[BC] Digital files (WAS:Religious radio & Tech)

[WFIFeng@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/28/2005 01:15:51 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
scott at lagrange-com.com writes:

> Yes, I know.  but the radio station can import directly a WAV file into
>  their automation without any changes.  I have already talked to their "IT"
>  guy.  If we do this, we want to try and set it up where it will
>  automatically import the files from the email.  He thinks he knows a trick
>  or two and I'm interested to see if it will work.

Ok, then you'll have to subscribe to one of the e-mail services that has a 
massive filespace limit. Even GMail, with it's 1G limit, I think has a much 
lower limit for each attachment.

One way to shrink the file without losing too much, would be to use 32K 
samples/sec. and since it's mostly tak, mono. Even if you are forced to use 44.1K, 
just going to mono will cut the file size in half.

Technically, though, there is no excuse for the station not being willing to 
convert the MP3 file back to WAV when they download it. There are many 
freeware file converters available. I use Winamp. It can be configured to convert the 
incoming MP3 file into almost *any* output WAV format you wish. Mine uses 
32K/sec 16 bit mono WAV files. They're about 1/3 the size of 44K stereo files, 
and still sound fantastic for speech.

>  With the price of editing technology falling, I see no reason for anything
>  to be on cassette anymore.  Cassette was great for it's time, but it's gone
>  the way of 8-track and vinyl.

I agree with you, completely. The other probelm, besides $$, is finding 
congregation members who are tech-savvy enough *and willing* to commit their time 
to the project.

>  In the field, I would recommend MD at the
>  least.  Memory sticks the best case.

Forget the MD, unless you already have one in working condition. <g>

The new Marantz (and now others) digital recorders are great. We got one last 
year. Amazing stuff. The best part is being able to dump the file to the PC 
in mere seconds.

Willie...