Best way to record a live video stream?

September 23, 2011 7:17 AM

What is the best way to record a live streaming video broadcast from the Web? Details to follow.

I ordered a pay-per-view webcast some time ago. I'm really excited to watch it, but a scheduling conflict has come up. The event is tomorrow and Sunday.

How can I most effectively record a live stream of the event?

I'm willing to use whatever solution works best, be it a browser plug-in or software. I'd prefer to use my PC, but have a Mac as well if that's a superior option.

Naturally, if I have to download software, I'd prefer to use a free demo, but I'm willing to kick down a few bucks if necessary too.

(Ordinarily, I'd just wait until they have it online for customers to download, but a) that usually takes about two weeks, and b) I'm leaving on a trip in about a week, so if I don't get to see it soon, I'm out of luck for a long while. Plus, it's a sporting event, so ...)

posted by jeffmshaw to Computers & Internet (5 answers total)

Replay Media Catcher works pretty good for me. It works on most streaming services. Some have a really high encryption that it can't process. It lets you download a demo to try it so you know it will work on your service before you buy, but it will only let you record a 1 minute sample.
http://applian.com/download-videos/
posted by udon at 7:57 AM on September 23, 2011

There are a bunch of options, but if you're not going to be in front of your computer to start the recording, this is going to be really, really difficult.
posted by schmod at 8:49 AM on September 23, 2011

Response by poster: I'm going to be in front of my computer to start the recording -- it starts at 7 a.m. EST tomorrow. I just have to leave at some point.
posted by jeffmshaw at 9:18 AM on September 23, 2011

I was going to suggest WM Recorder, also from Applian, but it's $50.. It does have a 30-day money back guarantee though. One thing about it though, it turns whatever size file is streaming into a much much larger one.
posted by hypersloth at 11:42 AM on September 23, 2011

Response by poster: I actually just downloaded the Web Stream Recorder from Appian. They have a 7-day trial, so I think that will work. The file size will be large, but worth it, I think. Thanks!

Open to other suggestions as well, of course ...
posted by jeffmshaw at 11:47 AM on September 23, 2011