[Hidden-tech] music collection management

[Will Loving]

Within iTunes there are many options available for ripping including MP3,
AAC, WAV and Apple Lossless (ALAC). Apple Lossless, while not an Open Source
format like FLAC, does retain full integrity of the original source but uses
about 50% of the needed space (Apple says 40-60% depending on the
recording).

Also, iTunes built-in encoders ­ under ³Import Settings² - for both MP3 and
AAC offer Variable Bit Rate (VBR) as an option.

Will

Will Loving, President
Dedication Technologies, Inc.



on 9/15/11 9:13 PM, Andy Klapper at andytk at charter.net wrote:

> I was unaware that Apple had relaxed the DMR and that there was no DMR on
> songs ripped from CD.  Good to know.
>  
> The advantage of LAME is that it uses a variable bit rate.  This should result
> in smaller files at the same bit rate, or the ability to select a higher bit
> rate at a similar file size vs. MP3.
>  
> FLAC is lossless so it will retain the full quality of the original source, at
> the cost of a much larger file (still smaller than the one on your audio CD).
>  
>  
> Andy.
>  
>  
> 
> From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
> [mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Will Loving
> Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 7:34 PM
> To: Hidden Tech
> Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] music collection management
>  
> I¹d just like to correct the following concerning iTunes and DRM (Digital
> Right Management copy protection):
> 
> the iTunes format has DMR with can cause problems if you want to share the
> music or if you want copies on more than three devices)
> 
> Music can be imported into iTunes in three basic ways: 1) directly from a CD;
> 2) purchased through the iTunes Store, Amazon, CD Baby or other electronic
> store (which usually loads automatically into iTunes to play); or, 3) as an
> electronic file, for example that someone sent you via email.
> 1. Music imported into from CD has no DRM. You can do whatever you want with
> it 
> 2. Since 2009, all music purchased from iTunes Store is DRM free, the Amazon
> store since 2008, meaning that you can do whatever you want with it. You may
> have old music purchased from the iTunes store that still has DRM on it but
> you can upgrade to DRM free for 30 cents per song. You may encounter DRM music
> on other smaller music sites, but if you do, this is a requirement from the
> artist or the recording label.
> 3. Music you obtain from a friend in electronic form may or may not of DRM on
> it depending on how/where they obtained it.
> 
> Regarding iTunes and devices:
> 
> Only older music purchased from the iTunes store has the ³authorization² limit
> of up to FIVE (not three) computers to play it the music on. The DRM-free
> music released since 2009 does not have this requirement.
> 
> Regarding formats:
> 
> iTunes releases music in AAC format, Amazon in MP3. While MP3 is more common
> and familiar to people by name, it¹s actually a patented, proprietary format,
> which AAC is not. Currently MP3 patent holders are not enforcing licensing or
> fees but the uncertainty around that is part of why Apple choose the
> non-proprietary AAC format.  Nearly all media players can play both formats
> and the considered opinion ­ if you read a lot on this topic ­ is that AAC is
> slightly better quality for the same bit rate. As Andy notes, depending on the
> quality you want it might not make much difference which way you do it.
> Ripping CDs in iTunes, there are many options under the Import Settings. You
> can try some and see what you like. It should be noted that while the LAME mp3
> format may do slightly better than some other MP3 encoders (including the one
> built into iTunes), it does so only at high bit rates and does worse at lower.
> 
> 
> 
> on 9/13/11 12:06 PM, Andy Klapper at andytk at charter.net wrote:
> To some extent it depends on what you want to do with the music.  If you are
> going to be playing your music on a quality sound system in your living room
> (i.e. big speakers) then I would recommend ripping to a lossless format like
> FLAC.  If you are going to be playing your music using a portable device with
> ear buds then I would rip to MP3 (the iTunes format has DMR with can cause
> problems if you want to share the music or if you want copies on more than
> three devices).  For MP3 I would recommend using LAME.  LAME using a variable
> compression scheme that gets the most quality for the least amount of space.
> Both FLAC and LAME are open source if that carries any weight for you.
>  
> Let me know what you come up with after getting advice from the hidden tech
> community.
>  
>  
> Andy.
>  
> 
> From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
> [mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Stacy
> Kontrabecki
> Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:10 AM
> To: hidden-discuss
> Subject: [Hidden-tech] music collection management
> 
> So my 300 CDs have been taking up space on my office floor for 3 years b/c I
> don't know how to deal with them. Looking for recommendations.
> 
> I have:
> * 1 Macbook Pro for work that my iPhone 3GS 32 GB is connected to through
> iTunes - maybe 20 albums of music is synced to the phone. 14 GB free on the
> phone. 
> * 5 year old Dell laptop restored to factory settings that I only use for
> occasional GPS points downloading.
> * iTV -not used for media access currently since media is still on disc!
> * External drive I back up my Macbook to. Additional PC formatted 160 GB
> external drive not being used.
> * What is the best way to get these CDs ripped and accessible? I don't want to
> store the music on my work computer hard drive.
> 
> Options I've considered:
> 1. Purchase another external Mac drive just for music, create 2nd directory
> (?) on Macbook iTunes (I need to sync my photos & contacts to the Mac still)
> referencing the music I store on the external & sync it to some new MP3
> player. 
> 2. Install the music to the Dell (via USB vs. Mac firewire) and use the
> existing PC external drive to sync to an MP3 player.
> 3. Retire the 3GS to iPod status and update my phone?
> 4. Crawl into a hole with my vinyl albums and turntable, swearing off new
> technology.
> Before the iPod/Phone/MP3 phenomenon, I bought a slew of CD sleeves and
> binders that I was going to shrink the size of my collection down to. That
> never happened. May still do this for "backup" so I can trash the jewel cases
> once I figure out the dilemma outlined above.
> 
> I so need the real estate in my office and miss playing my music, too.
> 
> Thanks for your recommendations in advance.
> 
> Stacy
> 
> 
> 
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> 
> -- 
> 
> William M. Loving
> Dedication Technologies, Inc.
> 7 Coach Lane
> Amherst, MA 01002-3304   USA
> will at dedicationtechnologies.com
> Tel: +1 413 253-7223   (GMT ­5)
> Fax: +1 206 202-0476

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