Bbc Iplayer Offline

[Mr-H]

I have downloaded some programmes to watch on my laptop when I am away from home in my caravan. This thought has just struck me, though - how do I access iPlayer when the sole reason for the downloads is that I will have no access to the net. If I don't need to access iPlayer, then how do I watch these please?

[sfby]

Once you have the iPlayer software on your laptop, then you have 2 choices for watching programmes - stream them from the internet, or download for watching later. If you have downloaded them, the files will be on your laptop ready for the iPlayer to access and play - no connection needed. The iPlayer screen has a "Downloads" section where you can see what you've still got to watch - I think you can keep downloads for 30 days before they delete themselves, and once you've started to watch a programme you have 7 days to finish it

[Mr-H]

Sorry, but I know that. My problem is - how do I access iPlayer when not online? Currently, my iPlayer is accessed via the BBC web page. If I am not on line, no BBC web page, therefor no iPlayer. Should I somehow have iPlayer on my opening screen? If so, how?

[Buenchico]

I've never actually downloaded a programme for offline viewing but my understanding of the way that it works is as follows:

When you first clicked on a 'download' link (and only on that occasion) you should have been prompted to install a piece of software before you could proceed further. That software includes the computer-based version of iPlayer that you need to watch downloaded files.

In the same way that, say, double-clicking a document file will launch it ready-loaded into Microsoft Word (or whichever similar program you use), double-clicking on on an iPlayer download will launch the version of iPlayer which is now installed onto your computer, ready to play your programme.

[Gromit]

You need the iPlayer app. You can download it for free from the BBC wrbsite for PCs, tablets and Smartphones. Once you have the app, your downloads are stored on the computer and are played via the software on your device, not from the internet.

[Mr-H]

Thanks folks, I'll see what happens and post back!