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06 Numbers and Powers

Record France TV Shows: How to Save Them Legally

Card No. 06·8294 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

File size 5,400 MB
Recording time
90 min
Result
Recording length
90 min
You entered
Bitrate
8 Mbps
You entered
You enter
Recording length, Bitrate
You get
File size, Recording time
Rounding
0 dp

Yes, you can record France TV shows, and the simplest legal way is the built-in replay service (France.tv) and the recording features of your TV provider. This article explains the different methods, what you can and cannot do, and the legal considerations for saving French public television programs.

Formula

The calculator estimates the file size of a digital video recording. The formula is:

File size (MB) = duration (minutes) × 60 (seconds per minute) × bitrate (Mbps) ÷ 8 (bits per byte)

Variables:

  • Duration (t): length of the show in minutes.
  • Bitrate (b): average video bitrate in megabits per second. Typical values: 4-6 Mbps for 1080p, 8-12 Mbps for 4K, 2-3 Mbps for SD.

The result is the approximate file size in megabytes (MB). For gigabytes, divide by 1024.

Worked Example

Using the default values: a 90-minute show at 8 Mbps.

  1. Convert minutes to seconds: 90 × 60 = 5,400 seconds.
  2. Multiply by bitrate: 5,400 × 8 = 43,200 megabits.
  3. Convert to megabytes: 43,200 ÷ 8 = 5,400 MB.

The calculator shows 5,400 MB (about 5.3 GB). This matches the expected size for a 90-minute 1080p recording.

Understanding France TV Replay and Recording Options

France Télévisions operates the public broadcaster’s digital platform, France.tv. It offers a catch-up service called France.tv Replay, where most programs are available for a limited time after their original broadcast (typically 7 to 30 days, depending on the show and rights). This is the most straightforward way to “record� a show without any extra hardware: you simply stream it during the availability window.

For permanent copies, you need a DVR (digital video recorder) or a screen recorder. The legal boundary is important: French copyright law (Code de la propriété intellectuelle) allows private copying for personal use, but circumventing DRM (digital rights management) is illegal. France.tv uses DRM on many programs, so downloading or screen-capturing those streams may violate the law, even for personal use. The safest approach is to use a service that records the broadcast signal (like a TV tuner) rather than stripping DRM from the stream.

How to Record with a TV Provider DVR

Most French internet/TV providers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free) offer a set-top box with a DVR function. This records the broadcast signal directly, so it does not rely on DRM-protected streams. To record a France TV show:

  1. Open the TV guide (EPG) on your set-top box.
  2. Find the France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5, or France Info channel.
  3. Select the program and choose “Record� or “Enregistrer�.
  4. You can usually record a single episode or a series.

The recording is stored on the box’s hard drive. You can watch it later, but you cannot easily transfer it to a computer or phone. The recording remains on the box until you delete it, and it is tied to your subscription.

Using a TV Tuner and PVR Software

If you want a copy on your computer, a USB TV tuner (DVB-T/T2) with PVR software (like Kodi, NextPVR, or the software that comes with the tuner) can record free-to-air broadcasts. This is legal because you are recording the unencrypted signal, not bypassing DRM. Steps:

  1. Connect the tuner to your computer and an antenna.
  2. Install the tuner’s software or compatible PVR software.
  3. Scan for channels – France 2, 3, 4, 5, and Info should appear.
  4. Schedule a recording from the EPG or manually set a time.
  5. The output is usually an MPEG-TS file that you can play or edit.

This method gives you a permanent, personal copy. However, it requires an antenna and may not work if you live in an area with poor reception.

Screen Recording: The Grey Area

Screen recording software (like OBS Studio) can capture the France.tv stream. While this is technically possible, it is legally risky because it may circumvent the DRM. France.tv’s terms of service prohibit recording or downloading content without permission. Even for personal use, the DRM circumvention aspect makes it a violation of French law (Loi relative au droit d’auteur). In practice, enforcement against individuals is rare, but it is not a safe method if you want to stay clearly within the law.

Choosing the Right Method

Your choice depends on your needs:

  • Watch within a week or month: Use France.tv Replay – no recording needed.
  • Keep a copy on your TV box: Use your provider’s DVR.
  • Keep a copy on your computer: Use a TV tuner with PVR software.
  • Only if you accept legal risk: Screen recording – not recommended.

Also consider storage space: a 90-minute 1080p recording is roughly 5 GB, so a 2 TB drive holds about 400 such recordings.

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Recording fails due to weak signal: Check antenna connection and re-scan channels.
  • DRM error on France.tv: Some programs are not available for replay due to rights. You cannot record those legally.
  • File too large: Lower the bitrate if your PVR allows, or record in SD instead of HD.
  • Subtitles missing: Enable them in the PVR settings before recording, or add them later from a subtitles site.

Legal Considerations and Copyright

French copyright law allows private copying (copie privée) for personal use, but this exception does not apply if the source is illegal or if DRM is bypassed. Recording the free-to-air broadcast with a tuner is generally considered legal. Recording from France.tv’s DRM-protected stream is not. Also, you cannot share recordings publicly – that is a clear infringement. For archival purposes, the law is on your side only when you record the broadcast signal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record France TV shows on my phone?

There is no official recording feature in the France.tv app. You could use a screen recorder, but that is legally risky due to DRM. A better option is to use your provider’s DVR and watch on your phone via the provider’s app (if supported).

How long do France.tv replays stay available?

Most programs are available for 7 to 30 days after broadcast. Some documentaries and news may stay longer, but sports and films often have shorter windows. The exact duration is shown on the program page.

Is it legal to record France TV for personal use?

Recording the broadcast signal (via DVR or tuner) for personal, private use is legal in France. Recording the DRM-protected stream (e.g., via screen capture) is not, because it circumvents DRM. Always prefer the broadcast method.

Do I need a TV license to record France TV?

France abolished the TV license (contribution à l’audiovisuel public) in 2022. You no longer need to pay it, but you still need a valid TV provider subscription or an antenna to receive the signal.

Can I record France TV shows in 4K?

France TV broadcasts some events in 4K, but not all shows. If you have a 4K-capable tuner and the broadcast is in 4K, you can record it. The file size will be much larger – about 12 Mbps, so a 90-minute show would be around 8 GB.

What is the best free software for recording DVB-T?

Popular free options include NextPVR, Kodi’s PVR add-ons, and the software bundled with many tuners. These let you schedule and manage recordings. For editing, you can use free tools like HandBrake or Avidemux.

Related

Formula used
in t | Recording length | min | 90 | 1 | 600
in b | Bitrate | Mbps | 8 | 1 | 50
out size | File size | MB | t * 60 * b / 8 | 0
out time | Recording time | min | t | 0

Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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