WAC700 - File format for MP3 upload

[Paul Merritt]

Hi All,

Are there any limitations on the MP3 file format required to upload a track to the WAC700?

I've had this system for years but recently have had problems uploading new tracks to the centre.

Is there a maximum bit rate the center recognises, or any other reason why tracks won't upload.

Thanks for any help,

Paul

[Tias]

Hi Paul !

IIRC, the max bitrate is 320 kbps.
Other limitations are :
The MP3 tags (metadata) must be correctly written, i.e. strictly follow the MP3 standard. Some software (iTunes is an example) does not obey the MP3 standard so it mangles the MP3 files so the WAC700can't parse them properly.
The MP3 files cannot contain big metadata chunks such as Album Art bigger than approximately 500 kBytes (one image of 500kB or 2 images of 250 kB, the total shall not be more than 500 kB etc). Other software adds some kind of long id tags (iTunes again) and some other stuff too.

Cheers !

[Paul Merritt]

Hi Paul !

IIRC, the max bitrate is 320 kbps.
Other limitations are :
The MP3 tags (metadata) must be correctly written, i.e. strictly follow the MP3 standard. Some software (iTunes is an example) does not obey the MP3 standard so it mangles the MP3 files so the WAC700can't parse them properly.
The MP3 files cannot contain big metadata chunks such as Album Art bigger than approximately 500 kBytes (one image of 500kB or 2 images of 250 kB, the total shall not be more than 500 kB etc). Other software adds some kind of long id tags (iTunes again) and some other stuff too.

Cheers !

Thanks Tias.

We can always rely on your support.

I downloaded the files from Amazon, so I'll check for any inconsistancies in the ID3 tags.

There are a few long strings in the comments tags so I'll remove these and any embedded album art to see if the files will then transfer.

I'll keep you updated if it works in case it's useful for other users at another time.

Thanks again Amigo

[Tias]

Hi again Paul !

Now I remember, files downloaded/purchased from Amazon do cause trouble in the WACS units. I strongly recommend the MP3Tag software made by Florian Heidenreich.
It's completely free and does the job. I have used it before to successfully "clean" MP3's from Amazon.

Cheers !

[Paul Merritt]

Hi again Paul !

Now I remember, files downloaded/purchased from Amazon do cause trouble in the WACS units. I strongly recommend the MP3Tag software made by Florian Heidenreich.
It's completely free and does the job. I have used it before to successfully "clean" MP3's from Amazon.

Cheers !

Tias my friend, you are indeed the most helpful person on the internet!!!

Embeded album Art was the problem. Jpg saved within the tag

Problem sorted and files uploaded.

Thanks again for your help. I dont' know how Philips would support these products without you.

Paul

[wookeywarn]

Hi Paul/Tias,
Firstly thanks to Tias for directing me here - i'm sensing my will to live returning - the support for this system by Philips truly is shocking. (on that note i have blasted philips on Twitter for relying on people like Tias to support their products - couldnt believe they recommended his WAC Handler to me - only developed by Tias because they couldnt care less.).
Anyway, i have the same problem but not sure what i have to do here? i have downloaded the mp3 tag software but dont understand what to do next? Do i open a file that i suspect needs 'cleaning' and convert to mp3, or what? How do i identify a file that needs cleaning other than it wont play?
Sorry i sound like a right idiot but i need some guidance please?
Thanks
Steph

[Paul Merritt]

Hi Wookeywarn,

I used the MP3 tag software to remove the cover image, that was embedded within the MP3 file and resaved it back to the original file name.

The centre then was able to accept the "smaller" file when uploaded.

I don't know if this is the same problem you have but it worked for me.

Paul

[wookeywarn]

Thanks Paul. So how did you do it exactly? Did you open the file and convert to mp3 (although its already an mp3)? Or convert to something else? I'm not sure what to do? Thanks

[Paul Merritt]

IIRC

Open Mp3tag v2.53
Select folder that track that doesn't load is in.
select track (s)
right click cover image (if image is embedded)
Select remove image.
Then save file (over original if you want) You can always re add the cover art to your file once you have succesfully uploaded it to the WACS

Bon chance!

Paul

[wookeywarn]

Paul,
You are a STAR, thank you. This does appear to work.
Merry Christmas!
Steph