Posts by matthewbuchanan

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  • Hard News: Remember where you heard it…,

    I was a bit nonplussed to discover the bit rate of the tracks available at iTunes is 128kbps AAC? What the...? Isn't that just a bit low?

    When AAC was introduced by Apple, they claimed that a 128kbps AAC recording was equivalent in quality level to an MP3 of twice that bitrate, ie 256kbps. The thinking seems to be that to an average listener, a 128kbps AAC recording is not distinguishable from the original CD, especially not through those decidedly average Apple earbuds. But an audiophile with a good pair of monitor headphones will most certainly be able to tell the difference. I suppose it depends on where within that spectrum you fall.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Something up with Apple?,

    I would imagine it is to do with rights and stuff (but I don't see how it doesn't affect imports and such on physical music).

    And yes, it sucks the big one. I can only hope it'll change one day but till then I'll stick to newzealandcds.com and (grudgingly) SmokeCDs.com.

    As I understand it, the labels are able to negotiate for their recordings to be sold in other territories, but it doesn't happen automatically. I know Loop Recordings has a lot of its catalogue available in Europe for instance.

    And don't forget Amplifier for non DRM-ed legal NZ music via MP3 download (and physical CD sales).

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Remember where you heard it…,

    Unless you own the largest iPods your library could easily outstrip it. Also, iPods are waaay too fragile as a data backup.

    True on the sizing issue, and yes, it's a last ditch effort as a backup tool, but better than no backup was my point.

    Either I signed on to something apple-related in my old flat and forgot about it (but what? Itunes is new)

    All of Apple's services seem to be quite tightly integrated, so it's entirely possible you signed up for another Apple service and your details were remembered.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Remember where you heard it…,

    Of course I have. I'm sure I've heard that you can redownload songs you've purchased as well. Not entirely sure if that is accurate though.

    Apple has been known to allow this in exceptional circumstances (or when the person concerned is, ahem, famous) however I don't believe it's part of their policy.

    Anyone with an iPod, however, has a little bit more security. If you lose either your computer or your iPod, then provided you have your entire library on both devices, it's trivial to re-sync either way (going from an iPod back to one's computer requires a third-party software solution of which there are countless dozens).

    If you lose your computer and your iPod in the one hit, best to start begging.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Remember where you heard it…,

    I ripped my AACs in iTunes so....

    Yep, that means they're not protected files and will play anywhere that supports AAC playback.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Remember where you heard it…,

    I beleive I transferred AAC files to my Motorola phone and they play fine.

    For clarification, there are two types of AAC files, protected (.m4p) and non-protected (.m4a). The latter will play on any device that supports the AAC format, the former will only play on Apple hardware (computers, iPods) as they're the only devices that currently support Apple's proprietary FairPlay DRM. That is, unless you use one of the above-described methods for removing the DRM portion of the file. The iTunes Store only sells protected files.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Remember where you heard it…,

    Isn't that what Last post by ... does?

    Yes it is, perhaps it's not obvious enough, but it's there.

    Hard News PodCast - from iTunes?

    Well, you could subscribe to 95bFM's Breakfast podcast, they include Russell's weekly Hard Word discussion with Mikey.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Cracker: Rate my Date,

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Remember where you heard it…,

    An editing function is top of the list of enhancements, should happen within the next couple of weeks. I've fixed your typo...

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Remember where you heard it…,

    Curious. As a previous user of Renaissance's online store, I have just been sent an email, which includes the following:

    We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support, and advise you that as of today the Renaissance Apple online store is no longer available.

    For your future Apple needs, we have a number of New Zealand-based Authorised Resellers, including some with excellent online stores. These include:

    www.totallymac.com (full Apple range and complementary products)
    www.macwarehouse.co.nz (full Apple range & complementary products)

    Nowhere in the email does it mention that New Zealand now has an official Apple Online Store.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report Reply

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