Questions related to storage media on which data can be stored such as hard disks, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and tapes. It can also used for questions about multimedia files, for example, combine sound, pictures, and videos, all of which are different types of media.
Questions tagged [media]
293 questions
191
votes
16 answers
My keyboard has no "media" keys; can I control media without them?
My USB keyboard does not have "media" keys -- that is, dedicated keys for play, stop, next, prev, volume up/down, etcetera.
For the sake of this question, I would prefer not to install additional software if I can avoid it.
Is it possible to issue…
Jeff Atwood
- 24,402
52
votes
15 answers
Does it make sense converting a file to a higher audio bitrate?
When a certain file (mp4, flv, etc) has a 95 kbps audio bitrate - does it make sense outputing to a higher bitrate when converting to mp3 or other format (be it lossy or not)?
Would this result in higher audio quality or just in a bigger…
user162573
27
votes
7 answers
How can I repair a broken AVI file?
I have an .avi file that is about 110mb. When I try to play it with VLC Media Player it says something like "This file is broken. Attempt to repair?" and after it does its thing it is still unable to play it.
Is there any other software out there…
Paolo Bergantino
- 3,129
21
votes
1 answer
What is naming convention for subtitle files?
I use VLC that automatically opens subtitles with same name as movie:
Movie: [Name].avi
Sutitles: [Name].srt
But i wonder how should i name subtitles if i have more than one.
kravemir
- 2,704
18
votes
13 answers
How to test your backups against medium degeneration?
Because most storage media degenerate over time (CD, DVD, harddisk, tape), it is very important to test your backups. Is there a way to monitor the condition of your backups?
I am looking for both hardware and software solutions, as well as…
Dimitri C.
- 2,342
16
votes
14 answers
What's the fastest way to transfer files between 2 computers?
Let's say that I have 80Gb of data to transfer from one computer to another. What's the fastest method to transfer that files?
Network transfer?
DVD Recording?
Copying in a pen drive?
Removing one HD and placing as secondary in the another PC and…
Click Ok
- 3,935
13
votes
19 answers
What application do you use to play and manage music on your computer?
What software do you use to play and manage music on your computer? Include a link if you can, so others may discover great software!
Please, one application per answer. That will allow the votes to bubble the most popular answer/application!
スーパーファミコン
- 5,009
12
votes
7 answers
Utility to optimally distribute files onto multiple DVDs?
I have a bunch of media files which I want to record to DVD, but since each DVD only fits 4.5GB, I have to find the optimal way to organize the files to use the minimum number of DVDs (otherwise the empty space left in each DVD can easily add up).…
Alex R
- 1,862
10
votes
2 answers
Long-term storage reliability of various media
I’m looking for a reference of statistics on long-term storage/archive reliability for various types of media. That is, I’m looking for information, comparisons, charts, graphs, test results, etc. on how long data can reliably be stored on as many…
Synetech
- 69,547
8
votes
3 answers
Using the same Windows 8 Upgrade installer on multiple PCs
As per the article How the new Windows 8 license terms affect you:
You may transfer the software to another computer that belongs to you. … You may not transfer the software to share licenses between computers.
But what if I have a bunch of PCs…
Karan
- 57,289
7
votes
4 answers
mp4 files in Windows Media Center
I have Windows 7 box acting as my media server using Windows Media Center. Trying to change to using mp4 files but Windows Media Center does not see the files, and therefore I can't play them using my media devices.
grom
- 155
6
votes
5 answers
How do you convert FLV file format to a format that Picasa recognizes (e.g. AVI, MPEG, WMV)?
I use one of the Firefox plugins for embedded video to download content from Youtube and other sites. The program downloads these videos in FLV format, and I have VLC Media Player to play them, which seems to be pretty highly recommended around…
NoCatharsis
- 3,235
6
votes
2 answers
Where is Blu-Ray on Linux
I'm considering picking up a Blu-ray drive for a PC that will be used as my home entertainment center, but ideally, I'd like to keep a Linux based OS.
Are there currently any players in the Linux world able to decode and play Blu-ray (preferably…
Matt Simmons
- 775
6
votes
2 answers
How to “one-click” delete a file that is currently playing on Media Player Classic
Is there a way to do it straight from MPC or could I create a separate program that would detect the file that is currently playing and delete it (I know it is possible to delete files while they are currently playing in MPC).
6
votes
4 answers
Command line video conversion tools
I'm looking into developing our video content platform and part of it includes a better way for our users to upload their video content (anything from dvds, flash video, dxid, wmv, etc..) and have it automatically converted, at the moment to…
Paul Dixon
- 163