Stream recorder

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Stream recorder, also called a stream ripper, is a computer program capable of saving a data stream (containing for instance encoded music or video) to a file instead of playing it right away.

There are different approaches that are used by the software to make the recording. Some are able to decode the actual digital stream directly and record the original, although this is limited by problems in differing formats and other software obstacles such as copy protections. An approach that is used that gets around that problem is to record the information at the end level, such as the information that is being passed to the video and sound card of the computer. This is essentially capturing what you are watching or listening to directly from the screen, and could be likened to recording off the air with a microphone. This solution makes it possible to record anything that you are able to view or listen to, regardless of original format or protection. The choice of software is a decision of quality vs. ability to record all types and formats.