Problem Opening Files re: Codex

[Roy Thomson]

I have more and more people informing me that
they cannot open my MP3 files that I put links
to in my posts on the Forum.
Two have stated that the reason is because of
the Codex used in compressing the file.

Can anyone explain that to me and how I might
rectify the problem.

A few points:
I use Nero Wav Editor to convert from
Wav Format to MP3 Format and that's the
format I upload to my FreeFileHosting Site.

Most people can open the files however
with my links.

I would really appreciate some help on this?

Many thanks

Roy

[Donny Hinson]

Older machines, with their older programs and drivers, often can't handle the latest-and-greatest program codecs that some uploaders are using. If your version of Nero is using a newer mp3 codec than most people have, then they may have problems opening the files. They may have to update their programs and drivers to get them to work. Also, I don't think it's always a good idea to use the very latest software when you're uploading something for viewing because of this problem.

[Roy Thomson]

Thank you Donny!

[Jack Stoner]

The "standard" MP3 bitrate is 128Kbps. I have Nero 8 Ultra (the latest versin) and have converted wav files to MP3 with Nero and have never had a problem with someone else playing them. There are several different MP3 encoders, e.g. Lame and Fraumholder but they are both compatible.

I haven't tried MP3 compression bitrates other than 128. If you are using a different bitrate maybe that is the problem ??

[Roy Thomson]

That's interesting Jack but I am left wondering..
How do I establish if my MP3 compression
bitrate is 128 or otherwise

Many thanks for chiming in.

Roy

[Jeff Agnew]

If your version of Nero is using a newer mp3 codec than most people have...

Compatibility-wise, an MP3 is an MP3 is an MP3. The codec has no impact on compatibility because it's generating output in a standard format. (There are aural differences between the various codecs, though.)

It's certainly possible that a given MP3 player/app may have difficulty playing a file because it can't handle the bitrate at which it was encoded, as Jack mentioned. Particularly with VBR files. But that's a player issue, not the codec.

Try Jack's suggestion of using a fixed, 128Kbps bitrate, which is an option available from any codec.

[Roy Thomson]

When I save/convert my Wavs to MP3 I do not
see where I have any options?
Note my question above ...how do I establish
the bitrate setting?

Again many thanks for your efforts.

Roy

[Mitch Drumm]

Roy:

For any given MP3, you can right click on it and drill into "summary" on the "properties" tab to see what the bitrate is. I try to stick with 192 and use "variable bit rate" also. VBR helps to keep the file size down a bit.

Use a quality encoder such as Lame. I think the most recent version is 3.97?

Within Windows Explorer, you can go to "view" and choose "details". That will insert a column that shows the bitrate for an entire folder.

I recommend "Encspot", a free program that will reveal a lot of information about mp3 files. It's very simple to use--you just open up the mp3 folder in Encspot.

Get it here:

http://www.download.com/EncSpot/3000-21 ... 62007.html

[Roy Thomson]

Great!!
I appreciate all the input here.
Now I have got some exploring and
learning to do.

Roy

[Peter]

Nero Wave Editor 3.

Goto Options>AudioFormatSettings>Choose Encoders>Choose mp3PRO>Choose Configure>Enable mp3PRO> Next to Constant Bitrate Choose any format.

The first time you might only see up to 96kbs.
Try a couple of times to get the whole list.

If you dont see mp3PRO try this:

http://www.mp3prozone.com/download.htm