Windows Media Audio and Macs

[tutusue]

I was loaned a digital audio recorder to use at a meeting tomorrow. And, I was told it was both PC and Mac compatible. The instructions state the recording format is WMA and the word "Mac" is never mentioned! Is there any way I'll be able to get a WMA file into garage band or iTunes? I'd like to burn a CD. TIA...

[LocalMotion]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

Yes WMA will play on Mac as long as there is no Windows DRM on it. and i assume since you are doing the recording it's just a standard WMA file with no DRM.

So yes, then you can convert them to another format like MP3 or AAC if you like

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...omponents.mspx

Here's a neat converting program:

http://www.nch.com.au/switch/

[tutusue]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

Thanks so much. This looks great. And, yes, just a "home" recording.

[zztype]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

Here's a neat converting program:

http://www.nch.com.au/switch/

Holy cow! Thanks for the tip! That's GREAT!

[GeckoGeek]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

You might be interested in this on-line converter:

http://media-convert.com

(No, no connection with me.)

[tutusue]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

Thanks, GG.

Oh dear...I don't know what to do with choices! So, which of the 2 converters above should be used for converting a 2 hour file? And, more important...which is most user friendly?

[zztype]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

For a 2 hour video, I'd probably go with the standalone application suggested by LocalMotion.

The other one suggested by GeckoGeek is also a great one to have around for quick, small file conversion, especially on the road. It's in my bookmarks already.

But for longer work, you're better off with an application not dependent on a web browser or internet connection for operation.

[pzarquon]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

With a WMV file containing any of a number of different internal media formats, it's hard to be sure what will work until you try.

For starters, you should at least have the Flip4Mac compoent for Quicktime. The basic piece is free (via arrangement with Microsoft), and generally allows any application that uses the QuickTime engine to play Windows Media files. You may have to pay for a higher version to do more complex things with them, though.

I've also used MPEG Streamclip to get at some harder to open Windows media files. It's also free.

[tutusue]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

Ok...keep in mind my well deserved moniker: Untechie Tutu!

I'm dealing with an audio file (WMA), not a video file. I don't know if that makes any difference to your answers or not. That file currently resides on the borrowed digital audio recorder and can be downloaded to the computer via USB.

At the last minute I was able to get my Sony MD Walkman to work. Now outdated, that's a cool little recorder that records on the mini disc media.

I recorded the 2 hour meeting with both and the quality of the Sony is better. So, now I'm thinking of downloading that into Garage Band but it looks way over my head...W H O O O O S H...yep, it just flew right on over! The manual (yes...rtfm!) states that this recorder records and plays back in digital but the output is analog...(ooooh, I feel another WHOOOSH comin' on!). During a Garage Band workshop last week the Apple Geek said I could hook it up to my powerbook (what's that cable called...rca? anyway, it's a jack thingie, not a firewire or usb) and Garage Band would automatically convert the audio to digital. Since that WHOOOOOSH sound is so loud I just made a one-on-one appointment at Apple for more help from that absolutely adorable Geek, Brady!

I sure wish I could figure this stuff out on my own. Poor PZ has put up with my untechiness for about 10 years now!

[GeckoGeek]

Re: Windows Media Audio and Macs

Thanks, GG.

Oh dear...I don't know what to do with choices! So, which of the 2 converters above should be used for converting a 2 hour file? And, more important...which is most user friendly?

The link I gave you has a 150 Mb limit. If your file is bigger then that, the link I gave is not an option.

As for user friendliness, I think it works reasonably well as long as you know what format you want to convert to. When in doubt, take the defaults.