How to Download a C-Span Video

By John Lister

C-Span covers the Capitol Building -- and beyond.
i Scott Olson/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Downloading videos from the Web in general can be a hairy process: doing so is legally questionable, technically challenging and even a security risk if you use software "solutions" from less reputable sources. With C-Span, luckily, you can forget these worries as the site lets you purchase and download full-length videos of hearings and legislative sessions.

Purchasing and Downloading

You can purchase clips from each video's page on the C-Span site (see link in Resources); the link to purchase a given clip is to the right of the page below the transcript. After completing your purchase you'll get a download link that should be ready to use within ten minutes plus the length of the clip, although if you are purchasing a full-length video the download link should be ready much more quickly.

Format and Size

C-Span videos average around 200MB per full hour if you select the standard quality option and 73MB per full hour if you select the cheaper, low-quality version. Clips are in MP4 format, which is compatible with most video-playback software and mobile devices. You can also order physical DVDs of full-length videos for delivery by mail, although this option costs more than a download.

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