Converting .rm to .mp3

[Canary]

Hi! I've read the forum and I think I understand what's being said but it's just not working for me.

I've been using dMC for years. I'm familiar with the integration in Windows Explorer and I know how to convert a file.

When I click over my .rm files I do not see the same familiar conversion options in the context menu and I can load the file into dbpowerAMP but it will not play. The player runs but it says, "not playing".

I want to convert these .rm files to .mp3.

Here's what I've done so far:

I installed Real Alternative as suggested and I have installed both the Real Audio decoder and encoder from Codec Central. As a result of doing these two things I can now play the .rm files in WMP. But I WANT to play them in AMP so I associated the real media files with AMP and the dMC Configuration lists .ra; .rpm; .rm; .ram; .rmvb in the Installed Input Codecs (Read).. so my question is..

Why isn't AMP reading the .rm file and why don't I have an option anywhere to convert this file to mp3 ?? Even when I try to navigate to it through dMC, it simply won't see it.

What am I missing?

[Canary]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

Nevermind. I absolutely unquestionably solved my own problem. I needed to install the older dBpowerAMP RealAudio Input Codec as well.

This is the best program on the face of the planet!! :D

You may delete my post now. :D

[LtData]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

Did you install Real Alternative and its Real DirectShow codec? The older Real Input Codec is real-time, whereas the DirectShow one is faster.

[Canary]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

Did you install Real Alternative and its Real DirectShow codec? The older Real Input Codec is real-time, whereas the DirectShow one is faster.

I installed:

1. Real Alternative
2. dBpowerAMPs DirectShow Codec (Reader)

But dMC would not recognize the .rm files until I also installed
3. dBpowerAMP RealAudio Input Codec

Should I uninstall #2. or or should I be looking for a 4th thing to install?

I'm getting good results with what I've done so far. :smile2:

I'm using release 10 of dMC if that makes any difference.

[LtData]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

I don't think the DirectShow Decoder works with release 11, but it might. Did you follow the instructions on the DS Decoder page and add ".rm .ram .ra" to the DirectShow Decoder Configuration?

[Canary]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

Did you follow the instructions on the DS Decoder page and add ".rm .ram .ra" to the DirectShow Decoder Configuration?

Yep! and the file extensions display fine in the dMC configuration screen under Installed Input Codecs (Read) :smile2:

I think everything is ok.. The conversion of a .rm file is taking about the same time as the length of the song. I'm not sure I understand how to make this go faster but it's ok. It's getting the job done!

[LtData]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

Since your using the older Input Codec, the conversion is real-time. The new DirectShow method is faster than real-time. If you uninstall the old Input Codec, we can try to get the DirectShow method working.'

One more thing: When you installed RealAlternative, did you check the box for Real DirectShow Decoder?

[Canary]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

Since your using the older Input Codec, the conversion is real-time. The new DirectShow method is faster than real-time. If you uninstall the old Input Codec, we can try to get the DirectShow method working.'

One more thing: When you installed RealAlternative, did you check the box for Real DirectShow Decoder?

I installed Real Alternative 1.41 and there was no option there to install "Real DirectShow Decoder"
Instead the options were "Real Media codecs [version 6.44.8.4]" and "Real Media Direct ShowSplitter". The boxes for both those options were ticked.

I only installed the older Input Codec when dMC failed to recognize the .rm files. I also have dbpowerAMP's DirectShow decoder (and encoder) installed.

[LtData]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

Whoops, I meant "Direct ShowSplitter". Sorry, coudln't remember the exact wording.
You followed these instructions:

Download 'Real Alternative' from http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/1054136293/1 (or search in Google for Real Alternative) add .ra .rpm .rm .ram .rmvb all on separate lines to Configure DirectShow Decoder

and it still didn't work?

[Canary]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

Whoops, I meant "Direct ShowSplitter". Sorry, coudln't remember the exact wording.
You followed these instructions: and it still didn't work?

Yes! I found those instructions in another place on this site and I did EXACTLY what they said. I was quite pleased with myself. BUT it didn't work until AFTER I also installed the older codec as well.

Now, everything works fine.. converts/encodes just fine and no problem. I only commented that it appears to take as long as the song is. I really don't find this objectionable. The real pain is opening up 150 .ram files in notepad and copying the urls to IE and downloading from there. (I'm still on dialup)

But once I got the .rm files on my pc, it's no problem to highlight a batch, walk away and leave them to convert/encode by themselves. A lot less interactive than doing them one at a time.

dMC, dAP and MMC are great programs. Been using them for years now and although I've played with various software, I wouldn't change for the world.

Good job!

[LtData]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

The thing is, installing the old codec replaced the DirectShow way of doing it. If you want, you could uninstall the old input codec and we could try to get the new way of doing it working, or you could stick with your real-time conversions

[Canary]

Re: Converting .rm to .mp3

The thing is, installing the old codec replaced the DirectShow way of doing it. If you want, you could uninstall the old input codec and we could try to get the new way of doing it working, or you could stick with your real-time conversions

Thanks. I suspect that too. Momentarily I don't feel like messing around with it anymore. As long as it's doing the job, it's OK. I might come back another time and see what more discussion I read about it and what clues I can pick up.

Right now it's working, I'll stick with the real time. I often mess things up trying to make it better. It works. I'm not going to 'fix' it just yet.

Thank you for your help. I appreciate your input.