Monday, December 27, 2010

Streaming Download

I like it:
Who and what is SDP ?
SDP or the Streaming Download Project is a small dedicated team of independent software coders established in 2001.
We were originally a nonprofit team with only one goal - understanding (and documenting) MMS fully. Our resulting implementation of our MMS document lead to the development of a MMS streaming receiver, 'SDP downloader' for windows media streaming. So then, not only could you view the streaming media, SDP receiver downloaded (or copied) the stream straight to your hard disk. This could not be achieved with a standard Windows Media player. Think of it like a video recorder for Windows(tm) streaming, recording live shows, music concerts, radio shows, movies and free trailers for new release etc...
We believe our project was the first of its kind in the world (and probably the first of many!) with other MMS developers using our findings as a basis for their own code implementations. Of that we were proud and glad to be of service. We are still always open to comments and feedback. We do listen and reply to all emails when time permits. If you encounter a problem or have just a question about SDP, simply email us and you will get a reply, please allow at least 1 day.
Its worth pointing out that although SDP downloader is free (as in - you do not have to pay for the free version) it is not open source.
Since February 2008, Microsoft has dropped its use of MMS in its streaming servers and player applications. Read More.. But this does not mean the death of MMS just yet. Many legacy servers are still out there serving media content and will probably do so for the next few years before being updated or replaced. However, in the light of this, SDP will no longer update our MMS documentation document. The focus is now on newer features like protocols, RTSP and HTTP being already in use and with authentication to allow pass worded servers to be access.

What can SDP Downloader actually do?
The current free version of SDP can download the following protocols, remember this is for Windows Media Streaming only.
HTTP v1.0 streaming protocol - sometimes referred to as MMSH.
HTTP progressive (simple http download)
MMS, MMST and MMSU over both TCP and UDP transport protocols.
Preview the stream while downloading - using your favorite existing media player.
Download Live and Pre recorded videos and music straight to your hard drive. Like a video recorder.
Note that the free version of SDP will still be maintained as best as possible - updates should still appear.
Types of URL to look for usually start with "MMS://, MMST://, or HTTP://" and end with something like ".asf, .wmv or .wma" etc..

What can SDP Downloader NOT do?
The current free version of SDP does not download flash, eg. YouTube videos or any other flash site (with a .swf ending)
Currently, the free version of SDP will not download RTSP protocol.
RealAudio, RealMedia videos will not be downloaded.
Some authenticated proxy servers are not accessible.
NTLM authentication is not allowed in the current free version.
File indexing (that allows media player to use its seek bar and fast forward buttons) does not work properly in Windows V11 player.
And where? Here...

Thursday, December 23, 2010