How do you put an MP3 or WAV recording on a disk?

[Jennie Ann]

I am technologically handicapped, and I admit it.

A friend called me last night who, believe it or not, is more technologically handicapped than I am. [We both still transcribe in WP5.1, a DOS-based program.]

She needed to put a 2.5-hour MP3 file on a disk for her client. The CD says that it can only hold up to 80 minutes of data, but it also says it can hold up to 700 MB. The 2.5-hour MP3 file is less than 700 MB, though it is more than 80 minutes. I don't get it.

How do you get the 2.5-hour MP3 file on a CD from your desktop? In other words, if the MP3 file is on your desktop, how can you make a copy of it and put it on a CD?

I went to Windows Media player and tried to rip and burn, but, apparently, the CD cannot hold this much. Am I correct in thinking that it is not possible to put this much audio on a CD?

TIA to any and all responders.

[Karen Goldenberg]

Jennie,

I'm sorry that I can't answer your question. But another solution would be to send the file using an internet transfer program.

I just tried using Transferbigfiles. It was very, very easy to use. You click on your file, put in an email address of the recipient. The recipient receives an email with a location to pick up the file and just download to computer.

Another suggestion -- instead of burning to a CD, perhaps you could try a DVD since it holds more space. You just have to make sure that the recipient has the ability to read DVD's on the computer.

Good luck,

Bubbie Karen

[Jennie Ann]

Hey, thanks, Bubbie Karen. I appreciate the kind advice.

We are able to send audio files via You-Send-It-dot-com (Internet transfer program that I use). The client of my friend would like to receive the audio files on a disk, if I understand correctly.

I told my friend to send the files to her client via the You-Send-It-dot-com. If all else fails, that is what she will have to do.

It has left me wondering, though, if it is at all possible to copy MP3 and/or WAV files onto a CD. Maybe you are right that she needs to get a DVD which will hold more. Seems kind of odd to me that the CD says it can hold 700 MB, and the MP3 file she has is only 26 MB. Even though it is only 26 MB, it is 2.5 hours of audio.

I think I am not understanding why an audio file cannot be copied on a CD. Actually, this whole thing is Greek to me. LOL

[Jennie Ann]

Shameless bump.

I am really hoping that one of the august members of this forum can provide a solution.

Maybe there is no solution, and I'm looking for one that does not exist.

If not, then at least I will know to pursue another direction; thus, audio files cannot be copied on a CD.

Yes? No? Maybe so?

[Kyung]

Why does it need to be on a disk? Do they want to listen to it on a cd player? Are they going to be listening to it on their laptop or computer? Unless they plan on listening to it on a CD player, why can't you just save it to a thumb drive? A 2G can be bought for under $10.

If you give it to them on a thumb drive, they can upload to their computer and then download to their iPod too.

I would, of course, charge the client.

[Jennie Ann]

Thanks, Kyung, for the suggestion. I suggesed that to her, but she thought it would cost too much money for a thumb drive. She just bought her first one from Staples, and she got ripped off, as they charged her $25 for an Imagin thumb drive that only holds 2 GB.

Is there a place where you can purchase multiple thumb drives, say 1GB and under, for less than 10 bucks apiece? That might be the way to go.

Her client is law enforcement, and they want the audio files on all matters.

Thanks again for the reply.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

audio files can be copied on a CD, no ifs or buts.
what is the problem you are encountering?

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

what matters is the size, so if it fists in the 700mb disk (cd?) then you are good to go.
it doesn't matter how long the time is.

insert the cd in the drive, drag and drop the file into the CD drive icon.. then clik on "burn"
it should be that simple.

make sure your CD drive can in fact burn cds and NOT just a reader .

[Jennie Ann]

Now, that's what I'm talking about. Monti, you 'da man!

I thought that this would be possible, but I still can't figure it out. We put the audio file on her desktop.

Then she right-clicked the audio file (MP3, 25-some MB) and hit copy to CD.

Then down below in the tray, a message comes up that says click the bubble.

Then, after you click the bubble, it takes you to the D/E/F drive. You are prompted to click "Write all files to CDs," or something like that.

You know what, Monti, it worked for me but not her. I'm going to bet that she has a CD reader only and cannot copy. I am going to find out and report back. I am trying to help her over the phone. It's almost like the blind leading the blind, if you know what I mean. LOL

Thanks again for the help! :-)

P.S. I'll bet you're going to the premier of THIS IS IT tonight!

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

yeah, helping people with computer via the phone sucks... i would never do it, no way!
yes, I also bet she only has CD reader.
I will see "this is it" before it is too late, its only running for 2 weeks!

[Glen Warner]

Hi, Jennie.

This seems to have been asked and answered, but I'll give it a shot to clear some stuff up, if I can.

When the label says a CD can only hold 80 minutes of audio, it means just that -- if you make a playlist in iTunes, and have it set to burn an audio CD, it can only hold 80 minutes (1.2 hours) of audio.

BUT if you have a playlist made up of .mp3 files, you can fill that 700 MB disc up completely. I have one CD full of .mp3s (with the catchy name of "Glen's Ultimate 1.0") that weighs in at 611.1 MB, with 113 songs ... and that playlist will take 9.6 hours before it repeats.

To simplify a bit, when the label is talking about non-.mp3 audio, you have to observe the 80 minute rule.

When you're talking about .mp3 files, you have to observe the 700 MB rule.

Make sense?

--gdw
-------------------------
"For a Good (steno) Time ....."
http://www.cheapandsleazy.net

[Jennie Ann]

Yes, indeedy, Glen. That makes sense to my mind Thank you so very much for the excellent explanation and helpful information.

I spent hours on Google, coming up emptry, trying to ascertain what you have just so eloquently shared with me in a few sentences. You're the BEST!

[Glen Warner]

Heh ...! Guess all that time in those technical writing courses didn't go to waste!

Glad it helped.

--gdw