Good day. I’m new here and must immediately apologise for the length of this post, but I’d be grateful if someone can help me with a problem, please. I’ve been making timer-managed live recordings of BBC radio programs for many years for daily consumption and, having eventually made the transition from tape to digital (Real Player) via the internet, I was delighted to come across the Beebotron (All Hail, mighty Kron!), which I’ve found to be particularly useful, especially for accessing Listen Again files. Alas, the BBC’s inexorable move away from Real files is now causing me a difficulty, which I would welcome some guidance in solving. This is my current recording scheme… • Using Replay AV8, I schedule a week’s worth of programmes to record in real time, using the live stream .asx URLs obtained via Beebotron3. • I use filenames in this format… 1R4 1130, which translates as… Monday, Radio 4, 11.30am. The date of recording is automatically added by Replay AV8. This is so that I can create multiple playlists for my Microsoft Zune 80Gb mp3 player that can be sorted easily in chronological order. (This is necessary to limit play-length time so as not to drain the Zune’s battery too soon overnight. Also, Microsoft have prohibited drag&drop in Windows and the world’s best Zune-ites have been unable to crack the firmware!) • The recorded files are then copied into a holding folder and their .asf extensions are batch-converted to .mp3 using Leeos freeware utility - [url=http://www.leeos.com/rename_extensions.html]http://www.leeos.com/rename_extensions.html[/url] (This works a treat, though if files are played in Media Player an incompatibility warning pops up, though this can be ignored.) • The files are then copied to the Zune via Microsoft’s clunky but obligatory interface. This system worked splendidly for .rm files (converted to .mp3 via Replay Converter), but the Zune software is now messing about with the filenames. Sometimes they transfer as I’ve devised them, sometimes the radio programme title appears in the “Song” list, and sometimes it’s just the station name, e.g “BBC Radio4 FM”. The last two don’t include date & time info, so I’m unable to sort the list to make chronological playlists. This is my problem. I realise that this isn’t actually a Beebotron issue, but it is a Radio one and this is the only audio forum I know of that isn’t populated by mindless music-heads, most of whom seem unable to comprehend why someone would not want to plug in to a costly automated music drip-feed system, let alone listen to speech radio, so I hope you can help, please. (I would ask Zune, but they don’t support Zune players in the UK and the various Zune message boards show nothing close to practical use in this context.) If there’s a better recording scheme out there, perhaps based upon the Beebotron, that’s maybe simpler to use and will still enable me to listen on my Zune in date order, that would be the ideal solution. Here’s hoping. Oh, and best to presume I’m technically bereft ...’cos I am. Thanks in anticipation… Monty (UK) http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10866#msg-10866 Tue, 21 May 2013 09:50:12 +0100 Phorum 5.2.10 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11482#msg-11482 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11482#msg-11482 Janaru Geek Speak Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:59:23 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11475#msg-11475 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11475#msg-11475 IvorThirst Geek Speak Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:09:56 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11474#msg-11474 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11474#msg-11474 Janaru Geek Speak Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:37:47 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11472#msg-11472 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11472#msg-11472
Monty]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:48:21 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11358#msg-11358 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11358#msg-11358
Sorry, I couldn't be of more help. I'm disabled and can barely get to the grocery store and doctor, let alone the post office :S , or I would have been more than happy to shoot 'em over to you.

Let me know if you need any US specific searches or something. That I CAN do :)]]> Janaru Geek Speak Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:05:51 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11347#msg-11347 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11347#msg-11347
I've scanned most of the Zune forums - and joined a couple. Thanks for looking. M (tu)]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:08:05 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11332#msg-11332 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11332#msg-11332
Zunarama

Zuneboards

...if that doesn't look like it will work for you, let me know, and I'll keep looking this side of the pond.]]> Janaru Geek Speak Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:14:30 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11297#msg-11297 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11297#msg-11297
As for listening, that doesn't seem to be a problem (but then I am a bit of an insomniac). 90 progs is only about 50 hours worth ... and I do do other things at the same time!

Good luck with sorting out your own recording hassles.

Monty

(Sorry tfor the delay in responding, I've been away for few days)]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:32:40 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11145#msg-11145 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11145#msg-11145
If I've understood correctly you are using the standard sation url and then recording the live stream at the appropriate time. Isn't the set-up each week quite onerous?

What I have been able to do in the past is to use listen again with the url finder to capture the url into RAV and simply download the show there and then. I could download as many as I liked in parallel. I can't do this any more and the realtime recording option is not really open to me as I take my laptop with me to work where downlaoding is locked down.

I was intrigued to see that you record 90 shows a week. When do you listen to them? Do you ever sleep? Do you archive the shows in some way?

Regards

David]]> dwakerley Geek Speak Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:42:48 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11138#msg-11138 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11138#msg-11138
WHAT!!! These comes as a complete SHOCK to me ;)


Never knew what Zune was, though I have seen the symbol for it next to iTunes on websites, so you're explanation makes perfect sense now. I don't use an MP3 player, but I'll keep my eyes and ears open.]]> Janaru Geek Speak Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:50:52 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11122#msg-11122 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11122#msg-11122
They are a bit of brick, being more-or-less square-cornered and slab sided, and are also quite heavy, mainly due to the harddrive and scratch-resistant real glass screen, but the GUI is bold and clear and the controls are un-matched (at least in my experience. It's sound quality, video and photo elements are also superb.

Many Zune-ites extol its virtues as well-beyond the iPod, but I guess it's really a personal taste thing in the end. Its only shortfall is the unnecessary complication Microsoft has built into the software for people, like me, who don't want to join their music club and only need to upload recorded mp3 files. Hey ho.

Currently only marketed in the US, Spain, France and Italy, it's nonetheless a great bit of kit for UK users who can put up with the downside. I've tried 3 different mp3 players in the past week and now can't wait to get my Zune repaired!

...but if anyone can suggest another excellent mp3 player, I'd be pleased to hear about it.

M.]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:09:34 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11047#msg-11047 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11047#msg-11047
I'll have to check out that Zune thing dahlin'....don't even know what it is :S]]> Janaru Geek Speak Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:51:27 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11035#msg-11035 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11035#msg-11035
Tru]]> Truthyness Geek Speak Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:25:17 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11030#msg-11030 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11030#msg-11030
Hi Tru. Yes indeed, Audacity's great - I've used editing often, but I've found that when I've tried converting dowloaded files from .rm to mp3, all I end up with is a fraction of a second's worth of intensified noise. The same has happened with .wav. Somehow Audicity seems not to like some files, but I've no idea why. I've not tried it with the new .asf streams, but if I do I'll post the outcome.

Keep grinning,
Monty]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:11:24 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11026#msg-11026 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11026#msg-11026
Bests, and nice having you on the boards,
Tru]]> Truthyness Geek Speak Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:52:34 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11024#msg-11024 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11024#msg-11024
♫ Aypreel in Paree. ♫]]> IvorThirst Geek Speak Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:41:26 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11023#msg-11023 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11023#msg-11023
Is there a kindly US cousin out there who'd be willing to help me out of a fix, please?

Because Zune's are as rare as hen's teeth in the UK, I need to source some spares (maybe a damaged one or two on eBay), but many US sellers will only ship within the US. If someone's willing to act as middle-man and let the package be posted to them and then to post it on to me, please, I'd be very grateful. I'd send you the postage cost and a small "thank you" via Paypal, if that's OK with you.

Sorry if I've gone too far off topic, but here's hoping...

Cheers, Monty]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:37:46 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11022#msg-11022 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,11022#msg-11022
I've downloaded it but not yet explored too deeply. The free version seems to have more usability than the trial version of RAV and the paid-for version is cheaper too.

Both require purchase to get full pre-scheduled recording functionality, which I suppose if fair enough (until Kron & Co can come up with an utterly free alternative, maybe?!) B)-

Yours from an almost sunny (just at this moment) south-west UK.

Monty

PS: I've fried my Zune - literally, by using a Dremel gas-powered soldering iron to change the battery - so all my efforts to improve the down- and up-loading of radio files are currently on hold. Aaarghhh! As it died, I swear I heard it scream "You've deaded me. You dirty rotten swine, you!" (no prizes for guessing the Goon character, Paul)]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:30:21 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10973#msg-10973 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10973#msg-10973
I've learned a lot from K's Mythblog, even though I only understood about twenty percent of it :S]]> Janaru Geek Speak Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:01:33 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10969#msg-10969 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10969#msg-10969
(For the sake of others - this post is mostly about using Replay AV8, just in case you'd rather skip it)

I couldn't make your link work either, I'm afraid. But let's see...

.asx is the live stream URL extension that produces .asf files, once recorded. If you go to Beebotron3 Lite and select "BBC Live Radio WMA Links" and then a station of your choice, when it opens you'll see the .asx at the end of the URL. (Well, at least that's what we can do in the UK, I don't know if it will work for you, so please say if not.) For example, the Radio4 live URL is...

[www.bbc.co.uk]

What I then do is add a scheduled recording to the RAV8 main screen. The "Open Recording Wizard" button shows the way, but I find it's quicker to simply open the "Record" tab, select "Stream Capture...", then "Add selection as new recording" will take you to the properties box. Add info as necessary in the boxes in the "Basic" and "Schedule" tabs and select "Stream Capture" in the "Recording" tab ... and Voila! (Where it asks for the URL, copy and paste the BBC's live stream URL from the Beebotron3 Lite link. You don't need to be streaming live to set up a recording, RAV will open the link when the time comes.) Tip: be sure your PC's Internet Time is correct or you might miss the broadcast.

To capture a missed programme, I simply go to the relevant Beebotron "Listen Again" page and drag the programme link onto the RAV8 screen, changing the filename to suit myself, selecting "Record Now" and hitting OK as many times as needed.

As I intimated in my first post, I've got RAV8 set to automatically record about 90-odd programmes each week, which is really handy ... and it only has to be done once - until there's a need to change the settings. I am having some trouble capturing the BBC World Service streams, though, so maybe they use different streaming protocols (or whatever the proper technical term might be) for their non-domestic broacasts, I don't know (but doubtless someone here will). I don't have a problem recording them via te Beebotron3 Lite Listen Again links, so it's no great loss - not for me, at least.

I could go on, but as you're used to RAV8 already I'd be in danger of sharing egg-sucking instructions, so, if you have a go and get stuck, come back and I'll try to help.

I hope this all makes sense!

I'm sorry I can't help further with your file conversion problem. Might it be worth downloading a fresh copy of RC in case it's corrupt?

Cheers, Monty]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:55:00 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10968#msg-10968 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10968#msg-10968 IvorThirst Geek Speak Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:01:52 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10967#msg-10967 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10967#msg-10967
I have tried various converters including RC and Format Factory but they all refuse to convert the file, failing immediately. The .asf files I'm getting really do seem to be corrupt. You seem to be using a different method from me i.e. live recording rather than stream capture. I'm not quite sure what you mean by using the .asx files. Is this an example of the files you mean? I got this using the url finder. [www.bbc.co.ukhttp]. If so how do I use them. Do I have to tell RAV when to record them?]]> dwakerley Geek Speak Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:37:39 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10950#msg-10950 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10950#msg-10950 Janaru Geek Speak Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:33:21 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10941#msg-10941 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10941#msg-10941 -------------------------------------------------------

> Now, if any of you clever chaps can crack the Zune
> firmware to give us drag&drop, that would really
> make the Sun shine.

There's always the Goon Show method:

Eccles: I've just broken my leg.
Bluebottle: how did you do thst?
Eccles: I got a big hammer and bang!

though you probably didn't mean crack that way...]]> PAW Geek Speak Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:51:07 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10936#msg-10936 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10936#msg-10936
Hear hear

And a jolly aloha from me too. ;)

Tru]]> Truthyness Geek Speak Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:33:14 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10934#msg-10934 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10934#msg-10934
To all members, if you have no worries of revealing your general location, it would be nice to see a few more entries on the User Locations Map.]]> IvorThirst Geek Speak Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:25:20 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10930#msg-10930 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10930#msg-10930
"I'm in South Africa and if I can't get this to work I would be forced to listen to local radio. I promise you, you would not wish that on your worst enemy."

I'm in California....I understand THAT one! :S]]> Janaru Geek Speak Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:45:53 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10926#msg-10926 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10926#msg-10926 PAW Geek Speak Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:30:01 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10925#msg-10925 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10925#msg-10925
After running the files through Replay Converter the warning message stopped for me. These were the .asf files that I'd changed to .mp3, but I would guess that was immaterial as the file content hadn't been changed. If you haven't got RC maybe someone can suggest another competent audio converter?

(At least you've probably got sunshine!)

Good luck,
Monty]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:18:38 +0000 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10924#msg-10924 http://beebotron.org/phorum/read.php?17,10866,10924#msg-10924
It seems my quick method of converting to mp3, i.e. simply changing the filename extension, was the culprit. This was OK for sound but it presumably didn't provide the necessary formatting (or whatever the technical term should be) to keep the filename in the right place in the id3 tags (which, I'm sorry, but I couldn't work out how to access) . Anyway, I ran the altered files through Replay Converter and lo-and-behold all is now back to where I want it.

The iPlayer batch file method looks a useful tool, but maybe a bit beyond my confidence/competence levels just yet! So long as I can leave my PC to record the .asx streams that I want and can then manage to zap them to my Zune, I'm happy, though should the day come when the BBC forces us all down the iPlayer route, I guess I shall have some strenuous learning to do.

Now, if any of you clever chaps can crack the Zune firmware to give us drag&drop, that would really make the Sun shine.

Cheers, Monty :)-D]]> Montyzuk Geek Speak Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:10:12 +0000