need recomendations for burning audio file

[techidave]

I am needing to burn an audio file to either a cd or dvd disc that will play in most players.  Which type of disc?  Which format - mp3, wav, or what?  I realize that I cannot cover EVERY type of player, I just want to get the widest range.

The file is 1 hour and 20 minutes long, so about 100 meg or so depending on the format.

thanks
dave

[skwire]

Define "players."  Are you talking about stand-alone CD players? 

[techidave]

I was just getting ready to do that skwire when I saw a reply had been posted.

By players, I really mean computers, car stereos, boom boxes, anything that could be used to play a cd or dvd.   This isn't for me but for a family that has recently lost a loved one.  I have split off the audio from the video that was taped.  So I really don't know what type of device it might be played on.

[skwire]

What you have to understand is there are, basically, two types of players:

• Players that can only play Red Book audio CDs.  The audio CDs you buy in a store are Red Book audio CDs.
• Players that can play Red Book audio CDs but can also recognise and play discs with other types of audio files on them (mp3, wma, etc.).

For the sake of simplicity, let's say you're working with only mp3 files.  Now...when you burn an audio CD, you have to make a decision.  Do I want to burn a standard Red Book audio CD?  Or, do I simply want to burn my mp3s to a CD-R?  If you choose the Red Book audio CD route, that standard limits you to around 80 minutes of music/voice/whatever (74 is the norm).  The software you use will convert your mp3s to the proper Red Book audio format and burn the CD-R.  However, what you have created is a standard audio CD...and it should be playable in almost any player provided that player can recognise a CD-R; some older players can't.  The other option is to simply burn the mp3 file to a CD-R.  This type of disc is really just a data disc.  It will not be playable in standard CD players that don't support "MP3 discs" as they like to refer to them.  To be fair, more and more players these days are able to support these type of data discs.

Clear as mud?

[techidave]

most definitely. so the redbook route would be the way to go???

[skwire]

most definitely. so the redbook route would be the way to go???

-techidave (February 24, 2011, 11:53 AM)

Normally, I would say yes.  However, you're not going to be able fit your audio track onto one CD.  Remember...there is a limit of ~80 minutes for a Red Book audio CD.

[techidave]

oh bother.  so let's look at dvds then.  does the same rules apply?

[skwire]

Again...you're dealing with different formats.  Most DVD players can play an audio CD but not the other way around.  You could definitely make a DVD with just that audio track on there but it's not going to play in anything but a player capable of recognising a DVD.  See what I mean?

[cranioscopical]

@techidave

Does it have to be either or?

It looks as though you'll have a limited circulation, so why not create copies of a 2-CD redbook set and a single .mp3 data CD as well?

[techidave]

yes skwire I do see what you mean.

Chris, how would I split the file to get 2 cds out of it. 

Maybe I should just copy the mp3 to a dvd, burn it, and then tell them that it will only play in a computer, dvd player or whatever.  then they have to find that particular device.

[skwire]

how would I split the file to get 2 cds out of it.

-techidave (February 24, 2011, 12:17 PM)

http://mpesch3.de1.cc/mp3dc.html

[cranioscopical]

^ 

[JavaJones]

I would highly recommend "red book" standard audio CD here, given your apparent needs and "users". Fortunately it just so happens that an hour and 20 minutes *is* 80 minutes.

Also, if you really want to fit it and it's slightly too long, use an audio editor and shorten the audio file/speed it up slightly (say 5%). Nobody will notice (really), and you'll save 5% of your time (on 80 minutes, that's 4 minutes saved).

- Oshyan

[techidave]

good idea Oshyan.  That's what I love  about dc... multiple ways to solve your problems.   

[skwire]

I would highly recommend "red book" standard audio CD here, given your apparent needs and "users". Fortunately it just so happens that an hour and 20 minutes *is* 80 minutes.

-JavaJones (February 24, 2011, 02:30 PM)

Agreed.  My only hesitation before was that 80 minutes is the theoretical maximum and would mean that you would, most likely, have to overburn a CD-R.  Most players/burners these days can handle that but, if you happen to have an older burner, I would check.  Likewise, some older players won't play a full 80 minute CD but I don't think that's much to be concerned over.

That's why I mentioned above that 74 minutes is the norm.  Apologies for any confusion I created. 

[techidave]

Well, I ended up using Nero to copy my mp3 to a dvd and it plays in a computer and in the dvd player attached to my tv.  They will just have to try it and see where it plays.

Thanks for the help!