I'm looking for ways to protect online video files from deep-linking
(ie direct links to the media files from another website). I need to
find one, because otherwise my licensing agreements for providing the
video may be jeopardised. This is for
a non-commercial website, so I can't afford an expensive solution
(such as going to a web design company).

I understand that I could use .htaccess for most file types, but media
players (specifically Real Media) don't seem to report the domain
where the file was linked, so this method is not applicable.

I would be interested in finding any *other* methods for ensuring that
the files are viewed only by people using our website (and possibly a
list of affiliated sites). I do have the ability to install CGI
scripts.

thewalrus..

Direct links to multimedia files can cause numerous issues, including
increased bandwidth costs as well as licensing issues you referred to.
 Because of this, there are several "anti-leech" applications
available that will do exactly what you are looking for.  You stated
that you have the ability to run CGI scripts, so I have listed some
options using Perl.  The list below contains scripts that utilize
Perl. If you have the ability to run PHP scripts (check with your
host), there are several others avaialble.


GuardMe Pro-$35
http://www.zachjorgensen.net/za/guardme.html

ScriptNetwork.com Anti-Leech-$35
http://scriptnetwork.com/index.cgi

The Anti-leech Project-Free
http://www.antileech.net/
This is a remotely, hosted, free application to protect your files.

Shlabo's DL-Free
http://www.schlabo.com/info/dl/2.01/index.shtml
This is a suite of products that, along with anti-leech, will provide
additional utilities to help manage downloads, if you allow them to
autorized users.

I hope one of the above utilities will be of use.  If you find out you
can use PHP scripts, let me know and I can provide additional
resources if you need them.  Otherwise, if you need any additional
clarification, please let me know.

Regards,

-THV

Search Strategy:
"anti-leech"
http://www.hotscripts.com

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Request for Answer Clarification by thewalrus-ga on 28 Oct 2002 11:10 PST

Yes, I can use PHP and would also be interested in additional options.
This is exactly the kind of answer I needed, but I didn't know the
search term to use. Thanks - and for the quick reply too!

---

Clarification of Answer by tar_heel_v-ga on 28 Oct 2002 11:23 PST

thewalrus..

I am glad we are on the right track.  Below are some PHP scripts that
are designed to protect your files and your bandwidth:

PHPLeechProtector-Free
http://www.omicron-software.co.uk/productview.asp?id=3

PHP Download and Anti-leech System-Free
http://www.squid-design.org/index2.php?page=downloads.htm#DS

Anti-Leech-Free
http://home.support.nl/~lemmen/anti-leech/

FileSolution-$15
http://stevelowry.co.uk/scripts/files/download.php

Good luck!  If you need any additional clarification, please let me
know!

-THV

Swift and expedient reply. Superb! This was the first time I'd used
the google answers service, and so far I'm very impressed.

Thank your for your rating and for the generous tip.  I am glad I could help!

-THV

there is also a new approach that uses expiring keys in the url. it
can be found at:

http://coldlink.com/