Channel4 - 4oD: rtmpdump.exe to capture video

[Klinkler]

As at the time of this post rtmpdump works for me.
These are the steps I took.
My System:- Win7 x64 Home Premium

1. I created A UK online email account. (I used http://web.orange.co.uk/p/email/home - you know, the mobile phone group.)
(Check your email account occasionaly so it does not expire.)

2. I registered with www.channel4.com, using the created UK email address.

I went through a VPN provider as I'm outside the UK. http://www.securitykiss.com/. Cheap.
(There is also a free option with a small download limit. Maybe use this to get the hang of the procedure?)
3. I got my VPN up and running.

4. I got rtmpdump 2.4 (rtmpdump-v2.4-35-ge0056c5-master)
http://www.videohelp.com/download/rtmpdump-2.4.zip

5. I got rtmpExplorer
http://www.videohelp.com/download/rtmpexplorer.zip

6. I extracted the contents of both zips to the same folder. (c:\rtmp\)

FOR EACH VIDEO.
7. I browse to www.channel4.com. (I'm using the latest Firefox. 14.0.1)

8. I find the series/episode I wish to download and open that page.

9. I right click on 'c:\rtmp\rtmpExplorer.exe' and select "Run as administrator". (Make it full screen.)
This also starts rtmpsrv.exe in a second window.
I copy the url from the Firefox address bar to the rtmpExplorer address bar and click 'Go'.
The web page loads using IE9. (If using a VPN, give it time.)
I proceed as I would in Firefox.
I click the big arrow in the middle of the video, login if I have to and wait for the video to start.
Usually there are 1, 2, 3, 4 or more ads first. Whilst they are playing I bring the rtmpsrv.exe window to the front.

When I see the download start I close rtmpExplorer and keep my hands OFF my machine.
Sometimes the download doesn't complete.
If not, I empty the cookies and cache of IE9, reboot my PC and start again from 7.
(Next step is to learn how to restart using the --resume argument)

Cheers all.

[Klinkler]

'bump'
You're reading this!; Please vote.
Not using rtmpdump? Vote No.
Just reading up on the whole damn thing? Vote No.
Cannot get it to work? Vote No.

I'd love to know if rtmpdump is working for you- Right now!

[evol]

Example - _http://www.channel4.com/programmes/gok-cooks-chinese/4od#3376664

rtmpdump command

rtmpdump -r "rtmpe://ll.securestream.channel4.com:1935/a4174/e1" -a "a4174/e1" -f "WIN 11,3,300,271" -W "http://www.channel4.com/static/programmes/asset/flash/swf/4odplayer-11.31.swf" -p "http://www.channel4.com/programmes/gok-cooks-chinese/4od#3376664" -C O:1 -C O:0 -y "mp4:xcuassets/CH4_08_02_900_52163003001002_003.mp4?e=1346489415&h=021a8318424a99449845cff9b90f1b1a" -o CH4_08_02_900_52163003001002_003.flv

Using rtmpdump Helper and set to use rtmpsrv.exe

[Klinkler]

I have since found it's best to clear all IE9 browsing history, except passwords & cookies, between each download. This helps a lot with downloads failing to start. Don't know why.