Downloading films and TV without streaming platforms

[Mum18282]

Is there a way to download films and TV to a device without using a streaming platform? I find the platforms really frustrating because they allow children to browse their whole kids library and recommend this and that, and I find it really frustrating to have to say no to everything. Child has SEN and develops fixations with films and TV, so holding boundaries are already very challenging.

The only things that have worked are YouTube kids on his tablet, with no search function and sharing very limited content (we choose), but this platform doesn’t allow you to share purchased films.

He also has access to bbc iPlayer on the TV because some of the educational content there is great, but there are so many inane cartoons too that really make me question whether it’s worth it.

We also use DVDs but they have their limitations too.

Ideally I’d like a platform that for a kids profile
only shows what you want it to show. But I don’t think that exists. Very grateful for any advice.

It is possible to download individual episodes/series by paying for them on platforms like iTunes and Amazon Prime, but it can get pretty expensive. You can also go down the not-so-legal route of downloading things too, I suppose.

You could use something like MythTV to create a library of your DCs TV programmes/films on a computer/laptop which you hook up to the tv. It would look like a streaming platform on the screen.It would only contain the content you put in it

You'd have to download/rip the dvds you currently own on to the computer to go into it and pay to download what you don't own/source the dvds. You can also use it to record from the TV which can be added into the library.

Yes, this is a good idea. I use Jellyfin, which is really easy to set up.

You have to run your own media server to get that sort of control , we use Plex. You need a computer with lots of storage space for films and TV.

You can copy your own DVDs and you can even download from the BBC with a bit of technical knowhow.

It's nice to have your own stuff without relying on Netflix etc.

Thank you! I’ll look into these options!

It's nice to have your own stuff without relying on Netflix etc.

Yes absolutely. For whatever reason our broadband is not that reliable and we have patches of bad service. My SEN child’s anxiety ramps right up when he’s unable to access one thing or another, even when we have DVDs at hand. I would love to have another solution that is not reliant on being online.