How to record streaming media file in parts: Start and end times of a streaming media

In many cases for on-demand streams, the server supports start and end times so the stream can be recorded in parts. Sometimes URL may have the times showing the beginning and the end of the streaming media like in the following example:

rtsp://somehost.com/somedir/01012004.rm?title=01/01/2004-Sometitle&start=1:30&end=2:03:18

You may try to add start and end times manually to record a part of your stream.
Note that some streaming media recorders like StreamBox VCR do not support start and end times, others like R7C and OEP/OEE do support them.

Also please notice that although WM Recorder ignores start and end times in the URL mode, it can record stream in parts using Real Time Recording mode (ADA or PRO mode). In this mode WM Recorder saves to hard disk Real stream that your Real Player plays.

How to record Windows Media (Audio and Video) streams in parts with WM Recorder

Unlike RealMedia Windows Media streams don't allow the usage of start and end times. Recording of Windows Media streams in parts is more complicated.

If you already had an ASX file you just need to edit it. Otherwise start playing of video stream in Windows Media Player 9+ (this also works in the 8th and 7th versions). Then click "File" -> "Export Playlist to File...". This will save a .asx file for that video.

Now you have to edit the saved .asx file. You may use almost any text editor for that purpose, for example Notepad. But do not use MS Word!

In edit mode you will see a StartTime value that you need to edit. Also you need to add Duration value like in the following example:

StartTime value = "00:25:00.000"
Duration value = "00:15:00.000"

Note that StartTime and Duration values have the same format.

Save the .asx file and try in your Windows Media Player whether it plays the part of the video you want.

Instead of saving an asx file in your Windows Media player you may create a new asx file wuth a text editor like Windows Notepad. See the example below:

<Asx Version = "3.0"> 
<Entry> 
<StartTime value = "00:25:00.000" />
<Duration value = "00:15:00.000" />
<Ref href = "mms://123.321.231.21/filename.asf" />
</Entry>
</Asx>

Now that you have the .asx file, you may record your stream in parts:

Download, install and run WM Recorder
Turn the PRO Recording mode
Turn AUTO Recording on (AUTO ON)
Play the .asx file in the Windows Media Player
The recording will be done automatically

How to record Real Media and Windows Media streams in parts using NetTransport

To record a part of Real Media or Windows Media stream with NetTransport:

Add a new download or open the "Properties" dialog of the downloaded item.
Click the "Other settings..." button.
Select the "Streaming" tab.
Enter the start and end times of the download in the "Locate" group.
Click the "OK" button to close the "Other settings" dialog.

Now you may record a stream as usual.

How to record Real Media streams in parts using HiDownload

To record a part of Real Media stream with HiDownload:

Add a new download or open the "Properties" dialog of the downloaded item.
Click the "Media Clip" tab.
Check the "Download media clip of range".
Enter the start and end times.
Click the "OK" button.

The "Media Clip" tab has the "Check the Streaming Media Information" button that allows you to check "Time length" and "Size" for a streaming Real Media URL. It also allows you to select a clip range that you want to download.

Stream recorders mentioned in the article:


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Note: Streaming audio/video recorders are not intended for use in circumventing copy protection mechanisms or for making illegal copies of copyrighted content. Please respect the rights of the content owners when recording.