Remuxing get_iplayer downloads to play on my TV

[Steve Champion]

>> From: "Andy Bircumshaw" <andy at networkned.co.uk>
>> Y'know, I think you're doing alright. You questions seem to indicate you 
>> understand the difference between remuxing and transcoding, which is the 
>> big divide, really.

Thanks. I like to try to understand it, but have realised that it is not a 
bad thing to ask for some help. Much easier than trying to COMPLETELY 
understan what is going on - which sometimes detracts from getting the task 
at hand done :-)

>> I really like this explanation of codec vs. container: 
>> http://html5.xoofoo.org/video.html

A good explanation, thanks

> 1) Based on this table, is there a format that my TV can play which 
> requires only a remux (of what get_iplayer downloads) rather than a 
> conversion?
>> I don't think so.

Okay. Saves me time looking!

>> I'm not sure if this table is up to date, but it'll give you an idea: 
>> http://beebhack.wikia.com/wiki/IPlayer_TV
>> You might try the WMV versions, but I wouldn't bet on it.
>> The best encoding widely in use at the moment is h264. Your telly doesn't 
>> support that.
>> I think the best quality formats that your telly supports are Xvid and 
>> MPEG-4.

Well, the list could be wrong. I had to dig a lot on the suppliers web 
site - and I'm not 100% sure it is accurate. So "trying things" might yield 
results, but a bit tedious

>>I think best bet is to download with get_iplayer at the highest resolution 
>>and then transcode a copy to watchable format.

I am inclined to agree. If it is going to take time to convert anyway...

>> iPlayer uses the "current standard" of h264, so you might consider buying 
>> something like...

I bought an HD box for £30 that accesses iPlayer directly - so that makes 
life pretty easy for the time period that stuff is kept up on iPlayer. 
Unfortunately no PVR or USB option (it _WAS_ only £30) so I am relying on 
the TV to play files saved with get_iplayer

Thanks!