Can only download Listen Again R3 broadcasts at 128 kbps instead of previous 320 kbps

[Guest]

Dear Anyone,

This was posted under the 'Welcome' page a few day ago because it was my first posting on this forum.

Would be interested to know what you other techies think...

I have been an avid listener of Radio 3 for many, many years. I'm also very keen on recording Radio 3 broadcasts.

I can usually do this over the internet by recording the PID number (which is the number at the end of the web address for each BBC R3 programme). To do this, you go to the Radio 3 on-line schedule and click on the programme of interest. When the web address appears, you copy the PID number and then put it into the PID converter on this web site:

http://www.iplayerconverter.co.uk/convert.aspx

This then gives me the URL link to the 'UK raw Windows Media (WMV) file'.

I would then put this into Replay AV (for example) and quickly capture the whole piece of music, normally at 320 kbps. I then save it and play it whenever I want.

However, what has been happening recently is that I only get the recording at 128 kbps.

The only way I can get a recording at 320 kbps is to allow the broadcast to play at its normal slow speed (for 2 hrs 30 min, say), keep my fingers crossed, and hope that I can record it without interruption. This will be as an *.flv file (which seems strange, but is not a problem for Foobar if you get the right component).

This takes much longer than the previous process.

Can anyone shed any light on this? Why has the BBC taken the retrograde step of not allowing us to record streams in HD audio?

Kind regards,

John Turner

[gedsmk]

Dear Anyone,

This was posted under the 'Welcome' page a few day ago because it was my first posting on this forum.

Would be interested to know what you other techies think...

I have been an avid listener of Radio 3 for many, many years. I'm also very keen on recording Radio 3 broadcasts.

I can usually do this over the internet by recording the PID number (which is the number at the end of the web address for each BBC R3 programme). To do this, you go to the Radio 3 on-line schedule and click on the programme of interest. When the web address appears, you copy the PID number and then put it into the PID converter on this web site:

http://www.iplayerconverter.co.uk/convert.aspx

This then gives me the URL link to the 'UK raw Windows Media (WMV) file'.

I would then put this into Replay AV (for example) and quickly capture the whole piece of music, normally at 320 kbps. I then save it and play it whenever I want.

However, what has been happening recently is that I only get the recording at 128 kbps.

The only way I can get a recording at 320 kbps is to allow the broadcast to play at its normal slow speed (for 2 hrs 30 min, say), keep my fingers crossed, and hope that I can record it without interruption. This will be as an *.flv file (which seems strange, but is not a problem for Foobar if you get the right component).

This takes much longer than the previous process.

Can anyone shed any light on this? Why has the BBC taken the retrograde step of not allowing us to record streams in HD audio?

Kind regards,

John Turner

am only getting 128 kbps on the Daphnis and Chloe of a few days ago. a pity.

[Bryn]

This is a problematic issue. As I understand it the BBC has still not negotiated rights for listeners to legally record from the iPlayer for playback beyond 30 days after broadcast. There are various ways of saving the c. 320 kbps AAC-LC file in its FLV wrapper, but doing so breaches copyright. I therefore suggest that such methods are best not openly discussed here.

[David-G]

John, did you get my private message sent on 30 June?

[french frank]

To expand on Bryn's reply: there used to be a BBC page that was a bit more explicit, but the situation is more or less covered by the following, although this is referring to TV programmes:

"Digital rights management (DRM)

Digital Rights Management or DRM is a way of protecting files like TV programmes from being copied.

It works automatically whenever you download a programme from the internet.

It's a bit like borrowing a book from a library, you can have the programme to watch for a little while, but you can't keep it forever. The reason is that the writers and performers who made the programme actually own the rights to it, but there is an agreement which means that you can have your own copy for a limited period to watch at home.

Just like a library, you need to register for this to work. After you have registered by making up a username and password, you can borrow things whenever you like. After a certain amount of time, usually about 30 days, the programme will be deleted from your computer, although you always get plenty of warning before that happens.

If you start to watch a programme, you can stop at anytime and come back to it later, although programmes which have not been watched at all can usually be kept for longer."

The issue of rights is not static: some radio programmes are now available for 30 days, but most are still only available for 7 days after broadcast.

There is a 'legitimate' way round this which is to record the programme while it is being broadcast. Using digital methods to download permanently is infringing the rights of those who made the programme in the first place.

[robk]

For the first week of the Proms the Radio 3 internet stream was completely reliable. But now it drops out nearly every evening at some point which is frustrating if you are trying to capture it for later listening. The irritating “Sound of Silence” message appears. It is usually possible to restart it straightaway but by then it is too late. Is this just happening to me?

[David-G]

robk, does this happen when you are "listening live" or "listening again"? What happens if you "listen again"?

[robk]

robk, does this happen when you are "listening live" or "listening again"? What happens if you "listen again"?

It happens when listening live. iPlayer has been fine.

[gedsmk]

It happens when listening live. iPlayer has been fine.

Iplayer is only broadcasting in 128. This can hardly be described as "in HD sound for the next 30 days" which the announcer continues to mention at the end of every Prom concert. Last year most of the concerts were in 320 - much better, esp with sibilants and "atmosphere".
It would be better if they changed what the announcer says, as I'm assuming they have no intention of increasing the bandwidth, hoping nobody notices.

[Bryn]

Strictly, the iPlayer does not "broadcast". It 'narrowcasts', i.e. one to one. I am not in a position to check the 'live' data rate at the moment, but will do so when I get home tonight.

[Bryn]

Strictly, the iPlayer does not "broadcast". It 'narrowcasts', i.e. one to one. I am not in a position to check the 'live' data rate at the moment, but will do so when I get home tonight.

Just checked the live stream. It is currently 322 kbps ABR AAC-LC in an FLV 'wrapper'.

[That's Radio 3, of course. Other BBC radio stations are indeed at c. 128kbps (HE-AAC in an FLV 'wrapper').]