Protecting video files

[RyanM]

I am going to be using a LOT of flv videos on my site. I want to protect them in the s2members-files directory to help keep people from DLing my propitiatory files.

When I give the address for the file in the FLV player, do I just use the plain link address, or the special address. I want it set up so the only way people can access the videos is by playing them on their pages.

[Jason Caldwell]

Hi Ryan. s2Member's protected file downloads, are for "downloading". As in, "pushing a file to the browser" with a prompt to download the file. If you need to protect FLV files for playback, you'll have to find another method.

That being said, we ARE working to add a new feature into the protected downloads for s2Member. This feature was requested by ScriptyGoddess a few days ago. In a future release ( sometime in the next two weeks ), we will make it possible to serve protected files, instead of just "downloading" them. Once that is possible, you can protect your FLV files with s2Member.

No, no plain text links. You need to follow the instructions on the Download Options panel.
/?s2member_file_download=video.flv

If you'd like to see this feature added sooner rather than later, please consider making a donation, along with a note regarding your feature request.

[Jason Caldwell]

This feature is now available in s2Member v3.1.2+.

[RyanM]

I understand it would be with the new inline file DL protection but how would I set it up?

The files need to be accessible to the video player plug-in I'm using (Smart Video) but be set so no one could download them.

Is it as simple as adding .flv to the inline list?

[Jason Caldwell]

Is it as simple as adding .flv to the inline list?

Yes, and no. Yes, because that's all that s2Member will need to perform as expected. But no, because if you have special restrictions that should prevent direct access ( even for authenticated users ), you will probably end up needing a sophisticated FLV player that can pull the FLV's from a protected area that only the player knows about. It just depends on how critical it is that even authenticated users would not be able to download the FLV files.

[StenCade]

Do you happen to have any recommendations for an FLV player with that capability, or how to find one that does?

[Jason Caldwell]

Have you seen this updated thread covering FlowPlayer and JWPlayer?
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2937&p=9129&hilit=jwplayer#p8949

[StenCade]

Got it, thanks!