Posted by Pete Rissler on 01/02/06 21:44

>>The other point which I wasn't aware of is that all music (unless
>>otherwise
>>noted) is reenencoded from 384kbs MP3s. I've been downloading at 320 kbs
>>MP3 then reencoding to 192kbs VBR for my iPod. I also keep the 320
>>version
>>backed up on DVD. Now I'm wondering if I should start downloading at 384
>>(a
>>non standard MP3 bit rate), then reencode from there.
>
> I'd say it's nonstandard. Impossible as well. 320 is the max.
>
> --
It's definately nonstandard but there are a few computer software players
that will play them thought I don't know of any hardware players that will.
Here's what AllOfMP3.com has on the subject.
My audio player does not play the files I've downloaded in the 384 Kbps bit
rate.
This 384 Kbps bit rate is used for encoding MP3 files using 'Free Format'
technology. The playback of such files is not supported by most audio
players.

Here is a list of players/decoders that do support Free Format:

a.. MAD: up to 640 kbps
b.. LAME: up to 550 kbps
c.. FreeAmp: up to 440 kbps
d.. l3dec: up to 310 kbps

You can turn Free Format into WAV using the LAME encoder by inputting the
following into the command line: lame --decode filename.mp3

MP3 files encoded in the Free Format also play on the MAD plug-in for
Winamp.

LAME version 3.91 and the MAD plug-in are available for download from the
"Software" section of this website.

--
Pete

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