Encode audio files...

D34th · 12-20-04, 06:56 PM

I use iTunes and i want to put a few music files on my Axim. Obviously WMP doesnt support the AAC format that iTunes uses. Is there a program I can use to enconde the AAC format to something playable through WMP or BetaPlayer? Yes i have tried Windows Media Encoder and it doesnt work...

Howard2k · 12-20-04, 07:04 PM

You can use iTunes to encode/convert to MP3.

Or you can get an AAC player from http://www.40th.com

Just be aware that going from one lossy format to another lossy format is like photocopying a photocopy of a document. Introduces more loss each time.

nathbeck · 12-20-04, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by D34th

I use iTunes and i want to put a few music files on my Axim. Obviously WMP doesnt support the AAC format that iTunes uses. Is there a program I can use to enconde the AAC format to something playable through WMP or BetaPlayer? Yes i have tried Windows Media Encoder and it doesnt work...

The new betaplayer (95) will play AAC files (I was in the same position). Works great. And price and license are right! Neal

psydstudent · 12-20-04, 07:25 PM

I cant tell you how but their is a way to decode the iTunes AAC files to mp3 without wasting a CD. Search Yahoo or Google.

You can use iTunes to encode to mp3s but it will cost you a CD. iTunes will only burn its encrypted AAC files to mp3 on CDs.

I've tried the software from 40th.com and it will not play encrypted AAC files. iTunes stores the DRM keys for those song files on your computer and will not transfer them to another device (except an iPod). There are ways around the encrypted AAC but again, they are "illegal" (according to Apple) and cannot be discussed here. Though you can take a look at 40th Floor's FAQ here http://iplay.40th.com/faq.html and scroll down about half way.

Betaplayer will also not play encrypted iTunes AAC files.

Thats as much help as you are probably going to find here. Sorry.

Howard2k · 12-21-04, 01:30 AM

To clarify the previous post -

If the files are AAC files that have been downloaded from the iTunes Music Store then the best way is to burn to CD and re-rip to MP3 or use a method alluded to above.

But if they are AAC files that have been ripped from CD (ie NOT downloaded from iTunes Music Store) then the Fairplay DRM wrapper does not get applied and you do NOT have to waste a CD to re-encode them. Just set your iTunes options to import to MP3 and then you can right click the AAC file and convert to MP3 from within iTunes.

iTunes Music Store AAC - Pain in the butt to convert to MP3.
Ripped to AAC from CD - Piece of cake through iTunes.

But the best bet is to just re-rip to MP3 as opposed to converting.

bigds63 · 12-21-04, 01:55 AM

Better yet stay away from itunes store and use a much friendlier and better sounding format like wma and mp3 that can be sync up easily with Your PC's WMP10.

Howard2k · 12-21-04, 01:57 AM

I'm not sure that they ARE from the iTunes webstore. Let's not be hasty. :)

The double blind tests that I've seen have shown that AAC sounds better than both WMA and MP3.

bigds63 · 12-21-04, 02:09 AM

Originally Posted by Howard2k

I'm not sure that they ARE from the iTunes webstore. Let's not be hasty. :)

The double blind tests that I've seen have shown that AAC sounds better than both WMA and MP3.

Well let me rephrase that then...Maybe they should Download a more superior format like .wma or .mp3 :) I better watch out here for I may tick some fashion kid off

Howard2k · 12-21-04, 02:10 AM

Superior because they are more widely accepted I agree :) But superior in sound I think the jury is still out. But leaning towards AAC :)

bigds63 · 12-21-04, 02:15 AM

Originally Posted by Howard2k

Superior because they are more widely accepted I agree :) But superior in sound I think the jury is still out. But leaning towards AAC :)

Then lets say we Partially agree then :)

Howard2k · 12-21-04, 02:28 AM

Agreed. :)

D34th · 12-21-04, 06:30 PM

I just changed a setting on iTunes and told it to convert to MP3, and right clicked the song I wanted to enconde and selected "Convert to MP3". It worked great so I'm happy...thanks everyone.