer and want to record from iPlayer as well as other related things like capturing your screen to record Skype video phone calls with friends and family, this blog is designed to help so I’ll post more info over the next few posts….
Best regards,
Andy Taylor