New Audio Player for TT is Out!!!

[maledetto]

I just found this on another forum from another website and thought that everyone should know that there is a new audio player for the TT that can play compressed audio files (Ogg Vorbis) or uncompressed WAV files from a flash memory card. Check it out at:

http://www.pocket-tunes.com/

I will be downloading it and testing it tomarrow with my TT. Hope it fits the bill. Enjoy.

[Kasia]

Thanks for the info. I downloaded it & tried it - works great.

The only wrinkle is that the format for audio files is ogg vorbis, not mp3 - so I had to convert files from mp3 format.

You can use wav files also, but I didn't try those.

It's definitely worth $5 to me, although if the Real player is free & works as easily, I'd probably go with that.

[maledetto]

Update for my above post:

I just downloaded it and installed my fist music file to 128MB SD card. Four things I see as a problem with this:

1. You need some type of conversion program to go from MP3 to OGG file formats. These programs run from $19.95 to over $40, but you can find some plugins for WinAp for free to do the conversion. There are some links on the pocket-tunes website under the FAQ. For me, being a non music geek with computers it is a little frustrating that I must do some type of conversion, even though I had no problem doing them.

2. To transfer the completed ogg, you need a fast sync program. Hotsync is way to slow. I use SyncWizard and for a 7.53MB file it took 15min to transfer to the SD Card. Half way through I cancled it and installed Card Export. Tried to send the file again using Card Export and it took under 2min!!! Much faster and better interface. Will be registring and using this program instead.

3. Sound is to low. The volume in the headphones is is the same volume that the built in speaker has. You can hear it but, if you have problems hearing it will be more of a wisper. There is no volume controls but you can fade the sound left and right. It is in stereo and would really kick if you could turn it up a little.

4. No ability to turn off the screen while playing or moving to other programs while it plays, as others have said.

So for me I will continue to try it out but, I'm still waiting for a player that support native MP3. To many "other programs" are required before you can even use PocketTunes, which will drive the cost up over $45, if you buy the most expensive MP3 to OGG converter and PocketTunes too. This $45 figure does not include Card Export which will cost you Another $19.95 so the real total is $64.95 ouch!

[Kasia]

I agree - it syncs too slow, although I am going to try Card Export & see how that works. Thanks for mentioning it.

You can get a free converter for mp3 files at

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/

I have been using this converter for a long time & have had no problems with it at all. There are a lot of tools on this site for working with music files.

They have a plug in that is free to convert to ogg vorbis format. When it's installed, you can just right-click on an mp3 file & the conversion options come up.

In Pocket Tunes, there is a sliding volume control above the right/left balance adjustment, but the volume is still not as loud as I'd like it to be - with headphones it's not too bad.

[maledetto]

Thanks for the tip, Kasia.

But did you notice with the volume at the max setting the sound is only just as high as the built in speeker? I like the sound in the headphones though cause it is at least in stereo.

[benlen]

Aeroplayer is another .OGG player, witch also will (soon I hope) play mp3.

features:
-CD-quality stereo stereo sound playback
-4-5 hours typical battery life on a full charge
-Automatic screen shut-off for increased battery life
-Transfer files easily with HotSync or a card reader.
-Support for multiple audio formats via third-party decoder plug-ins (coming soon)
built-in Ogg/Vorbis support (MP3 and WAVE plug-ins coming soon!)


Download the beta here:
http://www.aerodromesoftware.com/

[mcaplan5]

Thanks for the Info! How do you convert MP3 to oog files??


M

[MBGrayson]

I registered Pocket Tunes this morning, and now they have version 1.1 available. It plays a fair bit louder than 1.0 The NormSoft website ( http://www.normsoft.com )also says they will be adding plug-in support for mp3.

I like the ogg format fairly well. It is smaller than mp3, with good sound qaulity. The problem is that it is not as universal. My Archos jukebox does not recognize it at all. My dvd player will play mp3 cds, but not ogg.

Mike

[maledetto]

Loaded v1.1 and it is louder, but it needs to be louder by another 200%. There is now a option to turn off the screen while playing after 10, 30 or 60 seconds and another option for Flashing the LED while the screen is off.

With all the noise I have around me, I can now almost here it. Or is it those tatical generators again that is drowing everthing out.

[JEMShoe]

Originally posted by mcaplan5
Thanks for the Info! How do you convert MP3 to oog files??


M

I use the Pocket-Tunes Player. It is in development but for $5.00 I can listen to some music on my TT.

I use a program called "dBpowerAMP Music Converter". It is free and super easy. How about 'right click...convert to...' easy! Or 'drag mp3 onto dbAMC icon...select format to convert to' easy!

Yeah, I wish the TT would have come with the mp3 software but instead of complaining (which we all have a right to do since we paid for a mp3-enabled PDA), I just used some of the money I saved ($100) buying my TT online ($432 shipped vs. $499 + $30 tax in the store) to get a $5 dollar player and listen to music NOW! Now I need that 256mB SD...ouch$$. :D