Copied a few dozen MP3 files out of my i-tunes library onto a CD R/W disc to test-play when I pick up my new MCS this week. However, I noticed the songs had .M4A file extensions. Will they play in an MP3 compatible player?

Be gentle, I'm kinda newbie to all this MP3 stuff. Thanks in advance, Jimbo

 

The .m4a files are 'secured' files, unlike the open .mp3 files. Only the mp3 files will play in the mp3 player when copied to a disk.

 

Wonderful. Especially in this age of "safety" and "security."

Then how do I go about "unsecuring" thses files? Do I need other software besides I-Tunes? Thanks GB Jimbo

 

Check out this site, could be what your looking for.
Charles
http://hymn-project.org/

 

The easiest way is to burn the protected AAC's onto a cd as a regular audio cd and then re-import it as mp3. You will loose some quality though and AAC's aren't full cd quality in the first place. Or you can just get an iPod you won't be disappointed.

 

Actually files appended with .m4p are the secured AAC coded files purchased through Apples iTunes Music Store.
.m4a are files encoded using iTunes or other AAC ripping software.They are not secure.

You can 1) re-rip your cd's to mp3 format. Change the import preference in the iTunes preferances pane.
or 2) after you change your preference to mp3, select the files you want changed and choose convert to mp3 in the advanced menu heading.

 

i'm so brain dead. i remembered hymn, but forgot itunes would convert m4a->mp3. perfect!!!

 

iTunes can convert regular AAC to mp3 but it can't do anything with protected one's other than burn them to cd as data (for backup) or as audio (to play); and of course play it.

 

hymn will convert protected ones (m4p) to unprotected ones (m4a), then you can use itunes will convert to mp3. less wasteful and much faster than burning cds just to rip mp3s of songs you own.

 

Wow! I had no idea any of this existed yet. And here I thought I had scored a major coup when I got Winamp to play my iTunes purchased music. Now, if someone can tell me how to make iTunes convert back to my old file structure, instead of the c:mp3-->abba-->song name

I prefer c:mp3-->abba sos

Hope that make sense.


T.