Save iPlayer content DRM free with get_iplayer

get_iplayer is command line program which is able to interface with the BBC’s iPlayer service, return a play list of ALL available content, and fetch any particular files/shows that are requested. its probably in your repo, if not head over to http://linuxcentre.net/ and grab it now!

This software is a celebration for all who believe in open source and freedom on the internet. However, sadly the BBC has closed the door on get_iplayer from streaming programs directly (without first downloading)… forcing people to install and use the ghastly flash player for direct streaming.

Invoke the program without arguments and get_iplayer will print a list of hundreds of available files.

$ get_iplayer

But it would be easier to read it if it was saved to a text file…

$ get_iplayer > ~/iplayer.txt

What about radio content?

$ get_iplayer --type radio > ~/iplayer_radio.txt

Look through the lists for what you want, and and then use the ‘–get’ option along with the program ID and your download will begin.

$ get_iplayer --get 12955

and yes, you can ask get_iplayer to download multiple files with one command, just seperate each shows ID with a space.

Ingeniously, get_iplayer tricks iPlayer into thinking an iPhone is making the request, and serves up the files right away. for this reason, the feeds arent exacly high definition, but still very watchable.

Slimrat – command line tool for rapidshare downloads

Slimrat is a fantastic tool that allows you to automate downloads from rapidshare and several other download services.

Debian users can download slimrat using apt using the familiar “sudo apt-get install slimrat”.

Simply invoke the program in a terminal with

$ slimrat downloadlink 

One nice feature is the ability to queue up as many downloads as you like in a text file, and then download all, in sequence, with the software successfully negotiating waiting times between downloads.

To download a whole list.txt of files use the ‘-l’ option:

$ slimrat -l list.txt

personally, i would not want to be without this one. absolutely fantastic command line app. However, if you are looking for GUI program of this nature – dont bother with GUI front ends for slimrat, get Tucan instead!