I have placed a dozen MP3 files in my shared folder, but I have some questions:

1. Why don't they show up in a search?
2. How does the system know the artist?
3. Should I type in the name of the artist in the filename?
4. How does the system know the genre?

Thanks for helping a new member.

1. As far as I know, LW is configured so that your own files don't show up in the search results. It would be a bit silly to dwnld from yourself & would also waste a search's energy to incorporate it.
2. Search results can pick up on mp3 tags which can list artist, album, year, album title no., more specific details about the latter, etc. These details are usually added at the time of encoding into mp3. However, you can edit mp3 tags at any time should you have an mp3 encoder with a tag editor/ mp3 tag editor app. I often re-edit the tag info to change incorrect details or add more.
3. It's up to you whether you want to add the artist's name with the title. Some people do it. However, I'd suggest to get a hold of an mp3 tag editor. This will solve all your questions.
4. As above, this is mp3 id tag info.

Keep in mind there's lots of mp3's offered with incorrect/inaccurate info. It annoys the heck out of everybody b/c these fils show up in the wrong search results.

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't know MP3 files had tags.

I don't have an mp3 encoder with a tag editor/ mp3 tag editor app. Can you recommend one, and where to find it? I've been using RealPlayer to rip CDs, just for my own use.

Thanx
HD

If you were on a mac I'd highly recommend MP3 Rage. For Windows I don't know. I'd suggest you do a google search for 'mp3 tag editor'. I did one & came up with an extremely large list too numerous to list here. Some of these might be free but you'll have to check.
http://www.google.com.au/search?q=mp...e+Search&meta=

Actually I have a question for you. Can RealPlayer convert different audio formats (other than to mp3) such as mp3 to wav or any other format? How many conversion options does it have?

Well, I learned something from your question. Here is the Help entry:

"Convert Media, a Premium feature, allows you to change the format and quality level of the media files associated with your media clips. You can convert audio media from any supported format (except secure formats) into MP3, RealAudio, and Wave formats."

I have not bought the Premium upgrade, but I see that it does permit a user to change the clip info on an existing MP3 file, as well as when converting from another format.

So there we have it. All I need to do is upgrade. Off to the bank!

Thanks
HD

You might want to invetigate some of the mp3 tag editors 1st. Some might be for free & some might be able to add more types of info than RealPlayer (but I don't know.) Some can do more than others! Glad I was of help to you anyway & thanks for filling me in about RealPlayer.

Well, I upgraded my Real Player...so now I have more questions

In clip editing, I have the option of adding an ID3V1 tag and/or ID3V2 tag. Or just transfer "clip information"

Can you tell me what these mean, and how they differ?

Personally I'd add a ID3V2 tag. (Not knowing the softwares advanced features I'm not sure what it means by "just" transfer the details. I'd need to use it & experiment to tell you.) I can tell you that ID3V2.40 is the most recent tag available with the software I have. Yes there is a tag that refers to clip info. but that's different. That type of tag on my software has options of either v. 1.0/1.1 & generally reverts back to 1.0 even when I set it to 1.1. I believe that it ofers 2 types of tags for max compatibility. So if possible include both. Not all mp3 players available at present are capable of recognising all types & versions of tags. The more advanced version it is, the more details it can contain. Hope this is helpful, though I know I didn't say it very clearly.