Real Audio lossless -> WMA lossless

[lyonge]

I have my entire CD collection stored on my PC using Real Audio Lossless (200 CDs or so). I'm trying to convert them to WMA lossless or Apple so I can transfer these to an iPod (I understand the Apple software can read and convert WMA lossless?). I installed dBpoweramp R12 and then installed "Real Alternative Regular 1.52". It seems Real Alternative does not play .ra lossless.

I also tried to download "dBpoweramp's DirectShow filter" as specified in the instructions for "Download Real Audio Decoder (reader)", but the link to download says "Currently in Beta Test", and the link goes to the formum, not a download location. Not sure I really need this to do the conversion, but cannot find it to download.

Can I really do this conversion with dBpoweramp R12? If so, what am I doing wrong or what do I need to do? Has anyone converted from Real Audio lossless before? I also want to make sure the tags are maintained or that there is some way to easily restore the tags.

Thanks, Larry

[LtData]

Re: Real Audio lossless -> WMA lossless

The link for the DirectShow codec takes you to a forum post that links you to the installer.

[lyonge]

Re: Real Audio lossless -> WMA lossless

Thanks - I missed the obvious.

I installed DirectShow and now Windows Media Player successfully plays .ra lossy, but not the lossless format. I tried running Real Alternative and the same thing, it successfully plays .ra lossy, but not .ra lossless. Real Alternative displays the following when opening a .ra lossless file:

"Some components are not available to provide playback of this presentation on your system."

Am I missing something, or is conversion from lossless .ra is not possible? Any suggestions?

Thanks, - Larry

[LtData]

Re: Real Audio lossless -> WMA lossless

If Real Alternative cannot play your file, then you cannot convert it via dMC with the DirectShow Decoder.

I am unsure if there is a plan for another Real decoder, but for now, the only way you can convert it is to revert to dMC r11.5 and try either the older Real real-time decoder (requires RealPlayer 8) or Auxiliary Input to record the song(s) as you play them.

[lyonge]

Re: Real Audio lossless -> WMA lossless

It seems Real Alternative SHOULD play the lossless RA files since the DLL for the Real Audio Lossless Format codec is present in the Real Alternative Codec directory:

C:\Program Files\Real Alternative\Codecs\ralf.dll

Not sure why it does not work. I searched but could not find any forum or support for Real Alternative to try to track this problem down.

Regarding your suggestion to use Real Player 8, I thought the RA lossless codec only became available in Real Player 10?

- Larry

[LtData]

Re: Real Audio lossless -> WMA lossless

Then it looks like you are down to using Auxiliary Input to record and then convert your files to another format.

Edit: what version of Real Alternative do you have installed? The latest version is 1.52. Do you have a small file (<10MB) that you could send as a test? If you do, I will PM you an e-mail address to use.

[lyonge]

Re: Real Audio lossless -&gt; WMA lossless

Yes, I have a short track in Lossless RA that is about 4 MB that I can send. I would appreciate you trying this.

- Larry

[lyonge]

Re: Real Audio lossless -&gt; WMA lossless

Forgot to mention, I am using the the latest version of Real Alternative (version 1.52).

[lyonge]

Re: Real Audio lossless -&gt; WMA lossless

Lt. Data,
Were you able to test the Real Audio Lossless file I sent you? Any success getting Real Alternative to decode it? It seems is should since the DLL required for RA Lossless Format (ralf.dll) comes with Real Alternative.

- Larry

[LtData]

Re: Real Audio lossless -&gt; WMA lossless

Sorry, put it aside and forgot about it. Just tried and your right, it doesn't play in Real Alternative.

As to why it doesn't play, I have no idea.