I'm using Nero Ultra to transcode some files (128k M4A) into something that my '03 model Alpine CDA-9815 can play. Acoustic perfection is not important in this case, but I'd like for it to sound better than AM radio.
I tried copying the M4A to WMA format, using "Encode Audio Files" from the Smart Start screen. The deck reported "Unsupported" when it tried to read the WMA files. Taking the files back to the PC and playing them with WMP 10, it seems that the files were encoded with the WMA 9.1 codec.
Theoretically, WMA is backwards-compatible, isn't it? Why can't my deck (WMA8-certified) play these files? Can I force Nero to use an older WMA codec manually?
Full Version: Alpine Car Stereo Incompatibility
QUOTE (CowboyDren @ May 10 2005, 08:53 PM)
Theoretically, WMA is backwards-compatible, isn't it?
No, not entirely. WMA Pro for example is not compatible with almost all standalone players.
Why not use MP3 and encode with LAME? It'll probably give better results than WMA.
I'm looking into that, too. I have Lame, PowerPack, and mp3PRO options from inside Nero. In keeping with the 1MB-per-minute paradygm, what do you suggest?
Look at the recommended encoder & settings threads in the MP3 forum here.
QUOTE (CowboyDren @ May 10 2005, 01:53 PM)
I'm using Nero Ultra to transcode some files (128k M4A) into something that my '03 model Alpine CDA-9815 can play. Acoustic perfection is not important in this case, but I'd like for it to sound better than AM radio.
I tried copying the M4A to WMA format, using "Encode Audio Files" from the Smart Start screen. The deck reported "Unsupported" when it tried to read the WMA files. Taking the files back to the PC and playing them with WMP 10, it seems that the files were encoded with the WMA 9.1 codec.
Theoretically, WMA is backwards-compatible, isn't it? Why can't my deck (WMA8-certified) play these files? Can I force Nero to use an older WMA codec manually?
I tried copying the M4A to WMA format, using "Encode Audio Files" from the Smart Start screen. The deck reported "Unsupported" when it tried to read the WMA files. Taking the files back to the PC and playing them with WMP 10, it seems that the files were encoded with the WMA 9.1 codec.
Theoretically, WMA is backwards-compatible, isn't it? Why can't my deck (WMA8-certified) play these files? Can I force Nero to use an older WMA codec manually?
Nice deck, that's what's in my car right now. I'd definitely suggest going the mp3 route.
dreamliner: I love my Alpine deck. I almost talked myself into the 9813 (regular green LEDs, less powerful eq/x-over), but even at half the price, was no bargain.
Garf: Thanks for the input. Lame actually sounds pretty good in the car; not any worse than iTunes at my desk with 8-year-old speakers.
I just wish that all of the discussion on MP3 encoding were more storage-oriented than bitrate-oriented.
Garf: Thanks for the input. Lame actually sounds pretty good in the car; not any worse than iTunes at my desk with 8-year-old speakers.
I just wish that all of the discussion on MP3 encoding were more storage-oriented than bitrate-oriented.
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