Convert file formats from iTunes?

[Ed62]

Is it possible to convert the downloads from iTunes to a format that will play on the cheaper mp3 players? I probably have less than $20.00 invested in downloads from iTunes, so a free conversion program is what I'm really looking for.

Ed

[cgallery]

I've used this, it has worked well:

http://www.bonkenc.org/

[gerti]

I don't think any standard programs can do that, most music bought at the iTunes store uses some Apple-specific encoding with DRM (Digital Rights Management).

[LinuxRandal]

Years ago, I read about a way, but it has been too long. (it was convoluted and Ipod didn't play ogg, so I looked for another solution).

That said my fathers boss was asking about transfering some stuff, including music, since a computer was going with the kid to school. They found the easiest way for them was to burn to a cd, then rerip. (I know technically a bad thing, but easy for them, as non techies).

May be the last option.

[RayintheUK]

There are a few options I've found, the simplest is here and there are others here and here, but I'm not absolutely certain they're what you need - hope so.

Ray.

[dkerfoot]

Why would you want to convert Ed? Don't fight it. Relax and let Steve jobs take care of you. Everyone is doing it. Don't you want to be cool? Just relax and take a deep breath. Your getting sleepy...

[cgallery]

I've used this, it has worked well:

http://www.bonkenc.org/

This program actually does the conversion Ed is looking for, I was suggesting it as a possible avenue to explore, but as a tried and true method.

Furthermore, the program includes a command-line driven app that does the heavy lifting. You can use this separately to do entire iTunes collections of tens of thousands of tracks.

[gsmittle]

Why would you want to convert Ed? Don't fight it. Relax and let Steve jobs take care of you. Everyone is doing it. Don't you want to be cool? Just relax and take a deep breath. Your getting sleepy...

Everyone is doing Windows, too, but some of us don't like that particular flavor of Kool-Aid.

Got to go--Steve is calling me...

Mmmmm....GOOD Kool-Aid....

Must... play... iPod....

g.

[Ed62]

Why would you want to convert Ed?

Because I don't have an iPod. I have the kind bought by those of us who are poor. I have a lot of mp3s loaded, but at the present time, I can't use those bought from iTunes. If I have problems converting, I'll probably not buy from them again.

Ed

[Ed62]

I've used this, it has worked well:

http://www.bonkenc.org/

Thanks for the info. I hope it isn't something that takes a computer whiz to handle.

Ed

[leehljp]

I don't understand why people (as in one of the links) complain about Apple's DRM, when they don't complain about MS's DRM. Apple is and has been pushing to have DRM stopped altogether while MS is still siding with DRM.

No company wants to pay Apple to license their DRM just the same as Apple doesn't want to pay MS to licenses their DRM.

AND it is the Music companies that "require" the DRM or . . . NO SALE! That sure leaves only two choices by Apple - sell with DRM or don't sell at all. It is stupid and ignorance to say that Apple is protecting their bottom line with their DRM.
1. They don't want the DRM in the first place,
2. They are LEGALLY required to have DRM by the music companies in order to sell most of the tunes,
3. In making a profit, they certainly don't want to have to use, pay and license someone else's (MS's) DRM, when they can write their own for MUCH less.


Concerning the DRM stripping: I have over 700 purchased tunes (and stripped of the DRM). Most of these tunes are iTunes gift cards from family and friends over the past 5 years. I use a program called MP4 Converter, but previously used DRM Dumpster. And no, I don't give these to other people, just use them in different ways between my iPod and laptop and desktop.

I did convert about a hundred that was purchased for my daughter on my machine for her original iPod. When she got her computer, I converted them for her and moved the DRM free tunes to her computer via CDs and deleted the protected ones from mine.

[Ed62]

There are a few options I've found, the simplest is here and there are others here and here, but I'm not absolutely certain they're what you need - hope so.

Ray.

Because I really like "simple", I tried the first link Ray gave before the other options listed in the above replies. It worked like a charm! Thank you, Ray, and everyone else who replied.

Ed