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More => Old Versions => Media Center 12 (Development Ended) => Topic started by: KingSparta on May 14, 2008, 07:20:01 pm

Title: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: KingSparta on May 14, 2008, 07:20:01 pm
Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: JimH on May 14, 2008, 08:25:36 pm
Diskwriter?
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: e-head on May 14, 2008, 09:17:32 pm
If I'm not mistaken m4b are basically just m4a files encoded at a low bitrate with the file extension changed (to let iTunes know they are audiobooks). In fact, I think you can take any m4a encoded at 128 or less, change the file extension to m4b, and iTunes will think it's an audiobook.

So, the answer is any program that can convert m4a's to mp3's would work.

I've noticed MC imports some of these m4b files just fine, and others it chokes on. I think it may have trouble with really big files (~ 300mb or larger).
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: KingSparta on May 18, 2008, 09:12:52 am
Diskwriter?

What\Where Is This?

Quote
So, the answer is any program that can convert m4a's to mp3's would work.

Do You Have A Program Name?

The File Is Actually A Old Time Radio Program I Have A Few Of Them In This Format.
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: jack wallstreet on May 18, 2008, 09:27:46 am
claimed m4a and m4b (identical to m4a) converter

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Audio/Audio-Convertors/Free-M4a-to-MP3-Converter.shtml
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: Yaobing on May 22, 2008, 01:04:36 pm
In MC, to be able to convert an audio format, the format must be played in the internal MC playback engine. That means, for quicktime formats, they must be played in DirectShow.

Currently m4b is not available for playback in DirectShow. I wonder if I should add it.

King,

Could you do a test for me?

Open C:\Program Files\J River\Media Center 12\Data\Default Resources\FileAssociations.xml, and add m4b on the following line:

<DSTypes>m4a;m4b;aac;mp4;m4v;mov;wv;ra;ram;rm;ac3;dts;3gp;3g2;3gpp;3gp2;wav;rmvb;mka;aif;aifc;aiff;</DSTypes>

and then open Tools -> Options -> Playback -> Video -> DirectShow Playback Settings... and make sure m4b is checked in the DirectShow playback types list.

Let me know if you can play the file (you may need to set up DirectShow filters). If you can play it in DirectShow, you can try converting it.
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: KingSparta on May 22, 2008, 06:22:54 pm
I will try to get one of the files back, i had a user\Co-Sysop convert it using another tool And Uploaded The Newer Conversion To My FTP Server.
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: dgoodrie on May 22, 2008, 07:06:45 pm
A software product called "Protected Music Converter" will probably work.  It does have a free trial period.
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: KingSparta on May 23, 2008, 05:51:39 am
I added m4b, Checked It

the files do not import

Library now has 17969 files. Search and update took 0:26.

Imported 0 new files.
Failed to import 2 files.

In-depth details:
Failed to import:
    E:\M4B Files For Test\Doctor Who - Sarah Jane Adventures - The Glittering Storm - iPod.m4b
    E:\M4B Files For Test\Doctor Who - Sarah Jane Adventures - The Thirteenth Stone - iPod.m4b

Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: JimH on May 23, 2008, 07:08:53 am
In MC, to be able to convert an audio format, the format must be played in the internal MC playback engine. That means, for quicktime formats, they must be played in DirectShow.
King,
Did you try setting MC to play the files with DirectShow?
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: KingSparta on May 23, 2008, 09:28:26 am
I may not have it installed.

Is There I Link To DirectShow?
Title: Re: Is There A Way To Convert A M4B File Format To MP3?
Post by: Yaobing on May 23, 2008, 02:44:52 pm
DirectShow Guide (http://wiki.jrmediacenter.com/index.php/DirectShow_Playback_Guide)

MP4, M4A support (http://wiki.jrmediacenter.com/index.php/MP4_and_M4A_File_Support)