Mono MP3 audio files play faster than you expect when you use a Media Center Extender device (896569)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Media Center Extender for Windows XP Media Center
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

SYMPTOMS

When you play a mono MP3 audio file by using a Microsoft Media Center Extender for Windows XP Media Center Edition device, the audio file plays faster than you expect. The file may play as much as two times as fast.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the mono MP3 audio file has an audio sample rate of 22 kilohertz (kHz). This problem does not occur with audio files that have an audio sample rate of 32 kHz or more.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, you can use the Windows Media Encoder 9 Series to re-encode the affected MP3 audio files into the Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. These re-encoded audio files will then play correctly through the Media Center Extender device.

To obtain Windows Media Encoder 9 Series, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

To re-encode the MP3 audio files into the WMA format, follow these steps:
  1. Start Windows Media Encoder.
  2. On the Windows Media Encoder toolbar, click New Session.
  3. Click Convert a file, and then click OK.
  4. Click Browse, locate the MP3 audio file to use as the source file, and then click Open.
  5. Click Browse, locate where you want to save the converted file, type a name for the file, and then click Save.
  6. Click Next.
  7. Click File download (computer playback), and then click Next.
  8. On the Audio list, click either High definition quality audio (VBR) or CD quality audio (VBR).
  9. Click Finish. Depending on the size of the original file, conversion into a WMA file may take a long time.
  10. After the conversion has completed, click Close.
  11. Save the session file, and then quit Windows Media Encoder.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

Technical support for Media Center

Because Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition was included with your hardware device or system, the hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for this software. Your manufacturer may have customized the installation with unique components such as specific device drivers and optional settings to maximize the performance of that manufacturer's hardware. If you require technical help with Windows XP Media Center Edition, contact your manufacturer directly because the manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that the manufacturer has installed on the hardware.

You can also visit the Windows XP Media Center Edition product information Web site at the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/17/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB896569 kbAudEndUser kbAudOEM
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.