I want to save streaming video to watch later

Question

Hi
I want to save streaming video to watch later, wma format, whatever
format is most common on the internet. Quick Time does not
open automatically when the streaming video starts but Windows Media
Player opens. What program is low cost that will save the video
stream that Quick Time Player or Windows Media Player can open?
thanks in advance
Mark S

Answer 1

I want to save streaming video to watch later, wma format, whatever
format is most common on the internet. Quick Time does not
open automatically when the streaming video starts but Windows Media
Player opens. What program is low cost that will save the video
stream that Quick Time Player or Windows Media Player can open?As I see it, you basically have 3 main options:
1) Screen Capture -- Any streaming video that can be watched/listened to can be captured. Several applications are available that can do this but I generally prefer SnapzProX. This class of program essentially allows you to "record" the audio and video as it is being played back on your computer. This is normally done using a very simple but very fast codecs which create rather large files on your computer but which can then be transcoded to a more efficient format for playback whenever you wish.
ADVANTAGES: You end up with a fully self-contained copy of the media which can be locally archived, moved, copied, and is available as long as you keep the copy.
DISADVANTAGES: This approach can require large amounts of storage space depending on the commpression format used and the number of files stored. Depending on the material involved, this could constitute a copyright violation of media use.
2) Save As... -- If you have/purchase QT Pro and/or an appropriate third-party QT component (like Flip4Mac in this case), you open open/play the streaming file in the QT Pro Player and save a copy of the movie that contains a resource pointer to the online streaming server. For all intents, you have a "copy" of the file stored on your computer that can, within certain limits, be played back whenever you wish.
ADVANTAGES: Since the saved movies are very small, you can save a large number of them on your computer. Since they open and play just like standalone movies, they are very easy to use and share. Since control of the content remains with the orginator and access (public or limited) remains as intended by the originator, you would not be violating copyrights here.
DISADVANTAGES: Material may be changed, removed, or unavailable for one reason or another at any given time. Playback requires connection to the Internet.
3) Bookmark/URL List -- As a last resort, you can always bookmark or copy the relavent streaming server URL to a "hyperlink" list and open the media manually whenever you wish/are able to do so.
ADVANTAGES: Nothing to buy.
DISADVANTAGES: Requires extra effort on your part, still won't open in the QT Player, and still remains subject to the online vagaries mentioned above.