GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

(first of all - I must start this thread with the usual "I tried the search feature, but couldn't find anything" in order to protect me)I just downloaded two songs from Walmart.com - just to try it out. The songs downloaded in the Windows Media format (WMA). Now what can I do with this? I'm assuming it will not play on MP3 players or play in a normal CD player (WAV format, I think). This is very frustrating.

Quote, originally posted by Reynoma »The songs downloaded in the Windows Media format (WMA). Now what can I do with this? I'm assuming it will not play on MP3 players or play in a normal CD player (WAV format, I think). This is very frustrating.That all depends. The ability to play WMA files is a feature, just like being able to play MP3s. Some players can, some can't. Quite often, units that play MP3s also play WMA (at least with models manufactured within the past year or two). For instance, I know all Alpine units from this year that play MP3s also play WMAs. But it's totally different for each manufacturer.

just convert them to what ever format you want

Okay, jus make a normal audio CD on ur computer and jus add those files to the CD and the CD creator will change the format of the song if needed. I've done this a lot, so I know.Inder

You never know... it might not be possible to convert any particular file into another. I'm not saying that's always the case, but the mechanism to not allow you to do jack squat with your file is built into the WMA format (and pretty much any other proprietary format). Thank you, DMCA.

My pioneer head unit reads MP3 and WMA.The easiest way to convert is burn the WMA to a MUSIC cd (NOT a data cd), then re-rip the music back off into MP3 format...

As said by others, WMA depends on the hardware, 75% of MP3 playing devices can play WMA, and it'll say it on the device. Just something else Microsoft is trying to take over...

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »My pioneer head unit reads MP3 and WMA.The easiest way to convert is burn the WMA to a MUSIC cd (NOT a data cd), then re-rip the music back off into MP3 format...I guess my problem is that I do not have any plans to get rid of my 6-disc changer in my car. I was hoping to move the songs to a CD that is playable in the car.So - what you are saying is that if I use Windows Media Player to copy the songs to a CD, then it will automatically copy the song to the proper format?

Well, in terms of 'burning CDs'. An audio CD is an audio CD. They're all in a 'PCM' format. As long as whatever CD burning software on your computer allows you to burn audio CDs from WMA, it'll work in your changer.

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/DL the Music ConverterI have yet to find a CD or a song it doesn't work with.

Reynoma, I just downloaded a bunch o' songs from WalMart over the weekend, also. I burned them on CD as an Audio CD using Windows Media Player - they play just fine in my 6-disc changer. It converts them when it burns the CD.In WinMedPlyr useFile -> Copy -> Copy to Audio CDThen use "Edit Playlist" button to add tracks. (If they don't show up, add them to the library under File menu). Then hit "Copy" button on upper right.(I've also burned CD's from iTunes).

JUst yesterday I copied a bunch of songs onto a Maxell Black CD-R using windows media player. Works fine in all of my players, including car.

If you use nero to burn cds it should auto convert the mp3/wma to a CD form but if you want to burn it to mp3 cd then it should also do that if I remember correctly. Nero is a great burning program

The issue you're running into is the DRM that Walmart has in their WMA files. It restricts how and where you can play those files.If you burn to an audio disc - CD-R or RW... then it's just like any other CD and will play fine.If you take that WMA file and copy it to a CD-R and try to play it in a MP3/WMA capable stereo - it won't play because the copy protection (DRM) is still locked. It's lame - and there are utilities to crack/remove the DRM from every music service. But do NOT post links to them here - they are outlawed by our wonderful government and could bring problems to the owners of this site.Use google - you'll find them. But legally you can make audio discs with most online music service's files... so burn away!