Problem converting RealPlayer files to MP3

[syoder]

Hi:

I hope that I’ve read all of the posts regarding converting RealPlayer files using dBpowerAMP, but, after trying a number of the suggestions, I’m still getting the error message, “The CODEC required to decompress ‘[filename]’ could not be opened. DirectShow filter for ‘.ram’ not installed . . .”

Here’s a list of what I’ve done:

1. Downloaded the latest version of dBpowerAMP (R11.5).

2. Went to Codec Central and downloaded the DirectShow Codec.

3. Went to “Configure DirectShow Decoder” on my computer and inserted the following, all on separate lines, in place of “.xyz”: .rpm, .rm, .ram, .rmvb

4. Went to “Configuration/dMC Configuration” and, under “Installed Decoders,” see the following to the right of “DirectShow Decoder”: “Release 1 .rpm; .rm; .ram; .rmvb”

5. Downloaded Real Alternative and accepted all of the default options, including the option for installing Media Player Classic.

6. Rebooted.

7. Opened dbPowerAmp, double-clicked on my .ram file, and attempted to convert to MP3 (Lame). Received the error message “The CODEC required to decompress '[filename]’ could not be opened. DirectShow filter for ‘.ram’ not installed, or Audio File Corrupt.”

8. Downloaded a second file to check whether the file was corrupt, with the same result.

9. Rebooted four times and tried again to convert. Same result.

10. As a last resort, Per ChristinaS’ direction on a previous post, changed the filename extension to “ra” (since it’s an audio file) and tried to convert. Same result.

Hoping that I haven’t been an idiot and missed something obvious . . . any suggestions are most welcome. Thanks a lot.

[LtData]

I don't think that the Real DirectShow Splitter is a default option, IIRC. You may want to reinstall Real Alternative.

Also, what size are your files? If they are just a few KBs, they are just meta-files that link to the real files. See here for what to do: http://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?t=4992

[syoder]

Thanks for the tip on the meta-files. Using the ChristinaS instructions, I extracted and downloaded the actual file (49 kb versus 1 kb). But when I tried again to convert the actual file with dbPowerAmp, I got the same result (error message of “The CODEC required to decompress '[filename]' could not be opened . . . .”)

So I tried re-loading Real Alternative. Real DirectShow splitter is a default option when downloading Real Alternative, but just in case, I uninstalled the previous version and downloaded a new version. Then I tried again to convert, with the same result.

If there are any other suggestions, I’d much appreciate it.

[LtData]

It sounds like you still have a meta-file, possibly. Will MediaPlayer Classic play that extracted file?

[syoder]

It doesn't open in MediaPlayer Classic, but I think only because I'm doing something wrong (haven't used MPC before). I'm sure that it's not a meta-file because I downloaded another piece of software that I don't like nearly as well as dMC and was able to convert the file to MP3 and have it play on my MP3 player.

[LtData]

What was the name of that "other piece of software"?
What was the link in your meta-file?

[ChristinaS]

That may well be an honest to goodness real audio file made for multi audiences. It won't convert. Media PLayer Classic won't play it either I believe.

Unless you try converting using the older Real Audio decoding codec (in real time) - which means you first get rid of Real Alteranative and DirectShow as they don't cohabit. And ultimately if that doesn't work, use Real Player (after installing it of course) to play and dMC Auxiliairy INout to record the audio through the soundcard.

[syoder]

The other software is BoilSoft RM to MP3 Converter v.1.46. The link in the meta-file is www.wbez.org/ta/027.rm

ChristinaS may be correct, but it would be nice to know for sure, so if you have a chance to try this yourself, would be great. I’d hate to have to go back to the old method unless I have to (since I don't know if I can get back the older version of RealPlayer, which I dumped when I found out about this upgrade).

Thanks a lot.

[ChristinaS]

Oh, it's kind of a very large file. I am downloading it though and I'll see.

How long would you say it the playing time?

[xoas]

I note this file is 48.4 mb (per Download Manager) not 49 kb.

[ChristinaS]

OK, I can play it in Media Player Classic OK, but not in WMP, despite filters in place. I don't now have Real Player handy.

At this point I does not decode using the DirectShow filters in place for real media.

I will have to uninstall that and Real Alternative and install Real Player and the Real Media decoding codec in their place. Unfortunately it will take a whole hour to either convert using the older Real Media codec in real time (if it works) or to record it with dMC Auxiliary Input. The thing is I don't have the time now for that.

it may be possible to burn it to audio cd using Real Player and tehn rip the cd normally using dMC Audio CD Inout. Again, I don't have the time to uninstall and reinstall stuff.

Sorry. Maybe later if you still haven't succeeded.

[syoder]

Ok, thanks for all of your help. You guys are all great--better support than I get anywhere else.

[syoder]

Interesting footnote: the old dMC codec that relies on RealPlayer 8 actually converts directly from the meta-file (no need to go in and pull out the address for the actual audio file).

[ChristinaS]

Really? I'd not noticed that. Until recently I was only using that codec, having refused to bother with Real Alternative stuff ( :D ), but increasingly ran into cases that couldn't be handled by the older Real Media codec.

However it doesn't make much sense to me for that codec or any other to actually handle conversion through a meta file. Hmmm.....

[syoder]

Yep, that's been my experience with everything that I download (talk shows on public radio).