Discussion:
Modes and best quality
Nick Payne
2017-12-13 10:40:34 UTC
Permalink
I have noticed, on numerous pids, that if I download them using

--tvmode=best

then the highest quality 25fps stream that is found is dvfxhigh (704x396
25fps).

However, if I explicitly use --tvmode=hlshd, then I get the 1280x720
25fps stream.

As an example, here's the console output from downloads of pid b09hlzbb
(Expedition Volcano episode 1), first using --tvmode=best and then using
--tvmode-hlshd.

This behaviour does not accord with the documentation at
https://github.com/get-iplayer/get_iplayer/wiki/modes, which gives as an
explicit example using --tvmode=best to get 1280x720 @25fps:

=======================================================
D:\Users\Nick>get_iplayer --pid=b09hlzbb --verbose --tvmode=best
get_iplayer 3.07.0, Copyright (C) 2008-2010 Phil Lewis
  This program comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY; for details use
--warranty.
  This is free software, and you are welcome to redistribute it under
certain
  conditions; use --conditions for details.

INFO: encodinglocale = cp1252
INFO: encodinglocalefs = cp1252
INFO: encodingconsoleout = cp850
INFO: encodingconsolein = cp850
INFO: ${^UNICODE} = 0
INFO: Profile dir: C:\Users\Nick\.get_iplayer
INFO: User options file: C:\Users\Nick\.get_iplayer\options
INFO: System options file: C:\ProgramData\get_iplayer\options
-==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==-
Current options:
        encodingconsolein = cp850
        encodingconsoleout = cp850
        encodinglocale = cp1252
        encodinglocalefs = cp1252
        fileprefix = <nameshort><-senum><-episodeshort>
        output = D:\Users\Nick\Videos
        pid = b09hlzbb
        tvmode = best
        verbose = 1

INFO: Search args: ''
INFO: Loaded history for first check.
INFO: Loading recordings history
INFO: Programme not in history
INFO: No file cache exists for tv
INFO: No file cache exists for radio
INFO: Cleaning PID - old: 'b09hlzbb' new: 'b09hlzbb'
INFO: Getting URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hlzbb.json
INFO: tv episode PID detected (b09hlzbb)
Matches:
INFO: 0 matching programmes
INFO: Programme not in history
INFO: Getting URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hlzbb.json
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/p05p91x1/transferformat/dash?cb=29003
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-dash-uk-live.akamaized.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_sd_ad/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism.hlsv2.ism/iptv_hd_abr_v1_dash_master.mpd?__gda__=1513182214_cbbc75654e7f5b43589a44ecde2df3bd
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-dash-uk-live.bbcfmt.hs.llnwd.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_sd_ad/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism.hlsv2.ism/iptv_hd_abr_v1_dash_master.mpd?s=1513139014&e=1513182214&h=9eccf2f6b09c53eca6ad67496675c5ba
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/pc/vpid/p05p91x1/transferformat/dash?cb=88101
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/p05p91x1/transferformat/hls?cb=65088
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/apple-ipad-hls/vpid/p05p91x1/transferformat/hls?cb=34729
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: No streams available for 'audiodescribed' version (p05p91x1) -
skipping
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/b09hlz8g/transferformat/dash?cb=82852
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-dash-uk-live.akamaized.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_hd/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism.hlsv2.ism/iptv_hd_abr_v1_dash_master.mpd?__gda__=1513182229_9e5f766da2f24338e5de21cf8527aa48
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-dash-uk-live.bbcfmt.hs.llnwd.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_hd/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism.hlsv2.ism/iptv_hd_abr_v1_dash_master.mpd?s=1513139029&e=1513182229&h=52587baf738286ac7d4e00eba2989aed
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/pc/vpid/b09hlz8g/transferformat/dash?cb=55978
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/b09hlz8g/transferformat/hls?cb=38674
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/apple-ipad-hls/vpid/b09hlz8g/transferformat/hls?cb=24356
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Found mode 'dvfhd1': (gip_dvf_iplayer_5070) dash h264 1280x720
50fps 5070kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_dash/2)
INFO: Found mode 'dvfhd2': (gip_dvf_iplayer_5070) dash h264 1280x720
50fps 5070kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_dash/1)
INFO: Found mode 'dvfsd1': (gip_dvf_iplayer_2812) dash h264 960x540
50fps 2812kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_dash/2)
INFO: Found mode 'dvfsd2': (gip_dvf_iplayer_2812) dash h264 960x540
50fps 2812kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_dash/1)
INFO: Found mode 'dvfhigh1': (gip_dvf_iplayer_1570) dash h264 704x396
50fps 1570kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_dash/2)
INFO: Found mode 'dvfhigh2': (gip_dvf_iplayer_1570) dash h264 704x396
50fps 1570kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_dash/1)
INFO: Found mode 'dvfxhigh1': (gip_dvf_iplayer_827) dash h264 704x396
25fps 827kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_dash/2)
INFO: Found mode 'dvfxhigh2': (gip_dvf_iplayer_827) dash h264 704x396
25fps 827kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_dash/1)
INFO: Found mode 'subtitles1': (captions) http stream (CDN: sis/10)
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/b09jgqhn/transferformat/dash?cb=33666
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/pc/vpid/b09jgqhn/transferformat/dash?cb=76659
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/b09jgqhn/transferformat/hls?cb=99719
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/apple-ipad-hls/vpid/b09jgqhn/transferformat/hls?cb=85913
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: No streams available for 'signed' version (b09jgqhn) - skipping
INFO: No streams found for 'audiodescribed' version (p05p91x1) - deleting
INFO: No streams found for 'signed' version (b09jgqhn) - deleting
INFO: Programme not in history
INFO: Searching for versions: original
WARNING: A UK TV licence is required to access BBC iPlayer TV content
legally
INFO: Mode list:
hlshd,hvfxsd,dvfxsd,hlsvhigh,hvfxhigh,dvfxhigh,hvfstd,hlsstd,hlsxstd,hvflow,dvflow
INFO: Searching for version: 'original'
INFO: Found version: 'original'
INFO: Modes to try for 'original' version: dvfxhigh1,dvfxhigh2
INFO: Downloading tv: 'Expedition Volcano: Series 1 - 1. Episode 1
(b09hlzbb) [original]'
INFO: Trying 'dvfxhigh1' mode: attempt 1 / 3
INFO: ffmpeg version string = 3.4
INFO: ffmpeg version number = 3.4
INFO: File name prefix = Expedition_Volcano-s01e01-Episode_1
INFO: Begin downloading at: 0.00 MB (00:00:00) [1]
  0.7%     0.40 MB / ~56.50 MB (00:00:26 / 00:58:52) [    7 / 920] @
ETA:  (dvfxhigh1) [audio]
=======================================================


=======================================================
D:\Users\Nick>get_iplayer --pid=b09hlzbb --verbose --tvmode=hlshd
get_iplayer 3.07.0, Copyright (C) 2008-2010 Phil Lewis
  This program comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY; for details use
--warranty.
  This is free software, and you are welcome to redistribute it under
certain
  conditions; use --conditions for details.

INFO: encodinglocale = cp1252
INFO: encodinglocalefs = cp1252
INFO: encodingconsoleout = cp850
INFO: encodingconsolein = cp850
INFO: ${^UNICODE} = 0
INFO: Profile dir: C:\Users\Nick\.get_iplayer
INFO: User options file: C:\Users\Nick\.get_iplayer\options
INFO: System options file: C:\ProgramData\get_iplayer\options
-==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==-
Current options:
        encodingconsolein = cp850
        encodingconsoleout = cp850
        encodinglocale = cp1252
        encodinglocalefs = cp1252
        fileprefix = <nameshort><-senum><-episodeshort>
        output = D:\Users\Nick\Videos
        pid = b09hlzbb
        tvmode = hlshd
        verbose = 1

INFO: Search args: ''
INFO: Loaded history for first check.
INFO: Loading recordings history
INFO: Programme not in history
INFO: No file cache exists for tv
INFO: No file cache exists for radio
INFO: Cleaning PID - old: 'b09hlzbb' new: 'b09hlzbb'
INFO: Getting URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hlzbb.json
INFO: tv episode PID detected (b09hlzbb)
Matches:
INFO: 0 matching programmes
INFO: Programme not in history
INFO: Getting URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hlzbb.json
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/p05p91x1/transferformat/hls?cb=77448
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-hls-uk-live.akamaized.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_sd_ad/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism.hlsv2.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism.hlsv2.m3u8?__gda__=1513182754_3ceac43c5477b37508840ffa867ea67d
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-hls-uk-live.bbcfmt.hs.llnwd.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_sd_ad/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism.hlsv2.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism.hlsv2.m3u8?s=1513139554&e=1513182754&h=14acf62d031a4d5b3bddf1f3466605b3
INFO: Getting URL:
http://mm.bidi.bbc.co.uk/vod-hls-uk-live/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_sd_ad/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism.hlsv2.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism.hlsv2.m3u8?at=Sgr__Zes4b693fa6f0c4fa1ff424712ab0ec329ea95089d35603649127480
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/apple-ipad-hls/vpid/p05p91x1/transferformat/hls?cb=49684
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-hls-uk-live.akamaized.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_sd_ad/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.m3u8?__gda__=1513182761_2bca39b570adec075760c346cfbdcb47
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-hls-uk-live.bbcfmt.hs.llnwd.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_sd_ad/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.m3u8?s=1513139561&e=1513182761&h=d1747007bc7affd2510d74f017e0e08e
INFO: Getting URL:
http://mm.bidi.bbc.co.uk/vod-hls-uk-live/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_sd_ad/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_ab4e84c6-23f5-46a9-aea4-c3478add3d01.m3u8?at=FY9bi4hi547b66bb860a9c04c18d28c6282df5e64f3b277156036497d4440
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxsd1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1836) hls h264 960x540
25fps 1836kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxsd2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1836) hls h264 960x540
25fps 1836kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxsd3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1836) hls h264 960x540
25fps 1836kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhigh1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1800) hls h264 704x396
50fps 1800kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhigh2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1800) hls h264 704x396
50fps 1800kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhigh3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1800) hls h264 704x396
50fps 1800kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxhigh1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1013) hls h264 704x396
25fps 1013kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxhigh2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1013) hls h264 704x396
25fps 1013kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxhigh3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1013) hls h264 704x396
25fps 1013kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfstd1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_865) hls h264 640x360 25fps
865kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfstd2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_865) hls h264 640x360 25fps
865kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfstd3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_865) hls h264 640x360 25fps
865kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvflow1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_599) hls h264 512x288 25fps
599kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvflow2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_599) hls h264 512x288 25fps
599kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvflow3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_599) hls h264 512x288 25fps
599kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/b09hlz8g/transferformat/hls?cb=19663
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-hls-uk-live.akamaized.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_hd/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism.hlsv2.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism.hlsv2.m3u8?__gda__=1513182766_25f686c0f424dd7aa80fb15c4e0f4316
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-hls-uk-live.bbcfmt.hs.llnwd.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_hd/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism.hlsv2.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism.hlsv2.m3u8?s=1513139566&e=1513182766&h=030662d1c6e4fa6a8772a4dae78cea14
INFO: Getting URL:
http://mm.bidi.bbc.co.uk/vod-hls-uk-live/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_hd/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism.hlsv2.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism.hlsv2.m3u8?at=RDkwA1PK95a731ed34c5141dc33d263a129a9c2a05bec0b55603649c98f80
INFO: Getting URL:
http://cp401489-vh.akamaihd.net/i/iplayerstream/secure_auth/,1500kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297605386,3200kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297606554,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8?hdnea=st=1513161166~exp=1513182766~acl=/*1500kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297605386,3200kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297606554*~hmac=1112baa94263ff2172ac82ff934d815d975f84fddf3aeaa2e1d7b4a45da9b996
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/apple-ipad-hls/vpid/b09hlz8g/transferformat/hls?cb=12571
INFO: Getting URL:
http://cp401489-vh.akamaihd.net/i/iplayerstream/secure_auth/1500kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297605386.mp4/master.m3u8?hdnea=st=1513161172~exp=1513182772~acl=/*bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297605386.mp4*~hmac=6e84910b90544c328e8e467d3c030c35f0fec7ca820b02091eeffec99e2b34d3
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-hls-uk-live.akamaized.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_hd/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.m3u8?__gda__=1513182772_6923eb14f8b15cde329d3b764d7ad8c1
INFO: Getting URL:
http://vod-hls-uk-live.bbcfmt.hs.llnwd.net/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_hd/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.m3u8?s=1513139572&e=1513182772&h=305c287791dea8e27469aec510370a97
INFO: Getting URL:
http://mm.bidi.bbc.co.uk/vod-hls-uk-live/usp/auth/vod/piff_abr_full_hd/3172c5-b09hlz8g/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.ism/vf_b09hlz8g_c6f5a28e-45a1-4db2-ae5a-490bffd8dc84.m3u8?at=Du8Z2DEBe88694e88cfad719ee7294273b572c326c1492dc560364a251d00
INFO: Found mode 'hlshd1': (gip_hls_iplayer_2439) hls h264 1280x720
25fps 2439kbps stream (CDN: akamai_hls_open/10)
INFO: Found mode 'hlsvhigh1': (gip_hls_iplayer_1496) hls h264 832x468
25fps 1496kbps stream (CDN: akamai_hls_open/10)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhd1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_5714) hls h264 1280x720
50fps 5714kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhd2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_5714) hls h264 1280x720
50fps 5714kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhd3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_5714) hls h264 1280x720
50fps 5714kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfsd1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_3320) hls h264 960x540 50fps
3320kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfsd2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_3320) hls h264 960x540 50fps
3320kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfsd3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_3320) hls h264 960x540 50fps
3320kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxsd1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_2040) hls h264 960x540
25fps 2040kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxsd2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_2040) hls h264 960x540
25fps 2040kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxsd3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_2040) hls h264 960x540
25fps 2040kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhigh1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_2004) hls h264 704x396
50fps 2004kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhigh2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_2004) hls h264 704x396
50fps 2004kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfhigh3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_2004) hls h264 704x396
50fps 2004kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxhigh1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1216) hls h264 704x396
25fps 1216kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxhigh2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1216) hls h264 704x396
25fps 1216kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfxhigh3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1216) hls h264 704x396
25fps 1216kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfstd1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1069) hls h264 640x360
25fps 1069kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfstd2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1069) hls h264 640x360
25fps 1069kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvfstd3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_1069) hls h264 640x360
25fps 1069kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'hvflow1': (gip_hvf_iplayer_803) hls h264 512x288 25fps
803kbps stream (CDN: mf_bidi_uk_hls/3)
INFO: Found mode 'hvflow2': (gip_hvf_iplayer_803) hls h264 512x288 25fps
803kbps stream (CDN: mf_limelight_uk_hls/2)
INFO: Found mode 'hvflow3': (gip_hvf_iplayer_803) hls h264 512x288 25fps
803kbps stream (CDN: mf_akamai_uk_hls/1)
INFO: Found mode 'subtitles1': (captions) http stream (CDN: sis/10)
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/iptv-all/vpid/b09jgqhn/transferformat/hls?cb=01122
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: Getting URL:
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/5/select/version/2.0/mediaset/apple-ipad-hls/vpid/b09jgqhn/transferformat/hls?cb=42331
ERROR: Response: 403 No Protocol
INFO: No streams available for 'signed' version (b09jgqhn) - skipping
INFO: No streams found for 'signed' version (b09jgqhn) - deleting
INFO: Programme not in history
INFO: Searching for versions: original
WARNING: A UK TV licence is required to access BBC iPlayer TV content
legally
INFO: Mode list: hlshd
INFO: Searching for version: 'original'
INFO: Found version: 'original'
INFO: Modes to try for 'original' version: hlshd1
INFO: Downloading tv: 'Expedition Volcano: Series 1 - 1. Episode 1
(b09hlzbb) [original]'
INFO: Trying 'hlshd1' mode: attempt 1 / 3
INFO: ffmpeg version string = 3.4
INFO: ffmpeg version number = 3.4
INFO: File name prefix = Expedition_Volcano-s01e01-Episode_1
DEBUG: HLS playlist URL:
http://cp401489-vh.akamaihd.net/i/iplayerstream/secure_auth/,1500kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297605386,3200kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297606554,.mp4.csmil/index_1_av.m3u8?hdnea=st=1513161166~exp=1513182766~acl=/*1500kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297605386,3200kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297606554*~hmac=1112baa94263ff2172ac82ff934d815d975f84fddf3aeaa2e1d7b4a45da9b996
INFO: Getting URL:
http://cp401489-vh.akamaihd.net/i/iplayerstream/secure_auth/,1500kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297605386,3200kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297606554,.mp4.csmil/index_1_av.m3u8?hdnea=st=1513161166~exp=1513182766~acl=/*1500kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297605386,3200kbps/modav/bUnknown-f4078954-dd63-48e2-b233-8e15873f520b_b09hlz8g_1511297606554*~hmac=1112baa94263ff2172ac82ff934d815d975f84fddf3aeaa2e1d7b4a45da9b996
INFO: Begin downloading at: 0.00 MB (00:00:00) [1]
  0.5%     5.39 MB / ~1076.51 MB (00:00:20 / 00:58:51) [    2 / 354] @
ETA:  (hlshd1) [audio+video]
=======================================================
Ralph Corderoy
2017-12-13 11:19:29 UTC
Permalink
Hi Nick,
Post by Nick Payne
I have noticed, on numerous pids, that if I download them using
--tvmode=best then the highest quality 25fps stream that is found is
dvfxhigh (704x396 25fps).
However, if I explicitly use --tvmode=hlshd, then I get the 1280x720
25fps stream.
I too am unclear on how the `better', `best', etc., map to modes. You
might want to experiment with the --fps50 option as that seems to
influence the definition of `best' and friends.
Post by Nick Payne
This behaviour does not accord with the documentation at
https://github.com/get-iplayer/get_iplayer/wiki/modes
Yes, I thought that was out of date when skimming it a couple of weeks
ago. I think get_iplayer changed partly because 25 fps is the `best'
most folks want for throwaway TV fodder.
--
Cheers, Ralph.
https://plus.google.com/+RalphCorderoy
Nick Payne
2017-12-13 12:16:00 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ralph Corderoy
Hi Nick,
Post by Nick Payne
I have noticed, on numerous pids, that if I download them using
--tvmode=best then the highest quality 25fps stream that is found is
dvfxhigh (704x396 25fps).
However, if I explicitly use --tvmode=hlshd, then I get the 1280x720
25fps stream.
I too am unclear on how the `better', `best', etc., map to modes. You
might want to experiment with the --fps50 option as that seems to
influence the definition of `best' and friends.
Yes, if I use --fps50 with --tvmode=best then I get the 1280x720 50fps
stream. However, I have yet to view a program where I thought that 50fps
gave an advantage over 25fps, so from my point of view using it means
having to download files of twice the size for no visible advantage.

Nick
Ralph Corderoy
2017-12-13 23:15:21 UTC
Permalink
Hi Nick,
Post by Nick Payne
I have noticed, on numerous pids, that if I download them using
--tvmode=best then the highest quality 25fps stream that is found
is dvfxhigh (704x396 25fps ).
However, if I explicitly use --tvmode=hlshd, then I get the
1280x720 25fps stream.
I'm paying a bit more attention this time.

The cmp_modes() function scores a mode and compares two modes by their
score. Unfortunately, there's no `score_mode()' function so that the
list of modes that's verbosely output can be augmented by their score.
However, I added

main::logger "NICK: ranks: $x $rank_x v. $y $rank_y\n";

just before the last line, the `<=>', of cmp_modes and then prefixed the
`INFO' lines that were already output for PID `b09hlzbb'.

score
20101 dvfhd1 gip_dvf_iplayer_5070 dash h264 1280x720 50fps 5070kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_dash/2
20102 dvfhd2 gip_dvf_iplayer_5070 dash h264 1280x720 50fps 5070kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_dash/1
20201 dvfsd1 gip_dvf_iplayer_2812 dash h264 960x540 50fps 2812kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_dash/2
20202 dvfsd2 gip_dvf_iplayer_2812 dash h264 960x540 50fps 2812kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_dash/1
20301 dvfxsd1 gip_dvf_iplayer_1604 dash h264 960x540 25fps 1604kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_dash/2
20302 dvfxsd2 gip_dvf_iplayer_1604 dash h264 960x540 25fps 1604kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_dash/1
20501 dvfhigh1 gip_dvf_iplayer_1570 dash h264 704x396 50fps 1570kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_dash/2
20502 dvfhigh2 gip_dvf_iplayer_1570 dash h264 704x396 50fps 1570kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_dash/1
20601 dvfxhigh1 gip_dvf_iplayer_827 dash h264 704x396 25fps 827kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_dash/2
20602 dvfxhigh2 gip_dvf_iplayer_827 dash h264 704x396 25fps 827kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_dash/1
21001 dvflow1 gip_dvf_iplayer_437 dash h264 512x288 25fps 437kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_dash/2
21002 dvflow2 gip_dvf_iplayer_437 dash h264 512x288 25fps 437kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_dash/1
50101 hlshd1 gip_hls_iplayer_2439 hls h264 1280x720 25fps 2439kbps stream akamai_hls_open/10
50401 hlsvhigh1 gip_hls_iplayer_1496 hls h264 832x468 25fps 1496kbps stream akamai_hls_open/10
60101 hvfhd1 gip_hvf_iplayer_5714 hls h264 1280x720 50fps 5714kbps stream mf_bidi_uk_hls/3
60102 hvfhd2 gip_hvf_iplayer_5714 hls h264 1280x720 50fps 5714kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_hls/2
60103 hvfhd3 gip_hvf_iplayer_5714 hls h264 1280x720 50fps 5714kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_hls/1
60201 hvfsd1 gip_hvf_iplayer_3320 hls h264 960x540 50fps 3320kbps stream mf_bidi_uk_hls/3
60202 hvfsd2 gip_hvf_iplayer_3320 hls h264 960x540 50fps 3320kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_hls/2
60203 hvfsd3 gip_hvf_iplayer_3320 hls h264 960x540 50fps 3320kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_hls/1
60301 hvfxsd1 gip_hvf_iplayer_2040 hls h264 960x540 25fps 2040kbps stream mf_bidi_uk_hls/3
60302 hvfxsd2 gip_hvf_iplayer_2040 hls h264 960x540 25fps 2040kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_hls/2
60303 hvfxsd3 gip_hvf_iplayer_2040 hls h264 960x540 25fps 2040kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_hls/1
60501 hvfhigh1 gip_hvf_iplayer_2004 hls h264 704x396 50fps 2004kbps stream mf_bidi_uk_hls/3
60502 hvfhigh2 gip_hvf_iplayer_2004 hls h264 704x396 50fps 2004kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_hls/2
60503 hvfhigh3 gip_hvf_iplayer_2004 hls h264 704x396 50fps 2004kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_hls/1
60601 hvfxhigh1 gip_hvf_iplayer_1216 hls h264 704x396 25fps 1216kbps stream mf_bidi_uk_hls/3
60602 hvfxhigh2 gip_hvf_iplayer_1216 hls h264 704x396 25fps 1216kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_hls/2
60603 hvfxhigh3 gip_hvf_iplayer_1216 hls h264 704x396 25fps 1216kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_hls/1
60701 hvfstd1 gip_hvf_iplayer_1069 hls h264 640x360 25fps 1069kbps stream mf_bidi_uk_hls/3
60702 hvfstd2 gip_hvf_iplayer_1069 hls h264 640x360 25fps 1069kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_hls/2
60703 hvfstd3 gip_hvf_iplayer_1069 hls h264 640x360 25fps 1069kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_hls/1
61001 hvflow1 gip_hvf_iplayer_803 hls h264 512x288 25fps 803kbps stream mf_bidi_uk_hls/3
61002 hvflow2 gip_hvf_iplayer_803 hls h264 512x288 25fps 803kbps stream mf_limelight_uk_hls/2
61003 hvflow3 gip_hvf_iplayer_803 hls h264 512x288 25fps 803kbps stream mf_akamai_uk_hls/1
71101 subtitles1 captions http stream mf_limelight_uk_plain/20
71102 subtitles2 captions http stream mf_akamai_uk_plain/10
71103 subtitles3 captions http stream mf_limelight_uk_plain/20

From this list, and the base amounts that comprise a score in that
function, you might be able to see why it thinks it's giving you the
`best'; I expect x×y resolution isn't the central criteria.
--
Cheers, Ralph.
https://plus.google.com/+RalphCorderoy
iz
2017-12-14 17:09:48 UTC
Permalink
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 11:15 PM
The cmp_modes() function scores a mode and compares two modes
cmp_modes() is unrelated to which modes are available for download. If you want to see where --tvmode=best is expanded, look at modelist(). If you want to see where unavailable streams are filtered out of that expanded list, look at download_retry_loop(). If you want to know why streams were unavailable to Nick, see my last post.
iz
2017-12-13 19:39:36 UTC
Permalink
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 10:40 AM
This behaviour does not accord with the documentation at
https://github.com/get-iplayer/get_iplayer/wiki/modes
It does. Look at all those "403 No Protocol" errors. If you can't download the stream information, GiP won't be able to access them. You got the best 25fps stream available in both cases. As to why you get those errors, I haven't a clue. The URLs clearly have protocols included, and you would see a different error if they didn't, so the errors must refer to problems on the BBC side or somewhere in between. Even in your example, some errors aren't repeated, so might be difficult to diagnose.
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