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1 "correct" answer available (4 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (2 pts)

7 Replies Last post: Sep 13, 2007 9:32 PM by smax013

EastSideSquirrel

7 posts since
Feb 26, 2007

Sep 13, 2007 1:58 PM

Itunes conversion to Mp3

I bought a CD off Itunes, but cannot put it on my sisters Mp3 player. That is because the dumb file is protected MPEG-4 Audio File. Just wondering if PC world or anyone else has found a free or cheap utility that can convert it into something general that still retains really good audio quality, because if I knew that it would cause this hassle, I would have scrapped that idea and just bought the cd for 10$ more. Any help is welcome.

Thanks Andrew

smax013

4,014 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

1. Sep 13, 2007 2:44 PM

in response to: EastSideSquirrel

Re: Itunes conversion to Mp3

EastSideSquirrel wrote:
I bought a CD off Itunes, but cannot put it on my sisters Mp3 player. That is because the dumb file is protected MPEG-4 Audio File. Just wondering if PC world or anyone else has found a free or cheap utility that can convert it into something general that still retains really good audio quality, because if I knew that it would cause this hassle, I would have scrapped that idea and just bought the cd for 10$ more. Any help is welcome.

Thanks Andrew

There is a way to do it, but in doing so you are circumventing the copy-protection. Since it is against the forum rules to discuss such things, I will only say that there is a method to do it that does not require any additional software. There might be some utilties that do it as well.

Be aware that your discussion might get locked by a moderator since you are delving into an area that is not permitted by the PC World Community Standards.

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

EastSideSquirrel

7 posts since
Feb 26, 2007

2. Sep 13, 2007 6:37 PM

in response to: EastSideSquirrel

Re: Itunes conversion to Mp3

I sencerily apologise, I didn't realize I was doing that. I only thought it was "talkable" in forums for reasons of personal use.

smax013

4,014 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

3. Sep 13, 2007 7:22 PM

in response to: EastSideSquirrel

Re: Itunes conversion to Mp3

EastSideSquirrel wrote:I sencerily apologise, I didn't realize I was doing that. I only thought it was "talkable" in forums for reasons of personal use.

Not a problem. I would gladly tell you the solution other than for the community rules. Personally, I don't feel that it is should be an issue for you to convert a music file that you legally purchased into any format that you want to use. I personally believe the whole DCMA rules (which is what makes it illegal to circumvent copy protection) are BS in a lot of ways. It makes some things that are perfectly legal under copyright law illegal. To me, it is an end run on the copyright law fair use exceptions that media companies don't like. But, I will respect PCWorld's rules, even if I think they are stupid in this particular case. FWIW, you might try asking on the MacWorld forum...they don't seem to be as draconian as PCWorld in this area, even though they are owned by the same overall company...I believe. Having said that, I do understand why PCWorld does have those rules in many ways...even if the DCMA laws are stupid.

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

rgreen4

4,782 posts since
Oct 22, 2006

4. Sep 13, 2007 7:50 PM

in response to: EastSideSquirrel

Re: Itunes conversion to Mp3

Here is a PC World Article that may be of help.

smax013

4,014 posts since
Jan 28, 2007

5. Sep 13, 2007 8:13 PM

in response to: rgreen4

Re: Itunes conversion to Mp3

rgreen4 wrote:Here is a PC World Article that may be of help.

I don't believe that the article you linked mentioned the method...which is the method that you PM's me about. But, I only skimmed the article.

[soapbox] Backup good...no backup bad!! [/soap box]

rgreen4

4,782 posts since
Oct 22, 2006

6. Sep 13, 2007 8:53 PM

in response to: smax013

Re: Itunes conversion to Mp3

the article says:

With the exception of EMusic.com, few online stores sell music in MP3
format, but with some work you can convert AAC or WMA files to MP3s.
You burn the original file to a CD and then you rip that CD into an
MP3. It's tedious and you do lose some sound quality along the way, but
you end up with a file that's free of the limitations of digital rights
management.