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KayJayJay
Guest
What audio format and what rate? Even if you were using Apple Lossless, you'd be able to get well over 500 songs in 16GB. Are you using the same Dell on-air and to rip?
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In A Few More Weeks
- Thread starter R.D.P.
- Start date
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I press the load from CD button, on Windows Media Player. Then I put in a CD and the number of songs will appear. If there's a song I don't want to have, I uncheck the box(es) I let the player upload the tunes I have checked off. That's how I do the music thing for now.
Dan <><
P.S. Running 128K/Bits per second. Just checked on that too. Did a disk cleaning, a few days ago, as well. It seems to have helped out some.
Dan <><
P.S. Running 128K/Bits per second. Just checked on that too. Did a disk cleaning, a few days ago, as well. It seems to have helped out some.
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KayJayJay
Guest
Please forgive if I appear to belabor the point. I'd like to help if possible. Just trying to understand how you've run out of space on a 16gig HD with only 100 songs. What is the format extension at the end of the sound files? Could be .aac, .wav, .mp3 or something else. Is the PC devoted to just the radio station. Which version of the Windows OS are you running? Is the PC's HD petitioned? If the sound files are at 128kbps, you should be able to hold far more than just 100 songs. I'm not sure quite why you'd be at capacity. I'm not sure how you'd be at a point where you need to spend for extra HD space.
Actually I have over 100 CD's, in the system now. Many of these CD's have between 10 to around 25 songs, in all. Using the XP OS. Have the songs stored in a created file called Unknown Artists. When I open the file, it takes me to the CD's, I have stored. After I open a CD, it takes me to the number of tunes that one has and has a play button above each one and once I press that icon, Windows Media Player opens. Right now I have the Windows Media Player open and set to play all music. Meaning, I'm letting the computer randomly pick out the songs to be played. I don't even know which song is next. Since I don't have any Internet Connection, in the studio, the CD's stored don't even give me the title to them, the singers performing or the songs contained. I'm having to memorize everything that's in the system now. Since I know my own music library very well, it won't take me long to learn the playlist.
Dan <><
P.S. That Computer is being used for the music side only. The one I'm typing from, is for the office and Internet use.
B.T.W. The songs that came preloaded were in a .wav format and used Windows Media Player to access them. I took those tunes out, because I felt those songs wouldn't perform too well and needed the space for my own music collection.
Dan <><
P.S. That Computer is being used for the music side only. The one I'm typing from, is for the office and Internet use.
B.T.W. The songs that came preloaded were in a .wav format and used Windows Media Player to access them. I took those tunes out, because I felt those songs wouldn't perform too well and needed the space for my own music collection.
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128 kbs MPG is not broadcast quality. While 320 kbs .aac is about the best you can do in a compressed format, most stations prefer .wav format. For today's songs, figure, perhaps, an average of 50 mb per song, or 20 per gb of disk space. So 16 gb, assuming that is free disk space, is 320 songs.
With 1tb spinners available in the $50 range, and in the under $400 range for SSDs, storage should not be a problem and .wav is really the only acceptable format for FM broadcast.
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KayJayJay
Guest
So then, Dan, you're saying over 100 CDs some with 10 or more songs? In other words, you could be near one thousand songs -- or more? And Dan, you never told us what type of audio file -- .mp3, .wav. Personal use, I rip everything at 256kbps in .aac. Same as Apple delivers at iTunes. Not using them for broadcast but off-hand I'm thinking .aac @ 256kbps is two thousand songs plus in under 16gig. David is spot on (as always) about 128 kbps, .wav and inexpensive storage. Big audio nightmare was arriving at an oldies radio station to find the entire library had been ripped .mp3 @ 128kbps. Made your ears bleed. The new PD came from a small market AM and couldn't hear the difference. I'll leave number of titles in rotation to David -- and I'm not sure that you need much more than 320 songs in rotation -- but seems that you certainly shouldn't have trouble finding enough HD space. By the way, how are you taking care of your legal ID if WMP runs all in "random" mode?
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KayJayJay
Guest
Hope to have some *what* on air, within the next few days? Are you saying that you're not doing a legal ID? Have you done an EAS yet?
R
Radio Observer
Guest
KayJayJay, I'm curious. Why are you blatantly attempting to trick this guy into creating problems for himself? Nowhere in any of his comments have I seen any indication that he's not properly identifying his station. Nor have I seen any indication that he's not fully EAS compliant and yet, here you are insinuating that he's in flagrant violation of these (and other) rules. To me, it looks as though he's finally realizing his life's dream and, here you are, doing everything within your power to bring him down. Dude, your light will not shine any brighter just because you dedicate most of your time to trying to extinguish the light of others. Didn't your mother ever tell you this? Why not let RDP realize his dream as he sees fit to do it? Is his dream and he's paying for what he's doing while you have no investment in this at all other than to constantly barrage the guy with snide comments and cheap insults. I'm sorry if this comes across as being rude but, I've watched your never ending snipes at this guy for long enough. If no one else will step up and point out the kind of ass you're being, I'll do it.
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KayJayJay
Guest
Observer, I guess I should say that I'm sorry you feel that way. What you accuse me of is certainly not my goal. This is a major undertaking for Dan and by his own admission, he has much to learn. If my writing style or my approach offends you, so be it. If I can ask a hard question that I believe brings Dan closer to his goal, I'll ask it. If I can offer input based on my personal history in the format, I'll offer it. As I've said before, I've battled many of the same battles Dan faces.
Certainly I may or may not always present things in a way that Dan understands. There's industry lingo that Dan doesn't understand. I've gained the belief over the years, that you have to be overly specific in how you present a question to him. You have to work, ask and ask and sometimes ask again to gain a clear answer. Dan writes a belief that he needs a new hard drive. But does he? If I can ask a question or two that redirects how he rips music for air to a point where he sees that he doesn't need to take on that expense, great. But is he answering about file format or something else?
Windows Media Player isn't traditionally used as radio automation. Does it allow the user to insert a legally required ID at the top of each hour? How is asking if the requirement of an ID or EAS is being met somehow trickery? It is very much something that needs to happen. And from experience, I've learned that those requirements can easily be forgotten, especially when someone is new to radio. How is that extinguishing the light of others? Especially when I've attempted to make clear that Dan needs to cherish this time. All the while knowing that even choices made early on will affect the future success or failure of this radio station.
You know what Observer? I'll be the first to admit my faults. Like you or Dan or whoever else you might encounter on this board, I'm only a man. Imperfect. Fallen. I make mistakes. I sin against man. I sin against God. My experience may not be your experience. My faith may not be your faith. My approach may not be your approach. But one thing that I strongly believe about Christian radio is that if you're not being challenged at every turn, if you're not getting strident opposition to your work, you're not truly learning or growing. You're not truly impacting your community with the Gospel. No Christian radio station is a success if all it receives is a cheerleading praise of man.
My first experience with Christian radio was one where I was being constantly berated by man. You're not enough this...too much that. Everyone had a viewpoint. Everyone had their opinion on the one and only right way to present Christian music on air. Within a few months, I buckled. I was totally unprepared spiritually and emotionally. I was totally unable to handle the pressure. I walked away. A few months later a friend at another radio station asked if I'd seen the ratings. Seems the approach that I'd taken, the programming choices I'd made, choices that I felt were prayerfully inspired by God alone, choices that were opposed and criticized by man were in fact the right choices. We were top 3 in our target demo. Numbers that Christian radio station had never seen before, and never saw again.
I tell you this for one reason. It taught me a valuable lesson that I long ago determined to teach others faced with that unenviable first Christian radio experience situation. That you need to learn how to face those who oppose you -- who criticize you. You need to find The Way, by prayer, by fasting, by testing with the Word to be certain that what you believe to be of God truly is. You need to put aside self and boldly press on toward the goal. And that's what I've tried to do here. It may not be how you choose to do the same. So be it.
Think what you choose about me. Express it in whatever language you choose. But understand that I will apply to what you've written, the same standards I've learned to apply to my approach to Christian radio. Believe it or not, I thank you. You present a challenge that I will consider as coming from God and that I hope to learn and grow from.
Certainly I may or may not always present things in a way that Dan understands. There's industry lingo that Dan doesn't understand. I've gained the belief over the years, that you have to be overly specific in how you present a question to him. You have to work, ask and ask and sometimes ask again to gain a clear answer. Dan writes a belief that he needs a new hard drive. But does he? If I can ask a question or two that redirects how he rips music for air to a point where he sees that he doesn't need to take on that expense, great. But is he answering about file format or something else?
Windows Media Player isn't traditionally used as radio automation. Does it allow the user to insert a legally required ID at the top of each hour? How is asking if the requirement of an ID or EAS is being met somehow trickery? It is very much something that needs to happen. And from experience, I've learned that those requirements can easily be forgotten, especially when someone is new to radio. How is that extinguishing the light of others? Especially when I've attempted to make clear that Dan needs to cherish this time. All the while knowing that even choices made early on will affect the future success or failure of this radio station.
You know what Observer? I'll be the first to admit my faults. Like you or Dan or whoever else you might encounter on this board, I'm only a man. Imperfect. Fallen. I make mistakes. I sin against man. I sin against God. My experience may not be your experience. My faith may not be your faith. My approach may not be your approach. But one thing that I strongly believe about Christian radio is that if you're not being challenged at every turn, if you're not getting strident opposition to your work, you're not truly learning or growing. You're not truly impacting your community with the Gospel. No Christian radio station is a success if all it receives is a cheerleading praise of man.
My first experience with Christian radio was one where I was being constantly berated by man. You're not enough this...too much that. Everyone had a viewpoint. Everyone had their opinion on the one and only right way to present Christian music on air. Within a few months, I buckled. I was totally unprepared spiritually and emotionally. I was totally unable to handle the pressure. I walked away. A few months later a friend at another radio station asked if I'd seen the ratings. Seems the approach that I'd taken, the programming choices I'd made, choices that I felt were prayerfully inspired by God alone, choices that were opposed and criticized by man were in fact the right choices. We were top 3 in our target demo. Numbers that Christian radio station had never seen before, and never saw again.
I tell you this for one reason. It taught me a valuable lesson that I long ago determined to teach others faced with that unenviable first Christian radio experience situation. That you need to learn how to face those who oppose you -- who criticize you. You need to find The Way, by prayer, by fasting, by testing with the Word to be certain that what you believe to be of God truly is. You need to put aside self and boldly press on toward the goal. And that's what I've tried to do here. It may not be how you choose to do the same. So be it.
Think what you choose about me. Express it in whatever language you choose. But understand that I will apply to what you've written, the same standards I've learned to apply to my approach to Christian radio. Believe it or not, I thank you. You present a challenge that I will consider as coming from God and that I hope to learn and grow from.
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KayJayJay
Guest
From my viewpoint, what I've written and how I've written it was meant to be nothing more than what I've just attempted to explain elsewhere. I grieve at seeing it made clear that it didn't read as such and obviously wasn't received as such. I was wrong. For that I offer my apology, to you, to others on this board, and most importantly to God. From here on, I will remain silent in all but my prayer that God richly bless your efforts. Moving on.
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The tone of "KayJayJay"'s questions can be the center of argument, but not his questions about EAS and legal IDs. Those are valid concerns, and I admit to a bit of cringing when I read that Dan's station is running just randomly from WMP. My first thought (as a radio ops manager and chief operator) was, "Okay, what about IDs?" (is Dan around to manually insert them? What if he's sleeping -- is someone else, i.e. a family member, running the board?) And I can only assume that WPJB is operating with the proper EAS gear and receiving/running tests. That last part is slightly important. If there's one thing the FCC will never overlook, it's that pesky EAS stuff.
My suggestion for quick/easy/free unattended operation would be Zararadio. It'll run on most Windows computers. It has a provision for timed events, like an ID. Windows Media Player - or even Winamp - is not for broadcasting.
And I'll echo what has already been said about storage. It should NOT be an issue. Hard drives are crazy cheap nowadays!
The questions from "KayJayJay" need asking. I, like many, have read his posts and watched his passionate dream of an LPFM fall together. None of us want him to fail. And I sure do not want Dan to face the dream being taken away due to not following the FCC rules of the road. May God's hand guide him to correct any legal shortcomings.
--Russell
My suggestion for quick/easy/free unattended operation would be Zararadio. It'll run on most Windows computers. It has a provision for timed events, like an ID. Windows Media Player - or even Winamp - is not for broadcasting.
And I'll echo what has already been said about storage. It should NOT be an issue. Hard drives are crazy cheap nowadays!
The questions from "KayJayJay" need asking. I, like many, have read his posts and watched his passionate dream of an LPFM fall together. None of us want him to fail. And I sure do not want Dan to face the dream being taken away due to not following the FCC rules of the road. May God's hand guide him to correct any legal shortcomings.
--Russell
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R
Radio Observer
Guest
Like all of you, I had these same concerns. This led me to actually contact the engineer who is building Dan's station. This is one of the reasons I've been so curious about several of the other Alabama LPFM stations that have been built by the same engineer. What I've found is several LPFM stations that appear to actually be more compliant with most regulations than most commercial operations. If what I've been hearing (and now am seeing) is Abby indication, I only wish this guy had built some of the commercial stations I get called in to repair. If he had, I'm certain they would be a lot more technically compliant than what I see in the "average small town station" where the tower is rusting,the ground system is deteriorating and the plant wouldn't pass an audio proof of they were still required. These things really are "top-notch" to be LPFM. As I said in another post, I'd be proud to drop the WJLQ-LP format and signal into downtown Birmingham or even Atlanta and watch that thing give a few of the big boys something to worry about. I've heard any number of 100kw class-C stations violate more rules than any of the ID rules everyone is so worried about Dan following and it doesn't get nearly the attention his little 100 watt pea-shooter LPFM is getting. Why don't we worry this much about those who can really cause some problems by violating these rules? We all know that every station is in violation of several rules on any given day. Why must we single out Dan during his construction phase? Let's give him time to get his feet solidly on the ground before we go for blood, please?
Dan, congratulations on making your dream into reality. I know with your determination and the expertise of the people who are willing to help, you'll have a full compliant, nice little hometown station up and running in no time. Take it one day at a time.
But for the love of God who made it possible, do find a way to work in a legal ID somewhere, ha ha. That and the EAS are pretty important in the eyes of the FCC.
Earlier someone mentioned Zararadio as a free tool for music scheduling… does anyone happen to know if it supports FLAC files? That would give you the uncompressed quality of a .wav file at roughly 1/5th the space. Most of my CD collection is in FLAC format (and duplicated in m4a because reasons) and it's a great format because there's no loss in quality but the files are smaller.
But for the love of God who made it possible, do find a way to work in a legal ID somewhere, ha ha. That and the EAS are pretty important in the eyes of the FCC.
Earlier someone mentioned Zararadio as a free tool for music scheduling… does anyone happen to know if it supports FLAC files? That would give you the uncompressed quality of a .wav file at roughly 1/5th the space. Most of my CD collection is in FLAC format (and duplicated in m4a because reasons) and it's a great format because there's no loss in quality but the files are smaller.
Yes, Zara supports playback of FLAC files.
G
Groove1670
Guest
Dan, can you find out it the grey sage box can be modified for LPFM (I heard with some modification..they can) . If so, I have one for you. All you would need is a CAP converter form Gorman Redlich. but, check first about the modification. That is the model 1822.
I ran into this with a customer that had an older gray Sage unit and bought the Gorman Redlich CAP unit. They will not work - the older Sage units will not recognize the 000000 national code and cannot be updated to do so. Gorman Redlich filed with the FCC to allow a waiver to use all state codes (0xx000) instead of the national code. the FCC said no. I ended up installing a digital Sage unit.
My advice - buy an EAS decoder that has CAP capability built in.
RFB
My advice - buy an EAS decoder that has CAP capability built in.
RFB
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