This is something new: RapidPlayer.org

[mahjong]

botter: a signed java applet would run on the client side. There is no need for premium account, you could just write an applet that would get the download link to the video file and pass it back to php or some cgi script which would then play it. It would be the same as you would try to download a file but instead of downloading you copy/paste the direct link to the file and stream it with divx webplayer, for example. (of course in this case you better write a script to a host which gives resumable direct link to free downloaders, its rare but there are such hosts)
You could write a script like that to any kind of filehost. But only a signed java applet is capable of such things.

[botter]

@mahjong: have you tried using rapidshare as a free user recently? it is really slow. your idea would work with a simple ajax script as well but the speed is just no good

[jups]

Hey botter,
Videos aren't loading for some reason.

[mahjong]

botter: well, you could always make it work with other hosts. Just imagine, if you make it work, i'm sure the warez world would use it (imagine adding a host that actually plays for downloads, making it able to stream without the streamer noticing the real source). Your service would be only a barebone player, which would play any video hosted on filehosts (which you write scripts for) so you wouldn't be liable for the content played through your player, but you would still be able to put up shitload of advertisements and popup making a lot of money.
Sadly ajax won't work as ajax can't work cross domain. Only signed java applets can. Believe me, i would have written the script already if it would be possible in javascript.

[botter]

@jups: we were adding new servers during the last couple of week. we didn't notice any downtime at all

@mahjong; we are working on adding other hosts. you are wrong about ajax. it works with cross domain if the server handles it, and most of the case they do (believe me, i'm working for a company where we do 3 billion cross domain ajax requests / month). i will go back from my holiday tomorrow and I have great plans to make the service much better. stay tuned

[jups]

Thanks for replying botter, looking forward to the new services and ppd.