I recently wrote a Perl script to batch edit ID3 tag info in my audio files, and tried to test it on a few mp3 files in my iTunes library. What I noticed was that some would open while other's would not. I figured maybe it was a problem with my program, seeing as how I am new to Perl. I tried opening these files in a Hex editor which gave me an error saying it could not open the files. When I tried opening these files with adobe audition (just for kicks) it gave me similar error. What I realized was that the only files that were giving me these problems were files I ripped with iTunes. It seems to me that iTunes some how 'locks' files it rips so that only audio playback software can open it, but any other program cannot.
If anyone has a solution, please let me know. Also, if anyone else has seen this (whether or not you have a solution), please let me know. I want to know that I'm not alone in this boat. This is the hex editor I used: http://www.chmaas.handshake.de/delphi/freeware/xvi32/xvi32.htm. If anyone has any luck with a different editor, please let me know.
btw, I do not currently us iTunes to rip my music (I have realized the error of my ways), but these files are left over from the days when I did use iTunes, and I would like to be able to liberate them.
Itunes copy protects it's content in line with the Digital Rights Management(DRM)concept.
I would expect that due to the DRM being in place, you would not be able to open these files in a hex editor or your pearl script.
The easiest way to get around the DRM issue is to burn these files to a CD as CD audio. Once you have done this, the DRM is gone and then you could use a audio to mp3 rip program (I use and like, freeRIP) and convert the CD audio files back to mp3.
When you are burning to CD, make sure you burn at a nice and slow speed and use good quality media.
When you want to rip these songs back as mp3s, use a high bitrate ( I use 192k or 320k) to try to retain audio quality.
After all that, you should be able to run your script over the resultant mp3 files.
As a side note, have you checked out a nifty little freeware application called: "Fast MIS"?
The only method I have been using to get around the DRM thing is a cheapie program from the Ukraine, cost 15 bucks. It is called Sound Taxi and what it does is internally rerecord the the file and spits it out clean. Takes a little bit of time depending on the length but it works out great, at least for me.
Yeah there's something not so appealing about sending my credit card info over to Ukraine; I don't trust the business that goes down there, and I should know I'm from there. But mainly I don't want to spend the money.
I used PayPal, and it went through RegNow, no problems. You might want to try another program it is free, don't know too much about it but you can give it a go.
If you mean the Sound Taxi, no nothing is required. You just open the program and place the files you want converted. The program is basically for WMA files, as these are the ones that are uncopyable. It will convert to MP3 files. I have seen some other programs that work the same way by rerecording at a fast pace, but this one at least does it silently. The only thing recommended is that you do not play music while you are converting. I surf the net though while it is doing it, and it does two files at a time. I bought it because I dl audio books from my library and you used to be able to copy them to CD, but now some of the publishers have gotten poopy about it, so these WMA files would no longer transfer. Got this and can convert them all with no problems.
