Digital Downloading and what to do?

ksrigg

ksrigg

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#1
I really want to get into digital downloading, but I'm not sure if FLAC, Apple Lossless, 192/24/ or what I am doing. I tried to download a free sampler last night from Audiogon and couldn't even get the darn thing to download. Said I didn't have the correct software to download, and I'm running Win 8...I do have an Apple MacBook, so that is an option too, but I'd really like to know from someone who understands all this stuff, what do I want to do? Use iTunes or not, download the largest 24 bit files, or exactly what. Problem is, I'm getting to the point where I do not understand it all, and all the different options. I just want the best sound (obviously) and the easiest operation to get me there. I have plenty of storage, so that is not a problem. I could dedicate a laptop to music playback, or an older PC, or I can use the MacBook, if that is the way to go. I'm just lost and need help.Thanks, OH YEAH Shpongle has their new CD/ LP, Digital Download coming out on July 29th !!!! Did anyone else get the email? http://www.shpongle.com/museumofconsciousness/us/ Also, if you enter your email address, you get a free download of "Brain in a Fishtank". I didn't have it, but maybe others here do have a copy of it. New music...YES ! !
 
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orange

orange

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#2
Look for something like K-Lite Mega Codec Pack that contains several codecs, common and uncommon and an alternative to Windows Media Player.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-Lite_Codec_Pack

You can get it from CNET and other sites, just remember that many/most of them have an ad supported installer that you should save and scan first and then you should be able to decline all the offers until you reach the actual installation.

It's been around for many years and I've used it about as many. It will work on XP as well and helps you play DVDs in WMP as well as several maybe obscure but out there formats you may find. You can change the settings easily to fit your OS or machine's shortcomings and tweak them as you get better and can easily correct any erroneous settings you made, as it's somewhat intuitive even without an FAQ.

Here is the main download site...like any others right now DON'T BOTHER wasting your time running the PC optimizer/analysis thing and skip to the good stuff.

http://codecguide.com/download_mega.htm

VLC/Videolan is another program I have had since I dunno and the nice thing is these programs simply follow your directions for file types and work when required, often in the BACKGROUND with your existing software (as most of it is CODECS, files to decode media files, not a browser except for the Media Player Classic in K-Lite and that is a good thing indeed).

BS. Player seems to have become adware...avoid it if you can.

PS...K-Lite will play most Quicktime as well as Realplayer files either embedded in the page or downloaded. It's just killer in my opinion.

*Always scan after a full installation if you just aren't sure...I often unplug the line from the DSL gateway to the computer in case something tries to 'call out' but that might be me...
 
ksrigg

ksrigg

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#9
Thank you

I will try the download and see what I can get it to do for me. I know I've asked before about this digital thing, but it's a little above my ability to understand what is actually going on and what best to do when setting things up. I'm just an analog guy, who loves better and better playback..So what is the format of choice? Is it FLAC, or WAV, or AICC, or something else. I did hear that 24 bit is THE stuff, and the sampling rate being higher is better, but you get the most improvement over CD resolution by going from 16 bit to 24 bit. Probably just setting iTunes up properly to play back MP3's would be a challenge but I want to get the best resolution I can while I'm at it. My soundcard probably is not a very good one either, but I will live with it for a while. I think I am going to take an older laptop and dedicate it for use as a digital playback device. Is there a minimum speed or RAM requirement I should have to do this?
 
orange

orange

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#11
ksrigg said:
I will try the download and see what I can get it to do for me. I know I've asked before about this digital thing, but it's a little above my ability to understand what is actually going on and what best to do when setting things up. I'm just an analog guy, who loves better and better playback..So what is the format of choice? Is it FLAC, or WAV, or AICC, or something else. I did hear that 24 bit is THE stuff, and the sampling rate being higher is better, but you get the most improvement over CD resolution by going from 16 bit to 24 bit. Probably just setting iTunes up properly to play back MP3's would be a challenge but I want to get the best resolution I can while I'm at it. My soundcard probably is not a very good one either, but I will live with it for a while. I think I am going to take an older laptop and dedicate it for use as a digital playback device. Is there a minimum speed or RAM requirement I should have to do this?
Click to expand...
Sutton, you're not really going to to figure that out in the way you think you would, not quad vs. stereo etc...they were originally designed for different devices or platforms/needs and you just need to be able to PLAY them and then CONVERT them if needed to play in one spot if that's what you want. Just download the player(s) I noted and decide what sounded best to you in QUALITY then go about making the files you need.

They are just FILES now. Your desktop or laptop will be the way you load the device in the end if you want a diverse selection and you want to use a playback device that suits your needs but more for storage, ease of use and convenience.

Your cellphone will probably be fine, if you have one of those things.
 
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