Capture FLV Streaming Internet Video from Websites Protected by the HTTP Protocol

Quite often one finds a video on line that they would like to save on their local machine. There are three main methods of doing this.

Steps

Downloading Software

  1. Search the web for software that is designed to capture video.
  2. Decide which software you would like to use.
  3. Download and install the software.
  4. Go to the web page containing the video you would like to download.
  5. Run the software to download the video file.

Using Plug-Ins

  1. Go to your browser's website and search for plug-ins that are designed to capture video.
  2. Decide which plug-in you would like to use.
  3. Download and install the browser plug-in.
  4. Go to the web page containing the video you would like to download.
  5. Use the plug-in to download the video file.

Using Websites

  1. Search the web for websites that capture video.
  2. Decide which website you would like to use to capture the video.
  3. Follow the website instructions to download the video file.

Tips

Downloading Software

  • Use your favorite search engine to find video capture software.
  • Words like, Download manager, grab++, and video download can be used as search keywords.
  • The way a file is downloaded may be quite different depending on which software you decide to use. Be sure to read and follow the software instructions.

Using Plug-Ins

  • Go to the website of your web browser and search for a video capture plug-in. For Mozilla Firefox you can find plug-ins at Mozilla Firefox plug-ins. (Note Firefox uses the name Add-on instead of plug-in) For Microsoft Internet explorer you can find plug-ins at Microsoft IE plug-ins
  • Words like, video capture, get video, and media can be used as search keywords.
  • The way a plug-in is installed and used will be quite different depending on your browser and the plug-in selected. Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on how to install and use the plug-in.

Using Websites

  • Use your favorite search engine to find video capture websites.
  • Words like, video capture website, media capture, and flv capture can be used as search keywords.
  • The way a file is downloaded may be quite different depending on which website you decide to use. Be sure to read and follow the website instructions.

General tips for all 3 methods

  • There are many different programs, plug-ins, and websites that capture video. Some of them are free and others have to be paid for. With enough searching you will usually find free ones that that will work well without having to purchase one.
  • You may have to try more than method, program, plug-in, or website in order to find the one that works best for you. Be patient and keep trying. Once you find one that works well, it is worth all of the searching and work!
  • Some of the methods, programs, plug-ins, and websites work for video file types other that just .flv files.

Warnings

  • Depending on where you live, downloading some types of videos may be illegal. Make sure that it is legal to view, download, and/or posses the videos you intend to download!
  • Many videos are copyrighted. Copying and/or redistributing copyrighted material without permission is illegal! Check out the copyright information before downloading or redistributing.
  • Before installing any software that you download, make sure to check it with a good virus scanner!
  • There are many different programs and plug-ins that all claim to capture video. Be patient and check out the software before using it. Make sure that it will do what it says it will. Make sure that it does not contain a virus or add-ware! Remember, the first one you find may not be the best!
  • If you purchase software, make sure it is at a fair price and from a reputable company!
  • Watch out for free trials. While these are a good way of finding out how software works, they usually have very limited features and can only be used for a specified number of days before you have to purchase them.
  • When using a website to capture and download a file, be careful as to what information you give the site. While some sites are legitimate other may be trying to get personal information!

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