NHK Plus is an on-demand streaming service provided by NHK, offering free viewing of past broadcasts of programs aired on NHK for the latest 7 days (up to 2 weeks for some programs). The popularity of catch-up streaming has led to a desire to save NHK Plus content in MP4 format. This article explains in detail how to download videos from NHK Plus to your PC and convert them to MP4, allowing you to enjoy programs beyond the viewing period.
In this article, we want to introduce three methods:
- Chrome Extension: COCOCUT
- Smartphone Built-in Recording Feature
- Easy and Stable Download Software: KeepStreams NHK Plus Downloader
Chrome Extension: COCOCUT
Cococut Video Downloader is a Chrome browser extension that allows you to download streaming videos from various sites other than YouTube. COCOCUT currently supports videos in the HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) format, so it might be possible to easily download videos from NHK Plus. However, videos that implement DRM (Digital Rights Management) used by services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, U-NEXT, etc., cannot be downloaded. Therefore, alternative methods need to be considered for downloading content from these services.
Smartphone Built-in Recording Feature
Many people may have tried recording videos from NHK Plus using the recording feature on Android or iPhone. However, you might have noticed that the screen turns black when recording. This is because NHK Plus uses HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) technology to prevent unauthorized recording of digital videos. Therefore, traditional recorders cannot be used to record NHK Plus content.
If you want to save NHK Plus videos, you need a different approach, such as using screen recording software or specialized download tools to capture the video being watched.
Easy and Stable Download Software: KeepStreams NHK Plus Downloader
Next, we recommend one of the tools introduced in this article: KeepStreams NHK+ Downloader.
“KeepStreams NHK+ Downloader” is a convenient tool that allows you to smoothly and effectively download NHK Plus videos to your PC. This downloader provides various features, including HDCP bypass and conversion to MP4, enabling easy saving of NHK Plus videos. The main features of KeepStreams NHK+ Downloader are as follows:
- HDCP Bypass: KeepStreams NHK+ Downloader effectively downloads NHK Plus videos by bypassing HDCP technology.
- MP4 Conversion: Downloaded videos can be converted to common formats like MP4, making it easy to play the saved videos on various devices.
- Smooth Operation: The interface is user-friendly, and the process of downloading NHK Plus videos is simple and fast.
Now, let’s go through the steps to download and record NHK Plus videos as MP4 using KeepStreams.
Before using KeepStreams, first, check the system requirements:
- Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (32/64-bit) / macOS Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey
- 4GB of RAM or more
- 40GB or more of available hard disk space
STEP 1: Download & Install KeepStreams
Download and install the program that corresponds to your computer’s system from the official KeepStreams website.
Launch the KeepStreams program, select “VIP Service” > “NHK Plus,” and access NHK Plus through KeepStreams’ built-in browser. (Note: When using NHK Plus outside of Japan, be aware that access may not be possible.)
STEP 2: Login and Select Your Preferred Video
Before watching/downloading videos, log in to NHK Plus (video viewing is not possible without login). Then, choose the program or catch-up video you want to download and play it.
STEP 3: Configure Download Settings After Video Analysis
Once the video plays successfully, click the “M3U8” button in the upper left of the built-in browser to display the download settings. In the popup window, select your preferred quality, subtitles, audio, etc.
Click “Download Now” to start the download. You can check the downloaded NHK Plus videos under “Downloads.” Opening the folder on your PC allows you to watch them offline
Finally, is it illegal to download NHK Plus videos as MP4?
It cannot be definitively stated whether converting and downloading NHK Plus videos in MP4 format is entirely illegal. While the likelihood of discovery for downloading or recording from NHK Plus is low, caution is needed when using downloaded content beyond personal use. If there’s a possibility of third-party transfer or commercial use, it may be considered illegal, so careful consideration is essential. Regarding legality, it is crucial to check NHK Plus’s terms of service and related legal requirements and ensure compliance.
