Library help

[ronial77]

I have some ac3 files in my library. These files have no tags so the library shows no info on the files. I tried to edit the info with the library editor but the info is erased after a while, plus I can't edit the length (time) column. Is there a way to fix this?

[Twilightseer]

Don't think ac3 is natively supported in the library, hence no info is displayed. I may be wrong though.

[DJ Egg]

If you're using a 3rd-party ac3 plugin, remove it, download/install the
AC3 DirectShow Filter,
then add ;AC3 to the extension list in the DirectShow Decoder config
(Prefs -> Plugins -> Input).

The Nullsoft DirectShow Decoder (in_dshow.dll) is coded to parse metadata correctly, whereas the 3rd-party plugin will need updating by the author.

You will now find that AC3 files are displayed under:
"Local Media" and "Local Media -> Video" (but not "Local Media -> Audio")
(even though they're audio, but at least they're now actually in the library).
When you right click the library entry & select "edit item information", you may need to uncheck "update tags if supported" (though I'm not 100% sure on this).

May I also suggest that you upgrade 2.9x to the latest Winamp 5.0 beta (or at least consider upgrading when 5.0 becomes final). Note: Winamp 5 is the natural upgrade from Winamp 2.x (built on the same core, unlike Winamp3).
Winamp 5.0 includes many extra enhanced library features, one being that it can send the exact library info to the playlist, so tags aren't essentially required.

[ronial77]

Tried it, DJ, made a total mess.
I sent you a private message (I hope it's no bother) If you didn't read it, here it is:

"I tried your advice (library help), but it made a mess.
I use Winamp 5 beta 1 (is it the latest?) with in_dshow v0.5
(spec: Win Me, PIII, directX 9) when I tried to play an ac3 file it played with double speed. I checked the file info and it had 2 filters:
1. ac3 Parser filter - when I double clicked it I got an error message : "Winamp caused error in oleaut32.dll..."
2. ac3 filter witch was the same as my Valex plugin I previously used with ac3 files (I think it was both input & output for ac3) - even though I removed it from Winamp.
I also use tke Nimo pack so I think I've already had an ac3 filter.
Can you help me?"

Since i written this message, I've found out that when I change the speaker settings to S.W\3.1 it plays fine (2.1 is too quick and 4.1 is too slow) bot it still can't read the file data right, and then I play another another ac3 file the settings goes back to 2.0 and the song plays in double speed again (maybe the problem is that I have a Stereo soundcard and 4.1 speakers?).
I also updated Winamp 5 to beta 2 but the problem remains.

[ronial77]

It's A total mess, I tried everything and it just doesn't work.
Every time where is a different problem.

[DJ Egg]

Works perfectly for me, with the AC3 DirectShow Filter, Winamp 5 Beta 2, and NO evil Nimo codec pack...

I guess you'll need to ask the author of the ac3 plugin for an update...

[ronial77]

I uninstalled the nimo pack. but it still plays in double speed and winamp still can't read the file data. I tried to adjust all the settings in filter's config but nothing helped.
It also loads a parser device as an ac3 filter. this device is used by acrobat reader and have nothing to do with music

[Twilightseer]

I usually use winamp only to preview (or pre-hear, better term) ac3 files, I'm using the ac3 plug-in and it works fine as well.

[ronial77]

The ac3 plugin works fine for me too. the problem is then I use the Winamp direct show plugin with an ac3 direct show filter as DJ Egg suggested (the filter was developed by the same company as the ac3 filter).