Episode #161
I recently bought a DVD (Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Montreux jazz Festival) and I would like to rip the audio only into iTunes. I did some research and everyone seems to say that I should Audio Hiack Pro, which I have but won’t that make one large file unless I keep stopping and starting. IS there a piece of software that’ll do it for me automatically? I use both Mac and PC (but like all enlightened individuals I much prefer the Mac.
Chris, Surrey, BC
Your friends are correct you can use Audio Hijack Pro. This uses the analog hole, recording the output from your Mac sound card and doesn’t produce results as good as the imtoo product. It’s better to rip the audio digitally.
Ripping DVD audio, like ripping the video, requires reversing the copy protection. This is illegal in some jurisdictions. However, there’s plenty of software that can do it. On the Windows side I recommend the DVD audio Ripper from imtoo, http://www.imtoo.com/dvd-audio-ripper.html. Try before you buy, $29 to own. It will divide your audio up into tracks.
On the Mac, I’d use Handbrake, free from handbrake.m0k.org to rip the entire video into MP4 form then use Quicktime Pro to save out just the audio.
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Air Date: March 14, 2008
TranscriptCaller Questions
- Ben, Paris, TX
- Chris, Surrey, BC
- Geoff, Nakina
Sean's Shinies
- Motorola Q9h
$249 and up (depending on plan)
For those who want more from their phone than just the basics, there’s the smartphone category — not only are they fully functional phones, but they have the ability to do full text input and work with stripped-down applications. While the Blackberry would seem to be the reigning champ in this category, Windows Mobile devices continue to be released, including this update on the Motorola Q. The use of Windows for an operating system is good in terms of syncing with a Windows-based computer — they get along very well. And between Motorola and Microsoft, some of the issues that were found in the original version of the Q — such as the inability to adjust the volume of the phone WHILE it was ringing — have been solved with this newer version. But ultimately it’s still running on Windows, and it forces users to interact with the phone in a Windows way, which when it comes down to it, is not to everyone’s tastes for a portable device. One big strike against this one is the proprietary charging connector; Motorola has been so good about switching other phones over to the mini USB connector, so this move to a non-standard part is very disappointing.Shiny
- runs on Windows Mobile 6
- 2 megapixel camera
- expansion card slot
- usability issues fixed
Dull
- runs on Windows Mobile 6
- proprietary charge connectorMotorola Q9h
Motorola
Kate’s Tips
- uncyclopedia.org
If the stress of worrying if a Wikipedia article is factual and accurate is getting you down, take a break and check out Uncyclopedia; it promises to be content-free. It’s easy to lose a few hours laughing at the nonsense presented with a straight face here. You could even “learn” a few “facts”; for instance, did you know that a shark, while atop an elephant, is considered the deadliest animal ever? If anyone questions you, just tell them you read it on the Internet.