Best way to convert Freeview radio station recordings into audio-only files?

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Asmodeus

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# 39139 10-Aug-2009 12:40

Hi guys,

As title suggests I would like to convert some of the recordings I've made from George FM (off freeview) into audio-only files. Is there an easy (and free) way to do this?

Should I make FLAC files or is that a pain in the a$$? Id be happy enough with high bitrate mp3s if it is.

What would you guys suggest for this? Im using Win7 RC

Cheers

GF74

85 posts

Master Geek

# 244719 10-Aug-2009 14:19

Would it not come down to what the bitrate/compression is on the existing feed from FreeView. No point making high-bitrate audio files from an already compressed stream.

GF

Asmodeus

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# 244731 10-Aug-2009 14:51

Yeah I guess so. Was thinking Id just use mp3 anyway.

Any suggestions on how to go about it?

bazzer

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# 244743 10-Aug-2009 15:02

I'd think what would make the most sense is just to extract the existing audio stream, it's already compressed. I wouldn't take it to MP3...

Asmodeus

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# 244748 10-Aug-2009 15:06

Right OK, thanks.

What software would you use to do that?

allstarnz

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# 244769 10-Aug-2009 15:36

Audacity is good, and is also free.

George FM would already be compressed, so no point in trying to make a 'lossless' recording from a lossy file.

hellonearthisman

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# 244778 10-Aug-2009 15:41

Can you record show off the freeview radio? I don't know if it's legal to format shift that content.

Anyway. http://www.videolan.org/ VLC

Asmodeus

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# 244791 10-Aug-2009 15:54

Cheers

Good question on the legality. It would only be for my personal collection (honest). I know a couple of guys that do some of the shows and just want to have them in my music collection rather than my recorded tv

Given the above, I'm going to do it anyway but can anyone confirm? I could always record the internet stream but the quality is not as good (is that even legal?)

bazzer

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# 244816 10-Aug-2009 16:16

The Copyright Act allows you to record from radio, TV or the Internet for your personal use or the personal use of a member of your household, or both, solely for the purpose of viewing or listening to the recording at a more convenient time.

The time-shifting exception does not permit recording from an on-demand service. For example, YOU can’t rely on the exception to copy webcasts or podcasts, unless you are copying a streamed service by a radio or TV station. (Note - If you want to copy anything from a website, the first place to check is on the website itself to see whether it allows you to copy or download.)

You have to have lawful access to the programme – so you can’t rely on the time-shifting provision if you have hacked into a pay TV station.

You need to retain the recording for no longer than is reasonably necessary for viewing or listening to the recording at a more convenient date.

openmedia

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# 244836 10-Aug-2009 16:42

Just split the audio stream from the video stream into an appropriate container.

George FM uses MP2 audio on DVB-S so you just need to extract the audio into a .mp2 file with no re-compression.

Under Linux I'd use ffmpeg, mplayer or avidemux2 to do the job. Don't know about Windows.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC a Technology Evangelist and Product Manager. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.