SJ33 - Why can't I play MP3's with compression set lower than 128?

[Quickbeam]

I've tried everything down to 64 kps using the cdex130 program. I always get an error saying my media is either incompatible, locked or copyrighted. When I save the same song at 128 kps, it plays just fine. Only problem is I only approx two hours of play time.

[strider_mt2k]

I noticed that too.
I ended up using 96 to kinda "split the difference".
Smaller would be cooler, but I wonder if they sound okay. MusicMatch calls it "FM Radio Quality". Ugh.

[Quickbeam]

I can't use 96 either. Which memory stick do you have, purple or white?

[williamwck]

Use RealOnePlayer transfer 96k music to Memory Stick (blue). Work fine.

[Aces]

This is one of those questions that keeps getting asked and answered in various threads over time.  Since you are new to ClieSource, I'll walk you through how to find the threads and give you a couple of links too.

In the search page (see it in the upper right corner of most pages at ClieSource) I typed "mp3 AND vbr".  That's because I remember some posts where it appears that the SJ-33 can't handle Variable Bit Rate MP3's.  Here are some threads that may give you a start on where to solve your problem.

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6346&highlight=mp3+AND+vbr

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1886&highlight=mp3+AND+vbr

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=268&highlight=mp3+AND+vbr

BTW, I use Lexar Purple MS's in my SJ-33, and play 96kbs MP3's all the time.  I use MusicMatch Jukebox to rip my CD's, and haven't had any problems.

Good luck!

[strider_mt2k]

Great info and links!

MusicMatch was the first one I've tried. I'd read lots of great stuff about it.

I went into my SJ33 knowing zip about mp3 players (and about Sony Clie's) so I'm still on the learning curve big time.

[DanT]

At 96 kbps you get about 3 hours worth of mp3 on 128mb MS, which is enough for me.

[Quickbeam]

Thanks Aces. I appreciate the help. I guess I was missing the VBR portion of my search. Oh well.

[filber]

I've switched to using a Window's app called dBpowerAMP Music Converter and have managed to create files as small as 64 kbs...however the quality becomes quite poor. I've been able to use almost any bitrate, as long as the frequency is kept at 44.1 kHz and bitrate is set to "constant". If there is a copyright issue using your sj-33, dBpowerAMP Music Converter gives you the option of converting the bits as "copywritten." (Although, I'm not sure what this option does) :) Good luck!

[cinolas]

It seems that the SJ-33 doesn't like joint stereo either.... I'm not sure about this one as I have come to such conclusion by comparing the MP3s that work with a few that don't. Joint stereo seemed to be a common point of those that didn't work.

[strider_mt2k]

Popular at parties though. ;)

That's when the people on either side of you both hand...well you know.