If you want to record an .m3u8 stream without ending up with a broken, confusingly named playlist file, you need to use VLC’s feature instead of the manual record button. Here is the step-by-step process: Open VLC Media Player.
Go to the top menu and click > Convert / Save (or press Ctrl + R on Windows / Cmd + R on Mac). Click the Network tab at the top. vlc-record-2021-05-24-16h17m26s-index-dvr.m3u8-...
If you clicked "Record" on a live stream years ago and ended up with a broken, unplayable file or a massive hard drive hog, 🔍 Breaking Down the Mystery File Name If you want to record an
Because live streams delete old segments as new ones are created (DVR style), stopping the recording often leaves you with a broken index pointing to files that no longer exist on the internet. Click the Network tab at the top
However, live streams are different. When you press record on an .m3u8 live stream link:
If VLC does successfully dump the transport stream ( .ts ), it does so without compression, filling up your hard drive incredibly fast. 🛠️ How to Properly Record Live Streams in VLC
: The exact date the recording was initiated (May 24, 2021).