cassmow

Thankyou!

Thanks nchto Do you know what "force" does? Cheers Cass68

Thanks for the swift reply! Yes, neither do I and the help file doesn't explain it. I know the bit rate of the original file. Basically the situation is this, I use iTunes with my iPod and have most of my CD collection encoded at 192 kbps. I do have some mp3s from work colleagues that have used 128 kbps. I have a vast range of musical genres from classical, to rock, to techno (not too much as it gets boring), dance, world, pop, jazz, soul, etc. I mostly use my iPod when I'm out and about and prefer to play the actual CDs when I'm home. Now I have a new mobile phone that has mp3 playback ability. So I thought I'd download a few but at a smaller file size (accepting that I also have to downgrade bit rate & sound quality - after all it is only a phone). So I've gone to Switch and looked at the encoding options and they really don't give you any explanations there and not much information in the help file. I've looked at their audio file formats sections plus a couple of other websites but I have to admit my search has not been too extensive. I was mostly "put off" when seeing the advanced screen in iTunes and perhaps I misinterpreted it as saying less than 128 kbps was only mono. Yes, it becomes so technical that you have to have a phd to know what it all means or at least huge patience to search for the answers. I guess I assumed the people at Switch might've had more detailed information in support of their app. Wow, sounds like determination! Cool, thanks for the info. Gee, thanks heaps for that. I think I'll just play around and see what sound quality I can bear. Good luck--and ask, but be prepared for less than you would like. Thanks again Cass68

Hi Musikone Do you know where I can find a list of definitions for the encoding options, please? I am familiar with the concepts you wrote about in your reply to MaryWong regarding lossy and file size, etc, but I just can't seem to find any information on exactly what each of the items under the encoding options do. In particular I'm wondering what is the difference between using Joint and Stereo as well as the various bit rates. The audio file formats page doesn't describe the bit rates (I'm using mp3 created in iTunes), whereas iTunes (in the advanced/importing section) seems to indicate that less than 128 kbps are mono). Also, the help section doesn't really expand too much on the information. So, is it not possible to have a 96 kbps bit rate and stereo? I hope what I have written above is clear. Thanks for your help. Regards Cass68

Hi Pepe and fancygirlie I'm a Mac user too and have successfully downloaded and used Switch. You need to be familiar with the file structure of Mac. You have a "User" folder and within that you'll find your username, documents, movies, music, pictures, library, etc. Your music is stored in the music folder and on my machine it is sorted by artist name. When in iTunes you need to be aware of whether or not the song or album is classed as a compilation. If it is, then when navigating into the music folder it may be stored under compilations not the artist name. If you do not wish to use iTunes to listen to your songs you should be able to play via the "finder". I would suggest change the folder view to column view that way you have the song title on the left and the actual file on the right and you should see the play arrow. For converting the files to another format or bit rate I would suggest making a copy of the song first (or choosing a new folder as the destination folder) so that if you change your mind you still have your original. Hope that helps!