How to capture streaming Internet video in FLV format from websites protected by the HTTP protocol

Quite often, you can find a video on the Internet that you would like to save on your local computer. There are three main ways to do this.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Downloading the software

Step 1. Search the Internet for video capture software

Step 2. Decide which software you would like to use

Step 3. Download and install the software

Step 4. Go to the web page that contains the video you would like to download

Step 5. Run the software to download the video file

Method 2 of 3: Using plugins

Step 1. Go to your browser's website and search for plugins that are designed to capture video

Step 2. Decide which plugin you would like to use

Step 3. Download and install the browser plugin

Step 4. Go to the web page that contains the video you would like to download

Step 5. Use the plugin to download the video file

Method 3 of 3: Using Websites

Step 1. Search the internet for video capture websites

Step 2. Decide which website you would like to use to capture video

Step 3. Follow the instructions of the site to download the video file

Advice

Downloading software

• Use your favorite search engine to find video capture software.
• Words like "download manager, capture ++ and video download" can be used as search keywords.
• The way you download a file can be completely different depending on the software you choose to use. Be sure to read and follow the instructions in the software.

Using plugins

• Go to your web browser site and search for a video capture plugin. For Mozilla Firefox: You can find plugins on the Mozilla Firefox plug-ins page. (Note: Firefox uses the name "Add-ons" instead of "Plugin"). For Microsoft Internet Explorer: You can find plugins on the Microsoft IE plug-ins page
• Words like "capture video, get video and media" can be used as search keywords.
• The way you install the plugin and use it will be very different depending on your browser and the plugin you choose. Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on how to install and use the plugin.

Use of websites

• Use your favorite search engine to find video grabbing sites.
• Words such as "video capture site, media capture and FLV capture" can be used as search keywords.
• The way you upload a file can be completely different depending on the site you choose to use. Be sure to read and follow the site's instructions.

General tips for all 3 methods

• There are many different programs, plugins, and video capture websites. Some of them are free, while others must be paid for. With a good search, you will usually find free programs, etc., that will work well without having to buy them.
• You may have to try more than a method, program, plugin, or site in order to find what works best for you! Be patient and keep trying. Once you find something that works well, it will be worth all your searching and work.
• Some of the methods, programs, plugins and websites are suitable for other types of files than just.flv files.

Warnings

• Depending on where you live, it may be illegal to download some types of videos. Make sure it is legal to view, download, and / or capture videos that you intend to download!
• Many videos are protected. Copying and / or redistributing protected materials without permission is illegal activity! Check copyright information before downloading or redistributing.
• Before installing any software you download, be sure to check it with a good antivirus scanner!
• There are many different programs and plugins that all pretend to capture video. Please be patient and check the software before using it. Make sure it will do exactly what it "claims" to do. Make sure it is free of viruses or spyware! Remember, the first program you find may not be the best!
• If you buy software, make sure it is priced appropriately and from a reputable company!
• Stay tuned for free trials. While this is a good way to learn how software works, they tend to have very limited capabilities and can only be used for a certain number of days before you have to buy them.
• When using a website to grab and download a file, be careful about what information you provide to the site. While some sites are legitimate, others may be trying to get personal information!