Idea Number One
I would like to propose a caching system for MC users who convert on the fly to their handhelds.
My idea involves having an option available when a user selects a Lossless compression format (APE, WMA lossless, Flac, etc) that would enable a caching of files at a different format in a lossy format (user selectable). This would be optional so if someone with a large hard drive who can afford the additional space could use it, but if someone who uses lossless and cannot afford the space doesn't have to.
MC would use the Lossless files as the primary data storage file (play count, etc) and primary use for playback within MC. But, when a user wants the Lossless song on a portable, MC would transfer the already create Lossy format to the handheld.
People with small handhelds who regularly transfer files, but want to maintain the high-quality of Lossless within MC would benefit from the transfer time. For me, converting an APE file to WMA takes about 2 minutes per song.
This would also allow for an accurate play count on the files within MC.
With this feature, an elaborate system of smart lists and view schemes are not necessary for having a "double" library.
Idea Number Two
I would like to propose a filtering system be added to MC for transferring to handhelds. This is for users who do not utilize the above mentioned caching system.
I can safely assume that most people have more than one file type for music within MC. I use APE, MP3, + WMA. Since MC can handle more than 20 different file types, the ability to specify what happens when file is transferred is important (I when I transfer music I have to send all my MP3s to the handheld then switch my settings and convert my APE files. This gets really crazy when I have APE and MP3 files in a playlist).
For each file type MC has a user can select what to do: "Send as is" or "Convert to <blank> and send" with a selection of format available for the file type.
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That is it for now
I hope I was able to explain my systems well enough. I am sure they need some tweaking, but the idea is there. BTW - Since this deals with handheald interaction I thought is should be posted here. If SteveG or another forum admin thinks this should be in the main MC development board I would be happy to post something there as well.
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