What's the best PPC audio player?

[Perk]

I've got an extra 40 gig drive on my PC loaded with almost my entire CD collection. I transfered them through Windows Media Player at it's highest quality setting. Recently, I've been frequenting the gym and enjoy listening to my music on a 256MB SD card in my iPAQ, transfers from my PC to my SD card are also set to highest quality on Windows Media Player.

I noticed that the same files on my SD card are actually LARGER than the original on my hard drive and don't know why.

Regadless, I heard that MP3s sound as good or better and am wondering if there's a program that could see my existing WMA library, including album info, and transfer to SD more efficiently.

I'd love to hear your experiences on this matter.

:rock on dude!:

[arnage2]

im sure you mean 256mb card. Pocket player is the best ppc player ive used. I supports ogg, wav, mp3, and wma. Its skinable, turns off screen etc... $20 from this handango link.

http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?productType=2&optionId=1_2_2&jid=1F9A7319513A4C828B9E8F431E4B82CD&platformId=2&siteId=1&productId=51696&sectionId=0&catalog=30&txtSearch=pocket+player

[Perk]

im sure you mean 256mb card. Pocket player is the best ppc player ive used. I supports ogg, wav, mp3, and wma. Its skinable, turns off screen etc... $20 from this handango link.

http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?productType=2&optionId=1_2_2&jid=1F9A7319513A4C828B9E8F431E4B82CD&platformId=2&siteId=1&productId=51696§ionId=0&catalog=30&txtSearch=pocket+player

Thanks, I'll try it tonight

[maikii]

I've got an extra 40 gig drive on my PC loaded with almost my entire CD collection. I transfered them through Windows Media Player at it's highest quality setting. Recently, I've been frequenting the gym and enjoy listening to my music on a 256MB SD card in my iPAQ, transfers from my PC to my SD card are also set to highest quality on Windows Media Player.

I noticed that the same files on my SD card are actually LARGER than the original on my hard drive and don't know why.

Regadless, I heard that MP3s sound as good or better and am wondering if there's a program that could see my existing WMA library, including album info, and transfer to SD more efficiently.

I'd love to hear your experiences on this matter.

:rock on dude!:

More efficient way to transfer files (than ActiveSync?)? Yes, get a an SD card reader for your PPC, if you already don't have such capability, take the SD card out of the PPC, put it in the PC reader, and transfer the files that way, as a drive on your PC.

As far as MP3s sounding as good or better, that's debatable. Such discussion is quite subjective, and differences are not obvious. However, most say that the codecs based on MP4, such as .WMA, .OGG, ,AAC, MP3Pro, etc., get better sound for the same amount of compression (or similar sound for more compression) than MP3.

[Perk]

I've got an extra 40 gig drive on my PC loaded with almost my entire CD collection. I transfered them through Windows Media Player at it's highest quality setting. Recently, I've been frequenting the gym and enjoy listening to my music on a 256MB SD card in my iPAQ, transfers from my PC to my SD card are also set to highest quality on Windows Media Player.

I noticed that the same files on my SD card are actually LARGER than the original on my hard drive and don't know why.

Regadless, I heard that MP3s sound as good or better and am wondering if there's a program that could see my existing WMA library, including album info, and transfer to SD more efficiently.

I'd love to hear your experiences on this matter.

:rock on dude!:

More efficient way to transfer files (than ActiveSync?)? Yes, get a an SD card reader for your PPC, if you already don't have such capability, take the SD card out of the PPC, put it in the PC reader, and transfer the files that way, as a drive on your PC.

As far as MP3s sounding as good or better, that's debatable. Such discussion is quite subjective, and differences are not obvious. However, most say that the codecs based on MP4, such as .WMA, .OGG, ,AAC, MP3Pro, etc., get better sound for the same amount of compression (or similar sound for more compression) than MP3.

I'm using a card reader, not Active Sync. The concern I have is to do with the audio quality and the fact that the WMA file is bigger on the SD card than on the hard drive. I think this is something to do with Windows Media Player for XP.

[Falstaff]

I prefer PocketMusic (http://www.pocketmind.com). The basic version is freeware, but you can buy the feature pack (I have it), but even the freeware is great.

[Ripper014]

I like GSPlayer... which is also free...

[Perk]

I prefer PocketMusic (http://www.pocketmind.com). The basic version is freeware, but you can buy the feature pack (I have it), but even the freeware is great.

Wow, Pocket Music looks terrific. I'll be trying it today. Thnks for the link too!

[Perk]

I like GSPlayer... which is also free...

Where can I read about GS Player?

[Ripper014]

Here are some skins for the player...

http://discussion.brighthand.com/sh...10&pagenumber=5

and the place to get the program is at PPCfreewares just do a search on the net... Google...

[hipchick]

PocketMVP is another software that you can try. :mrgreen: http://www.pocketmvp.com

It's free open source and plays MP3's, ogg, wma (with separate plug-in), and a whole LOT more. It's skinnable, you can configure buttons to do virtually anything ... well, I guess you could say I think it ROCKS! Performace kicks the butt out of Microsoft, too :D

[tourdewolf]

What do you folks think is the best "sounding" mp3 player for the PPC. I have been considering dumping my ipod and going strictly with my ipaq for portable audio. I am ready except for sound quality, for some reason if seems that the PPC sound quality is considerably less. Although the ipod does crap out at higher volumes it still sounds better at normal levels (6/10) than the ppc. I am curious to hear everyone's opinion.

Test setup:
mp3s are 320kbps
Ipaq 2215
Sandisk 512 SD
Sony MDR-EX51LP

Software tried so far:

Pocket Tunes - free ver.
Conduits Pocket Player - free version

[ma@rten]

Hi

I think Gsplayer is the best (by far)
it has al those sound tuning features and supports most of the sound formats out there

It isn't very good looking but with some skins you are on youre way.
you can find some skins here www.gsplayer.tk at my site

enjoy :)


M@arten

[Jason Patterson]

tourdewolf,

Do you have your Bass/Treble settings turned all the way down in Settings > IPAQ Audio? We have found that enabling those functions does impede audio quality.

Also, you might want to try our new version of Pocket Player, version 2.5, which was released today. We have greatly improved the crossfading and equalizer support.

[tourdewolf]

tourdewolf,

Do you have your Bass/Treble settings turned all the way down in Settings > IPAQ Audio? We have found that enabling those functions does impede audio quality.

They are all the way down (far left). Should I adjust them upward? I have tinkered with them but didn't like the results. So they are set to 0.

I will try the new version now!

[Jason Patterson]

All the way to the left is zero, I believe -- that should do it. Glad to hear you're trying the new release!

[Perk]

I tried Pocket Player and found it to be interesting. However. It seems as that the graph and EQ both diminish the sound quality. So, I uninstalled it and tried PocketMusic. Pocket Music also has an EQ and graph and it seems to be similar. The improvement comes in the EQ "Auto" setting not distorting the sound. However, this software locks-up after the first song. I tried everything I could think of to fix this with no luck at all.

PS: The landscape mode it great, when it works. big view, just the right stuff too. To get it to work expand the EQ and Play List, then switch.

One advantage Windows Media seems to have is that when I'm listening to music while surfing, I can have the assigned keys manipulate tracks, volume and play/pause while the remaining keys still scroll internet pages. This is a great way to pass the time on an excercise bike.

The other programs while in the background don't seem to allow the scroll function if the key is unassigned. I could be doing something wrong though.

[tourdewolf]

Has anyone noticed that the volume in WMP is significantly lower compared to the other players?

Also as of late I have been playing around with PocketMVP and so far it has the best, most natural, sound quality. However it too has some issues. It is very cumbersome to use as a music player, playlist are a chore and the program experiences frequent lockups.

[Jason Patterson]

Perk,

I tried Pocket Player and found it to be interesting. However. It seems as that the graph and EQ both diminish the sound quality.

The graph (visualization?) should not affect the sound quality at all. Have you tried the equalizer in version 2.5 (released today), or did you try version 2.11? In version 2.5 we completely overhauled the WMA equalizer to produce virtually no distortion.


One advantage Windows Media seems to have is that when I'm listening to music while surfing, I can have the assigned keys manipulate tracks, volume and play/pause while the remaining keys still scroll internet pages. This is a great way to pass the time on an excercise bike.

The other programs while in the background don't seem to allow the scroll function if the key is unassigned. I could be doing something wrong though.

Pocket Player should support this. Any unmapped buttons are not intercepted. For example, if you map application buttons to playback functions (making sure "Unmap buttons in background" is not checked), then Pocket Player will perform as you describe above.

[Perk]

PocketMVP is another software that you can try. :mrgreen: http://www.pocketmvp.com

It's free open source and plays MP3's, ogg, wma (with separate plug-in), and a whole LOT more. It's skinnable, you can configure buttons to do virtually anything ... well, I guess you could say I think it ROCKS! Performace kicks the butt out of Microsoft, too :D

Hipchick, Are there any screenshots of this playing audio? I couldn't find anything on th link page. I'm looking for something with a large display and buttons. They're easier to use when exercising.

[Perk]

Jason,

I downloaded your new version, selected WMA file type and it won't play anything. The songs show up but no playback. Am I doing something wrong?

Perk,

I tried Pocket Player and found it to be interesting. However. It seems as that the graph and EQ both diminish the sound quality.

The graph (visualization?) should not affect the sound quality at all. Have you tried the equalizer in version 2.5 (released today), or did you try version 2.11? In version 2.5 we completely overhauled the WMA equalizer to produce virtually no distortion.


One advantage Windows Media seems to have is that when I'm listening to music while surfing, I can have the assigned keys manipulate tracks, volume and play/pause while the remaining keys still scroll internet pages. This is a great way to pass the time on an excercise bike.

The other programs while in the background don't seem to allow the scroll function if the key is unassigned. I could be doing something wrong though.

Pocket Player should support this. Any unmapped buttons are not intercepted. For example, if you map application buttons to playback functions (making sure "Unmap buttons in background" is not checked), then Pocket Player will perform as you describe above.

[Perk]

Fallstaff,

Did you ever run into a problem with Pocket Music locking up after the first song? I just get the waiting symbol. The PDA works fine otherwise and really like the landscape mode this program offers.

I prefer PocketMusic (http://www.pocketmind.com). The basic version is freeware, but you can buy the feature pack (I have it), but even the freeware is great.

[Jason Patterson]

Jason,

I downloaded your new version, selected WMA file type and it won't play anything. The songs show up but no playback. Am I doing something wrong?


This is because you are playing back protected WMA files. If you have these WMA files from a ripped CD, simply uncheck "Copy Protect Music" in WMP's Tools > Options > Copy Music. The component that we use (and PocketMusic uses) for WMA playback doesn't support protected WMA files at this time. We are working on a resolution. As you have found with PocketMusic, if we were to play these files, it would pop up a 'wait' cursor, and eventually lock the device, so we simply intercept and do not play any WMA files that are protected.

[Perk]

They were ripped unprotected. The songs on my SD card are the same ones I had there before. When I installed your previous version last week, it played them. I uninstalled it and then installed the updated version and that's when it stopped playing WMAs.

Let me know what you think.

Jason,

I downloaded your new version, selected WMA file type and it won't play anything. The songs show up but no playback. Am I doing something wrong?


This is because you are playing back protected WMA files. If you have these WMA files from a ripped CD, simply uncheck "Copy Protect Music" in WMP's Tools > Options > Copy Music. The component that we use (and PocketMusic uses) for WMA playback doesn't support protected WMA files at this time. We are working on a resolution. As you have found with PocketMusic, if we were to play these files, it would pop up a 'wait' cursor, and eventually lock the device, so we simply intercept and do not play any WMA files that are protected.

[Perk]

They were ripped unprotected. The songs on my SD card are the same ones I had there before. When I installed your previous version last week, it played them. I uninstalled it and then installed the updated version and that's when it stopped playing WMAs.

Let me know what you think.

Jason,

I downloaded your new version, selected WMA file type and it won't play anything. The songs show up but no playback. Am I doing something wrong?


This is because you are playing back protected WMA files. If you have these WMA files from a ripped CD, simply uncheck "Copy Protect Music" in WMP's Tools > Options > Copy Music. The component that we use (and PocketMusic uses) for WMA playback doesn't support protected WMA files at this time. We are working on a resolution. As you have found with PocketMusic, if we were to play these files, it would pop up a 'wait' cursor, and eventually lock the device, so we simply intercept and do not play any WMA files that are protected.

[Jason Patterson]

Were they ripped as Windows Media Audio VBR or Windows Media Audio Lossless? When you use Windows Media Player on the Pocket PC, and tap the "i" button to pop up information about the track, what does it say there?

The component we use doesn't support those files either. Could you reinstall Pocket Player 2.11 (http://www.conduits.com/products/player/PocketPlayer211.exe) to see if it plays the files correctly? If it does, then we would certainly like to fix the problem for 2.51. If you could email [email protected] we can get to work on that problem.

[Falstaff]

Fallstaff,

Did you ever run into a problem with Pocket Music locking up after the first song? I just get the waiting symbol. The PDA works fine otherwise and really like the landscape mode this program offers.

I prefer PocketMusic (http://www.pocketmind.com). The basic version is freeware, but you can buy the feature pack (I have it), but even the freeware is great.

I have never had that problem actually. I did have a problem at one point where it would be playing a song and then jump back 30 sec, it would do that a few times in a row, I just skipped to the next song though to fix it. I haven't had that problem in a while though.

Hipchick, Are there any screenshots of this playing audio? I couldn't find anything on th link page. I'm looking for something with a large display and buttons. They're easier to use when exercising.

I think you may find it easier to just map hardware buttons to the play controlls. Since the record and scroll buttons are on the side and top of my device and I can easily reach them in my aluminum or standard "leather" case, I set the record button to play (which will skip to next song) and the scroll button up/down to volume, and a push on the scroll wheel to pause. That way you don't have to expose your screen while you're exercising.

[Perk]

Thanks

Fallstaff,

Did you ever run into a problem with Pocket Music locking up after the first song? I just get the waiting symbol. The PDA works fine otherwise and really like the landscape mode this program offers.

I prefer PocketMusic (http://www.pocketmind.com). The basic version is freeware, but you can buy the feature pack (I have it), but even the freeware is great.

I have never had that problem actually. I did have a problem at one point where it would be playing a song and then jump back 30 sec, it would do that a few times in a row, I just skipped to the next song though to fix it. I haven't had that problem in a while though.

Hipchick, Are there any screenshots of this playing audio? I couldn't find anything on th link page. I'm looking for something with a large display and buttons. They're easier to use when exercising.

I think you may find it easier to just map hardware buttons to the play controlls. Since the record and scroll buttons are on the side and top of my device and I can easily reach them in my aluminum or standard "leather" case, I set the record button to play (which will skip to next song) and the scroll button up/down to volume, and a push on the scroll wheel to pause. That way you don't have to expose your screen while you're exercising.

[Perk]

OK,

I think your new version ay have a compatability issue. I downloaded the old version after uninstalling the new one again and it works. I dropped the iPAQ audio settings to 0. Then I bypassed your EQ and turned off the audio meter and it's working pretty well. I have an IPAQ H3835 with Windows 2k3 upgrade installed. I could not find an i button in Media Player 9 but went into the properties screen after engaging a piece of music and saw this:
FILE NAME: Breakdown.wma
LOCATION: \Storage Card
BIT RATE: 160kbps
AUDIO CODEC: Windows Media Audio 9
AUDIO DESCRIPTION:160kbps, 44kHz, stereo 1-pass CBR
PROTECTED STATUS: No

I'd love to try the new version. Let me know what I can do.

Were they ripped as Windows Media Audio VBR or Windows Media Audio Lossless? When you use Windows Media Player on the Pocket PC, and tap the "i" button to pop up information about the track, what does it say there?

The component we use doesn't support those files either. Could you reinstall Pocket Player 2.11 (http://www.conduits.com/products/player/PocketPlayer211.exe) to see if it plays the files correctly? If it does, then we would certainly like to fix the problem for 2.51. If you could email [email protected] we can get to work on that problem.

[Jason Patterson]

Perk,

To confirm, for version 2.5, the file in question is not playing, where as in version 2.11 it plays correctly? Could you email [email protected] with this information so we could get the problem worked out? We would certainly like to determine what the problem might be there.

[maikii]

Fallstaff,

[quote=Perk]Hipchick, Are there any screenshots of this playing audio? I couldn't find anything on th link page. I'm looking for something with a large display and buttons. They're easier to use when exercising.

I think you may find it easier to just map hardware buttons to the play controlls. Since the record and scroll buttons are on the side and top of my device and I can easily reach them in my aluminum or standard "leather" case, I set the record button to play (which will skip to next song) and the scroll button up/down to volume, and a push on the scroll wheel to pause. That way you don't have to expose your screen while you're exercising.

Yes, it's good to use the hardware button mapping, but still it comes in handy sometimes to use the touch screen, and the large buttons make it easier, especially while doing something else, driving, etc. You don't neet the stylus, a finger or thumb works, etc.

That is one advantage of WMP9-PPC. It has several skins available (free to download) with large buttons. Pocket Music now has one such skin you can switch to, in landscape mode. I don't know why they don't have them in portrait mode as well. I recently downloaded Pocket Player 2.5 as well, and if I recall correctly, no skins other than the default come with it. It's buttons are a decent size, however, although not as large as with some of the WMP large button skins. (I believe I read it can use Winamp skins, but I don''t think those are at all good for the PPC. The buttons end up very tiny!

[Jason Patterson]

I recently downloaded Pocket Player 2.5 as well, and if I recall correctly, no skins other than the default come with it. It's buttons are a decent size, however, although not as large as with some of the WMP large button skins. (I believe I read it can use Winamp skins, but I don''t think those are at all good for the PPC. The buttons end up very tiny!

Pocket Player comes bundled with 3 skins, and more can be downloaded from our skins page (http://www.conduits.com/products/player/skins.asp). Juni has even crafted one (http://koti.welho.com/kruohio/ctunesppl.html) that has big buttons and looks like iTunes!

http://koti.welho.com/kruohio/ctunesppl.png

[Pat Logsdon]

That is an AWESOME skin. I've got it installed and it's very nice.

Juni - you have excellent musical taste. :mrgreen:

[hipchick]

Hipchick, Are there any screenshots of this playing audio? I couldn't find anything on th link page. I'm looking for something with a large display and buttons. They're easier to use when exercising.

Since PMVP is skinnable, you are at the mercy of the skinners out there. :devilboy: I keep promising Marc that I'll get around to making some audio-only skins, but so far, time is not on my side. :(

When I drive to work and use my PDA to play audio files, I just use the hardware buttons (i.e. calendar, tasks, contacts, etc. buttons) that I've mapped for turning the screen off to save battery life, next / prev tracks, stop and pause.

[nic]

My vote is for just using Windows Media Player, with Voice Commander.

I don't think anything else offers voice recognition for playing music. It works great too.

But without the voice WMP is kinda weak. I'm up for another player if it supports voice recognition.

[divajess]

I have to say, I just installed the revamped GSPlayer and I was incredibly impressed. I swear the sound is even better than the last version--I was playing some .ogg files through just the speaker to show a friend how it worked, and it sounded pretty darn great!

I'm still a happy GSPlayer customer...what a great free app!

[Ripper014]

DivaJess...

There have been a few new skins created for it if you are interested... they are over at Brighthand... just do a search for it...

[divajess]

Thanks Ripper! They look great.

[Zack Mahdavi]

Pocket Player comes bundled with 3 skins, and more can be downloaded from our skins page (http://www.conduits.com/products/player/skins.asp). Juni has even crafted one (http://koti.welho.com/kruohio/ctunesppl.html) that has big buttons and looks like iTunes!

Yes, that cTunes skin for Pocket Player is absolutely amazing. It's my favorite... Thanks Juni!

[Palm Cow]

I like PocketMV for my music and video. It's freeware and can play DivX and other formats, as well as MP3. Link below.

http://www.freewareppc.com/multimedia/pocketmvp.shtml

[maikii]

I like PocketMV for my music and video. It's freeware and can play DivX and other formats, as well as MP3. Link below.

http://www.freewareppc.com/multimedia/pocketmvp.shtml

Read this whole thread, Palm. PocketMVP is definitely mentioned.

Yes, it can play movies, which most of the music players can not.

Most of my music files are in the WMA format, and although now there is a plug-in for PocketMVP to play WMA files, it seems to have problems with them, freezing, etc. Some of the other non-WMP music players that advertise they can play WMAs (such as Pocket Player and Pocket Music with Feature Pack) at first also had problems with WMA, but now have improved. Perhaps soon PMVP will also improve its WMA playing, but it hasn't yet.

In some other ways the PMVP interface isn't as slick and user-friendly as these other music players. But hey--it's free! For MP3s it might be fine. For WMAs I wouldn't recommend PMVP yet--better to stick with WMP for free, or buy one of these other alternative music players.

For movies though, PMVP is a good alternative to WMP.

[Palm Cow]

SAHH-ry (sorry)!

I keep all my files in MP3 and it works fine ...

[Falstaff]

I was browsing through PDA Buyer's Guide today and saw they had a comparison of the different PPC mp3 players on there, it was a pretty thorough review, I thought I'd post the link (http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/software/PPC_MP3_players.htm) if anyone wanted to read it. It was written in January, so it is probably still up to date (for the most part).

[Zack Mahdavi]

I was browsing through PDA Buyer's Guide today and saw they had a comparison of the different PPC mp3 players on there, it was a pretty thorough review, I thought I'd post the link (http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/software/PPC_MP3_players.htm) if anyone wanted to read it. It was written in January, so it is probably still up to date (for the most part).

Thanks Falstaff. That article was a very good read! It convinced me that PocketPlayer was the way to go.. :D