ripping cd's to harddrive

[drewkaree]

What is the benefit or downside of .wma files instead of mp3?

The main claim to superiority of wma files are smaller file size of comparable files; however identical bitrates will come out larger or smaller depending on the file, the method used, program used, and many other variables, so there isn't any one "perfect" solution between the two formats.

IMO, claims of file size differences of WMA over mp3 should compare identical bitrates. The claim is that wma files @ 64kbps will sound identical to mp3 files @ 128kbps. To me, when comparing one thing to another and claiming a superior (fill in the blank), to compare differing variables and claiming something is "better" re: something subjective (sounding "just as good" or "the same") isn't an equal comparison.

I am also one of those people who own players that don't support the wma format. I also fiddle around with PC-based jukeboxes and there are a number of programs that don't handle the wma format either.

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Jukebox_Software

I listen to streaming stuff in both formats. IMO, at lower bitrates, wma sounds better. Higher bitrates seem equal if comparing vocals, such as talk radio, comedy, etc. For music that's streamed at higher bitrates, mp3 sounds better. I can definitely see why people would use the wma format for certain things, but as far as ripping my entire collection, I prefer a single format, and the sheer volume of support for the mp3 format along with the DRM restrictions often associated with the wma format makes the choice easy for me - it's mp3.

Google Sony DRM or Apple DRM for real-life scenarios of that last sentence. It's similar to the problems with WMP (and how it creates wma files), and simply the kicker as to why I won't use wma files. The DRM problem is also one of the reasons I steer clear of any form of iPood as well. I want to deal as little as possible with any company, be it (Apple, Microsoft, Sony, etc) that treats me as the problem by enacting systems that restrict my fair use (which don't stop the criminals anyway) and only make it more problematic for those who've legally purchased their products.

[RoyN]

OK, I'ma gonna bring back this discussion... Is anyone aware of, or working on adding CD Rip to the GB PVR interface?

It would be awesome to be able to have that easily in the interface.. I operate several rooms and it is nice to have any user be able to just pop a cd in, rip to the server, and have it appear in the audio list for all rooms...

For now I just rip everything myself since it is easier than explaining to other people, but it would be nice to have it integrated...

Same goes for DVD Rip, but for now that is less critical I think...

Any thoughts?

[nightwalker]

OK, I'ma gonna bring back this discussion... Is anyone aware of, or working on adding CD Rip to the GB PVR interface?

It would be awesome to be able to have that easily in the interface.. I operate several rooms and it is nice to have any user be able to just pop a cd in, rip to the server, and have it appear in the audio list for all rooms...

For now I just rip everything myself since it is easier than explaining to other people, but it would be nice to have it integrated...

Same goes for DVD Rip, but for now that is less critical I think...

Any thoughts?

I think there was a CD ripper at one time, It may have been reven's my music but i can't remember exactly. Personally i prefer to rip CD's myself. I'm very picky about the tag info and getting it all in correct directories and what not. I just find it easier to do myself as opposed to having to go back and fix things.

[fuzzweed]

yeah I agree about the cd ripping. dvd ripping can already be achievd with a plugin http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Plugin/DVDRipper which I think works although unsupported (and i think its integrated into showburner too)