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[sraymond]

I know this isn't exactly the right forum, but it's interesting that they didn't look at MC9.0.  Here's the "audio encoders" review from the Sep 2003 issue of CPU Magazine:

JRiver Media Jukebox 8
Free (Basic); $24.98 (Plus)
JRiver
www.musicex.com/mediajukebox
Platform: Windows
CPU Rating: 3

At first glance, Media Jukebox 8's encoding features seem rather sparse. The app is a bit slow, and there aren't many advanced options to tweak. But such extras as a full-featured sound editor and no-fuss plug-ins make the program worth a second look.

Media Jukebox can rip from CDs and line-in sources. The program includes built-in encoders for WMA, Ogg Vorbis, and WAV, and you can add support for MP3, MPEGplus, and Monkey's Audio (APE files) formats via plug-ins. The free plug-ins download and install automatically and hassle-free the first time you need them. The MP3 encoding plug-in, which only works with the Plus version of Media Jukebox, is based on the LAME encoder. The implementation isn't the fastest encoder around, but the quality is excellent. You can encode at bit rates from 32 to 320Kbps, including variable bit-rate encoding, but Media Jukebox doesn't give access to any advanced encoding options.

The free version has enough features to get you interested but keep you frustrated, with such limitations as reduced-speed CD burning. The Plus version adds the killer features: scheduled encoding, a CD label printer, and a waveform sound editor. The editor offers plenty of useful features for fine-tuning your encoded files, including fades, equalization, and reverb effects.

My tests of Media Jukebox didn't always go smoothly. On my system, the program locked up during encoding twice, an occurrence that can definitely harsh your mellow.

At least it did better than MP9 (2.5) or RealOne (2.5).  But it came in behind MMJB 8.0 (4.5).

And it's definitely a shame that MC 9.0 didn't make it in their PVR software review...  they only looked at WinXP MCE and Showshifter.

Scott-

[Doof]

It's also a shame that they're dead-wrong about MJ not allowing any of the advanced MP3 encoding options.

But I don't blame them. That's one feature that's definitely buried a little too deep.

[Polonio]

Today my father asked me what jukebox I use, and he asked me to send him a link to download it and test it.

Obviously, I talked about Media Center  , but I did not want to send him an link to a beta version...

I explain that because it wasnt easy or obvious to find MC homepage. First, I found pages still talking about the NEW MJ8... (www.musicex.com)

Then, I tried http://www.jriver.com and it is not updated. It shows links to MJ8...

Finally, I found a page that talked about MC9, and that one was the one I send to my father:

http://www.musicex.com/mediacenter/


Update your web-pages!!


That's why CPU magazine did not talk about MC9... MC 9.0 it is getting old, and it seems still hard to find...

[LonWar]

They rated it 4 in Jan 03

If there’s only room in your life (or your hard drive) for one media player, Media JukeBox just might be the one. It can play virtually every type of audio and video media, including RealMedia, QuickTime, Audible, Windows Media, Liquid Audio, DVDs, and even video from a TV tuner card. In addition to playing, it can rip audio CDs; encode in MP3, OGG, WMA, and other formats; and burn your media creations to disc.

Version 8 adds support for plug-ins and for online CD and DVD databases. The Plus version adds a media library; faster CD burning (the free version is limited to painfully slow 2X); an editor for trimming, splitting, and modifying sound files; and the ability to print CD labels and jewel case inserts. The DSP Studio feature provides a 10-band equalizer, environmental effects, and simulated surround sound.

A cool Media Scheduler lets you automate virtually any function, from setting an alarm to playing an MP3 at quitting time to recording your favorite show with your TV tuner card. The standard interface works well, but you can opt for something a little more flashy with a skinnable mini mode.