How to convert CD's to audio files&make downloadable from site?

[cath120]

I would be grateful for any suggestions on the best way to convert CD's to audio files. The best format to use, then make them playable and downloadable from my website, which was constructed using HTML in Dreamweaver.

It is hosted using the 0$ package on Dot Easy.

Best regards

Catherine :rolleyes:

[f1 fan]

Just to point out... you do know it is illegal right?

Anyway the best way to convert a cd is using any one of the many free players out there such as win media player, real audio player etc etc. All have built in rippers and support multiformats - though mp3 or wma will be your best bet. Then you upload to your site and put links in. One will be to play the file and the other would be to download the file. Not that i am paranoid, but i am, so i wont post the code here and be cited for aiding and abetting the ripping off the overpriced music industry.

[iamthwee]

Not that i am paranoid, but i am, so i wont post the code here and be cited for aiding and abetting the ripping off the overpriced music industry.

I have no such qualms :lol: (joke)

Yeah probably use windows media player to save the cd to wma format. However, I'm not sure if win media allows u to make mp3 files...

Which is THE file format of choice. LOL in that case here is a FREE utility that provides such an option. Use at ur own discretion. And dont do anything illegal!!! http://www.mgshareware.com/frmmain.shtml

[Esopo]

WMA has a tendency to produce better quality files with a smaller footprint, but I would recommend you use the more widely accepted format mp3. Here are many encoders:
http://www.mp3-converter.com/mp3_converter_freeware.htm

I personally use CDex, it works very well (and is free of course):
http://www.mp3-converter.com/cdex.htm

I would also recommend you encode your MP3s as 256kbps instead of the 128kbps standard (better quality although larger filesize).

And as stated above, I hope you are not planning on anything ilegal. You host won't let you be up for that long anyway.

[cath120]

Thank you for your help. Would anyone be prepared to go more step by step through this for me?

Best regards

Catherine

[f1 fan]

1. Rip a CD (if using win media player there is a rip button) either in MP3 or WMA
2. Upload the file to your website
3. Put a link to the file on your website

When the person clicks the link it should automatically play on their pc providing they have a player (which just about everyone does). If they want to download it then they just right click and save as.

[cath120]

1. Rip a CD (if using win media player there is a rip button) either in MP3 or WMA 2. Upload the file to your website 3. Put a link to the file on your website

When the person clicks the link it should automatically play on their pc providing they have a player (which just about everyone does). If they want to download it then they just right click and save as.

Thank you f1 fan, how about embedding as with following tutorial, is the only advantage here to allow for streaming?: http://nunzioweb.com/streaming_audio-example.htm

[f1 fan]

Ah no, that is a totally different set of requirements. You asked to have files being able to be played and downloadable. The tutorial and embedding streaming is for online radio station type scenario. In this way you control the files played (its your playlist so they play in order you selected - so for the end user this is like listening to a radio station, and all they do is press play (or you can have it play on load). In the first scenario then it is more like a juke box where you give them a list and they can play one or more but need the player on their pc.
It all depends what you are trying to achieve?

[f1 fan]

One other point worth mentioning (I just saw your hosting info) is that playing music over the net (whether embedded or not - its the same) is heavy on bandwidth useage which you will be limited to a monthly amount. An average song in both MP3 and WMA is just over 3Mb. An average CD is about 50Mb. So for EVERY USER (not song but visitor to your site) that plays music is chewing up your bandwidth heavily - 50Mb instead of an average 50kb for a web page with a pic or two.

[cath120]

Hi F1 fan - Thank you for all your advice. The streaming can be also done with individual tracks too.
I have now ripped a CD using CDEx downloaded from http://www.br0wn.co.uk/ - vinyl to MP3 page. So all set to start experimenting.
Regards

Catherine

[afgmail]

Create a free account of 1GB in www.box.net , you can play the music there and also download it...

[cath120]

Thank you afgmai.

[afgmail]

Can you post the finished product?

[.Pat]

You can use AudioGrabber, works very well and it's free. But please start pirating music.. ;)