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[pilotboi]

This is for anyone who used to (or still do) use WMP. Does MC seem to be better overall? What are some better things? Anything worse? I'm thinking of switching to MC as my main media player.

Is there any tool that will move my WMP library to MC? Basically, I'd like to keep my ratings. If not, I think it might be worth setting all of those again.

The main reason I'd like to switch is because this is a Windows based program only, and looks very similar to WMP, but it also has iPod syncing capability. (Yes, I'm very anti-apple, but the iPod is the only thing they've created that is better then the rest in it's market...altough I'm looking into getting something new soon, as other manufactuers are getting better.)

So basically, I'd like to know what it's like to go from WMP to MC.

[Alex B]

Welcome to the forum!

I have not used WMP extensively, but I guess MC will give you much more. Just don't expect that everything will work exactly like before. Many things are designed a bit differently (= mostly better, in my opinion). Give MC some time and don't hesitate to ask help here if needed.

As far as I know there is no way to convert a WMP library directly. You didn't mention what file format(s) you use. MC supports the WMP ratings field in WMA files, but I'm afraid that doesn't work with MP3 files. Only WMA ratings show up when you import files to MC. You may have to enable the "Maintain my star ratings as global ratings in the media files" option in WMP and update the files before importing to MC.

[sonicbox]

Hello pilotboi!

I'm trying to be a convert, but failing due to limitations in Media Center.  See http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=28733.0

[GrantDG]

I've just started to make the switch to MC from WMP and (after an initial learning curve) am very impressed with MC!

One of the most important things to remember is that MC is (almost) infinitely configurable - it's database is configurable, you can configure the way you view files, the layout of these views is configurable... etc...

Of course, this "configurablility" adds some complexity - but that's what this forum is for!

On the negative side - there are a few niggling things I have found with MC (maybe some of these can be debunked by a more experienced user?):

1. Support for "multiple artists" is a bit of a hassle... I assume the same with "multiple genres" (a hassle - not impossible - see: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=26972.0 )
2. I found that MC rips to WMA with a very quiet output - it seems that this can be worked around by doing "analyse audio" and setting up volume levelling - but Analyze Audio is very slow (try analyzing 5000+ tracks on a slightly older PC!)
3. The memory overhead seem much higher than WMP (again - older PC certainly sees the effects of having MC working it's magic)

Having said this - the good does well outweigh the bad (even my non-techo partner is getting the hang of MC quite quickly)

I'm currently using the trial version (strongly suggest you download and have a good play around with it for the 30 days) - but will most definitely be registering.

I'm also starting to play around with MC managing my extensive photo collection - try and do that in WMP!!

Windows Media Player - what's that?

Grant

[johnnyboy]

(Yes, I'm very anti-apple, but the iPod is the only thing they've created that is better then the rest in it's market...altough I'm looking into getting something new soon, as other manufactuers are getting better.)

Based on what? Looks I'm asuming as for everything else it is near the back of the market.

 * Playback time - Sony Wins by miles
 * Audio Quality - iRiver, Creative, both beat it - not sure if Archos does or if it just matches it.
 * Features - iRiver canes it
 * Accessories - has more "made for it" but all of these are just common components with marketting saying they're iPod specific - most can be bought (alot cheaper) for all the other products too.

Kind of curious as to how you think its the best?
I dont know a single person who claims this, they just claim its the best looking.

[EpF]

Is there any tool that will move my WMP library to MC? Basically, I'd like to keep my ratings. If not, I think it might be worth setting all of those again.

If you save all your rated files into rating playlists in WMP (one list for 1-star, one list for 2-star, etc.), you can then import the playlists into MC.  Then click on the playlist in the Tree, go to the Action Window and click on File Properties >Tag Info, and enter the rating in the Rating Field under General.   No need to click on each file; either have none or all selected, and MC will tag each file with the rating.

Enjoy!

[pilotboi]

If you save all your rated files into rating playlists in WMP (one list for 1-star, one list for 2-star, etc.), you can then import the playlists into MC.  Then click on the playlist in the Tree, go to the Action Window and click on File Properties >Tag Info, and enter the rating in the Rating Field under General.   No need to click on each file; either have none or all selected, and MC will tag each file with the rating.

Enjoy!

Thanks so much!!! I'll give that I try when I'm ready to migrate. Thanks to all of you who replied.

And to johnnyboy...I never siad that it was the 'best'. Trust me, I do my research on MP3 players. My first MP3 player was an Archos, by the way. At the time I bought my iPod, it won over physical size, design, operating system, among other things, that I (keyword: I) believed were important in an MP3 player for ME (another keyboard: me). Music is very important in my life, and so is the quality, and I believe the quality of my iPod is excellent.