ipod. gaps between tracks

[ajp]

Is there any way of avoiding the brief gap between tracks on ipod? This happens even on albums with overlapping tracks (ie live recordings) even though it doesn't occur when played on itunes. It's a new 20gb one if that makes any difference. Also, I've recorded 200+ cd's at 160kbps joint stereo "on" (fairly tedious!). Would VBR normal stereo have been better? (I really hope not!)

Thanks.

 

[MarkW19]

Re: ipod. gaps between tracks

Originally posted by ajp
Is there any way of avoiding the brief gap between tracks on ipod? This happens even on albums with overlapping tracks (ie live recordings) even though it doesn't occur when played on itunes. It's a new 20gb one if that makes any difference. Also, I've recorded 200+ cd's at 160kbps joint stereo "on" (fairly tedious!). Would VBR normal stereo have been better? (I really hope not!)

Thanks.

Hi,

There's currently no way to change that gap between tracks - although it's got a LOT better with the latest updates to iTunes and iPod - let's hope they iron it out completely in future updates! Make sure you're on iPod version 1.2.1 and iTunes 3.0.1.

As for the VBR thing, it depends on your music. Variable Bit Rate analyses your music and decides what Bit Rate to use all the way through the song, that way you don't encode at a higher rate (wasting time and space) when you don't need to. Ie., (to take it from both ends of the spectrum) if all you do is listen to narration/spoken word, VBR would encode at a very low Bit Rate as there's hardly any dynamic range there needed to be encoded. And, if you listen to orchestral classical music a lot, VBR would most likely use a higher rate than normal to make sure you capture all the dynamic range/frequencies/content that the recording has to offer. So, bottom line, unless you're listening to a lot of very high quality LARGE dynamic range music, 160kbps in stereo is great - and have you noticed how much better sound quality the iPod itself is, compared to most other standard personal CD players? I wouldn't worry

 

[ajp]

Thanks very much for your detailed reply. You've put my mind at rest! I must admit, the ipod sound quality is stunning to me so I guess that's good enough.

I just downloaded itunes 3.0.1 and my ipod says version 1.2 in the "about" page. Don't know if that means 1.2.1 or not. Presumably if I download it, it'll sort it's own life out!

Thanks again.