ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

[sddawson]

I want to embark upon converting hundreds of CDs in APE format to ALAC. I've read of problems with the reverse-engineered ALAC encoder in the past, including problems playing ALAC files on an iPod. Is the encoder considered to be problem-free now?

Also, is it still recommended to run the m4a optimizer over ALAC files after conversion?

Thanks.

[LtData]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

The ALAC encoder now works fine on the iPod, there is no longer a need to run the "m4a optimizer" after conversion.

[sddawson]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

Thanks very much, LtData. My alternative was to convert to WMA lossless and then import into iTunes to convert to ALAC. Is there any advantage to doing it that (slow) way?

[LtData]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

None that I'm aware of, no.

[sddawson]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

Oh, and does the ALAC encoder add the hint track too?

Really appreciate the help.

[Spoon]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

We add the tags, etc to the front of the datastream - products like the apple TV are able to stream those files.

[sddawson]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

Thanks, Spoon. Does that include generating the RTP Hint, which is an option for the optimizer? Not exactly sure what that's used for mind you!

[Spoon]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

I am not sure it is needed these days.

[sddawson]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

Seems to be part of he Quicktime spec, but no idea when/if it's needed. Anyone?

[Spoon]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

The hint is there so when streaming the streamer can determine what is in the file, for audio files that contain only 1 audio type it is not needed as the main information chunk is there before the streaming data.

[sddawson]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

Thanks for that Spoon. All seems well now then!

[TechVsLife]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

The "Codec Central" page for m4a still says this:
"Notes on Apple Lossless Encoding: certain lossless tracks encoded will not play on iPods, but work fine with iTunes / Airport / Sonos. We are investigating this issue."

From this thread, I assume that information is not correct, and there is no longer an issue with the apple lossless codec? (i.e. always should play fine in ipod or itunes).
Thanks.

[Spoon]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

The codec was updated, that web page was not, it is now.

[TechVsLife]

Re: ALAC encoder - is it problem-free these days?

Thank you for confirming that (--just wanted to make absolutely sure there were no known issues before embarking on massive, and hope never to be repeated, amounts of encoding).