Is it Possible to Record Netflix with Free Capture Software?
Yes – But You May Not Like the Result.
Netflix uses Microsoft’s sophisticated Silverlight streaming video process to deliver video to your desktop. You can’t capture the stream directly but you can record Netflix as it plays using screen capture software.
There are a number of free or open source applications to record screen video. They do a decent utilitarian job of capturing what’s playing on your screen and through your speakers but don’t expect anything more.
They don’t support a wide range of file formats to save the capture to and few, if any, resolution conversion options. Being able to convert to different file formats and resolutions is critical if you want to play what you’ve recorded on media players, media phones, and other portable devices.
If you still want to give the free screen recording software a try I’d recommend CamStudio. It’s primarily used to capture desktop presentations so it’s challenged by full-motion video and high-quality sound.
(Sidenote: I wasted most of an afternoon trying to get acceptable results with this free software. It was a pain in the butt and I never came close to getting quality results.)
After you’ve tried the free software options and you’re not happy with the result, or you need a wide range of conversion options to get the video to you portable media device, try one of these:
Replay Video Capture
A good-quality solution that does a great job of capturing screen video. Limited conversion options.
Audials One
An excellent high-quality, full-featured solution – find, record, download, convert & enjoy music, movies, videos, podcasts & radio stations.
(Another sidenote: I tried the Audials One demo and purchased the full version the next day. It’s the most full-featured “gotta have it” solution if you want to capture and convert video or music. It’s awesome and does cool things you don’t even know you NEED yet!!! The interface is gorgeous and intuitive too!
All tutorials and reviews are based on actual use of the products described. We’re streaming media enthusiasts and do this stuff everyday so we know how to capture streaming video and audio and convert it so we can play it on the devices we love.
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