Replay Radio 7.0 and Replay A/V Guide

Set Up

Overview
Setting up Replay Radio and Replay A/V
Setting up your Firewall
Configuring the CD Burner

How To

Recording Video and Audio Streams
Recording a Radio or TV Show
Recording iTunes Radio Stations
Downloading Podcasts
Recording Sirius Radio Online
Recording XM Radio Online
Recording XM Radio via a Cable or XM PCR
Recording from an External Audio Source (like a Radio)
How to Use Quick Audio Record
Editing a Scheduled Show
Deleting a Scheduled Show
Duplicating a Scheduled Show
Continuously Recording a Station
Organizing Shows
Playing and Deleting Recorded Shows
Recording a Listed Show Immediately
Tuning to a Show Immediately
Closing Replay Radio and Replay A/V

Advanced Options

iTunes Tricks and Hints
Keyboard Shortcuts
Copying Recordings to your iPod
Syncing to other MP3 Players
Troubleshooting using the Log
Customizing Recording File Names
Keeping Your PC Clock Accurate
Custom Conversion Options

Reference

Setting Show Recording Options
Main Settings
Burn/Copy Playlists

Troubleshooting

• FAQ and Troubleshooter for Replay Radio and Replay A/V
• No audio in your Audio recordings? Click here for help
• Realtek audio configuration settings

Overview

Replay Radio and Replay A/V are easy and powerful ways to record Audio and Video broadcast over the Internet. You can capture all kinds of Web-based Radio and TV programs, either live or by a schedule.

Replay Radio and Replay A/V can capture a variety of multimedia, including:

• Broadcast Radio stations streamed over the internet.
• Internet TV and Video clips. (Replay A/V only)
• Podcasts.
• XM radio (via online or a hardware interface)
• Audio from an AM/FM radio or any external device attached to the mic or line-in input on your PC.

Replay A/V is an evolution from Replay Radio. Replay A/V is different for two reasons:

1. Replay A/V can capture both streaming audio and video.
2. Replay A/V has a "stream capture" option which records directly from the network source. This means that you can record multiple radio stations simultaneously, and get perfect audio and video reproduction.

Stream Capture and Audio Recording methods

Replay A/V has two main ways to record: as a Stream Capture Download, or as Audio Recording. Replay Radio uses only Audio Recording. Stream Capture Download grabs audio and video directly from the internet source. This method offers perfect reproduction, doesn't require any sound card setup, and lets you record multiple audio and video feeds at the same time. However, some internet audio cannot be recorded via this method, and for those cases, the Audio Recording method captures audio that plays over your PC's speakers.

Supported Formats

Windows Media, Real, MPEG, MP3, and some Flash Video formats are all supported by Stream Capture. The Audio Record methods can capture ANY audio format, even ones not yet invented. Files are saved in their original format, or converted to MP3, OGG, WMA, M4B (iPod bookmarkable) and more.

Thousands of Shows and Stations to Record

Picking shows to record is easy with the built-in Media Guide. Thousands of shows and stations are listed, with more being added every day. Plus, the URL Finder makes it easy to find the audio feed for any shows not listed in the guide.

Replay Radio and Replay A/V are really simple to use -- here's how the main screen appears:

The rest of this User Guide describes specific features of Replay Radio and Replay A/V. Dive in and enjoy!

Back to Top

Setting Up Replay Radio and Replay A/V

Before using Replay Radio and Replay A/V, you'll need to configure it with some basic information. When you first use the software, you'll see the Folders screen, which lets you specify locations for recordings and temporary files:

The various settings are:

• Save output files to this folder: Choose a folder or even create a new folder into which you will save all your recordings. Click the Browse button to pick your folder.
  
• Temporary Files Folder: This should be located on a drive that has lots of free space. Replay Radio and Replay A/V sometimes captures uncompressed audio, and then converts it to MP3s. Uncompressed audio can be as large as 4 Gig, depending upon the length of your recording.
  

When you've finished with this screen, click Next. The Connections screen appears:

If you use a dial-up connection, or if you access the Web via a proxy server, enter this information here. Here's what these settings do:

• Connect Via default Dial-up Connection: If your PC is on a LAN, DSL or Cable Modem, leave this unchecked. Otherwise, Replay Radio and Replay A/V will use the default dial-up connection to connect to the Internet before recording the show.
• Test Default Dial-up Connection: This lets you test the dial-up connection to be sure it is working properly.
• Internet Connections use a Proxy Server: If you connect to the Net using a proxy server, enter this data here. Replay Radio and Replay A/V use Internet connections to download up-to-date program schedules and station lists.

Click Finish. Finally, if you're going to be using the Audio Record Method, you can test the various lines available for your sound card. The Audio Recording Method Test screen appears:

Click Begin Audio Recording Test to test the various lines for the selected Sound Card. Click Done when the test is finished, or if you want to skip the test.

Congratulations! Replay Radio and Replay A/V are all set up and ready to go.

For advanced configuration options, click the Settings button.

Back to Top

Setting up Your Firewall

When you use Replay Radio or Replay A/V, it needs access to the Web to do various tasks. Often times, your firewall may not allow Replay Radio or Replay A/V access. Here's how to configure two of the most popular firewall solutions, Windows Firewall and Zone Alarm.

Note: Make sure Replay Tuner (Tuner.exe), and Replay Guide (Guide.exe) are also allowed access.

Windows Firewall:

1. Open Windows Firewall. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, then Network Connections.
   
   
   
   
2. Next, choose Change Windows Firewall Settings. Windows Firewall appears.
3. Click the Exceptions tab. The screen below appears:
   
   
   
   
4. Click Add Program, and then select Replay Radio or Replay A/V from the list. Your will see this screen:
   
   
   
   
5. Click OK. Replay Radio or Replay A/V will now be able to access the Web.

For Zone Alarm:

1. Open Zone Alarm, and click the program Control Tab.
2. Locate Replay Radio or Replay A/V. If Replay Radio or Replay A/V is blocked, you'll see red Xs next to it as shown here:
   
   
   
   
3. Click each X, and select Allow. When you're done, your screen should look like this:
   
   
   
   
   

Back to Top

Configuring the CD Burner

If you plan to have Replay Radio or Replay A/V make CDs, you should be sure to set up the CD Burner properly.

1. From the main Replay Radio or Replay A/V display, select Main Settings, Other. The Other Settings dialog appears:
   
   
   
   
2. Click Setup CD Burner. The CD Burner Setup dialog appears:
   
   
   
   
3. The CD drive should appear. Set the proper write speed for the media you want to use.
4. Select any other Write CD Options as they pertain to your system.
5. Click OK.

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. CD-R discs will generally give better results than CD-RW discs, especially with older CD players.
2. Ensure the write speed is within range for the disc you are using. For example, if your discs are rated at 24x, make sure the CD Burner is configured for 24x or less.

Please read the CD Burning Guide before creating audio CDs to learn more and avoid some of the potential pitfalls of creating audio CDs.

Back to Top

Recording Video and Audio Streams

Using the URL Finder is a powerful way to record audio and video feeds or clips. Plus, you can use it to locate URLs of stations not listed in the Replay Media Guide. Once you locate the URL of an audio or video feed, you can record it right away, or schedule it for capture later.

All you need to do is play the media, and then let Replay Radio or Replay A/V find the URL to record now or later.

To use the URL Finder to record Audio or Video feeds:

1. Open Replay Radio or Replay A/V, and click the URL Finder button. The URL Finder appears.
   
   
   
   
2. Using your browser (or any other program), start playing the audio or video you want to capture. As the media plays, all audio and video URLS are added to the URL finder, with the most recent one at the top of the list. Here's an example from MSN Video:
   
   
   
3. Pick the URL, and click Add Selection as New Show. You'll see something like this:
   
   
   
   
4. If you want to capture this clip right now, click Record Now, and then OK. Recording will start in a few seconds.
5. To schedule this feed to be recorded later, click the Schedule tab.

Back to Top

Recording a Radio or TV Show

Recording shows broadcast over the Internet is as easy as picking a show from the Replay Media Guide. In this example, we'll record a radio show. Here's how to do it:

1. Click the Media Guide button. The Guide appears:
   
   
   
   
2. Choose Shows, Stations, Podcasts or TV. Shows and Stations refer to radio stations broadcast over the internet. Podcasts are a type of downloadable radio show, which will automatically place a new show on your PC when it becomes available. Use the TV link to locate online TV stations.
   
   In this example, let's click Shows from the top of the Guide to locate a particular radio show to record. The Find Show screen appears:
   
   
   
   
3. In this example, we'll look for the "Car Talk" radio show. Enter a show name to locate, then click Find Show. The results of your search appear like this:
   
   
   
   
4. Click the symbol to add the show to your recordings list. (If you want to learn more about the show, click the symbol.) The new show (Car Talk) appears in Replay Radio or Replay A/V, with the proper schedule and tuning settings, as shown here:
   
   
   
   
5. Click OK to add it to the list of shows.

Once you've added a show, you can fine-tune the various recording options by double-clicking the show (see Show Recording Options).

Back to Top

Recording iTunes Radio Stations

iTunes has a decent list of radio stations, which you can record to your iPod and listen to on-the-go. It's easy to do, and a great way to get more out of iTunes. (This requires Replay A/V 7.06 or later). Here's how to do it:

1. Open iTunes, and click the Radio tab. The Radio Stations list appears as shown:
   
   
   
   
2. In this example, we'll add Beatles-A-Rama to Replay A/V to record. Simply drag the radio station over the Replay A/V main window, and release the mouse button. The station appears ready to record as follows:
   
   
   
   
3. To have songs added automatically to iTunes, click the Output tab, and tick Add to iTunes.
4. To begin recording right away, from the Basic tab click Record Now. Or, go to the Schedule tab to schedule a recording session later.
5. Click OK when you're done.

Replay A/V Note: One of the cool things about recording iTunes (and other Shoutcast-style stations) is that Replay A/V will automatically create a new MP3 file whenever a song changes. In addition, it will tag the MP3 files with the artist and song title, so you can see what song is playing while you listen. If you set up a playlist in iTunes, you'll be able to skip over songs you don't like, or replay songs you enjoy. There's never been a better way to listen to the radio!

Here's what our Beatles-a-Rama recording session produced:

Back to Top

Downloading Podcasts

A Podcast is a downloadable radio or TV show which can automatically be placed on your PC, MP3 Player or iPod. You can "subscribe" to podcasts, whereby each new show is downloaded automatically when it becomes available, or you can simply download individual episodes. There are currently 48551 Podcasts available in the Replay Media Guide.

The easiest way to subscribe to Podcasts or download individual show episodes is from the Replay Media Guide as follows:

1. Click the Guide button. The Guide appears:
   
   
   
   
2. Choose Podcasts. The Find Podcast screen appears:
   
   
   
   
3. In this example, we'll look for the "Engadget" Podcast. Enter the Podcast name to locate, then click Find Podcast. The results of your search appear like this:
   
   
   
   
4. Click the symbol to add the show to your recordings list. (If you want to learn more about the show, click the symbol.) The new show (Engadget) appears in Replay Radio or Replay A/V, as shown here:
   
   
   
   
   
5. You can click the Schedule tab to determine when to check for new Podcasts for this show. (Note that Settings also has a Podcast schedule option which will check for ALL your subscribed Podcasts.)
6. Click OK to add the Podcast to your recording list.

Once you've added a Podcast, you can fine-tune the time it's recorded, the final output format, and whether to add it automatically to iTunes by double-clicking the show (see Show Recording Options).

Back to Top

Entering a Podcast Manually

If the Podcast doesn't appear in the Replay Media Guide, you can enter the RSS XML Feed as follows:

1. In Replay Radio or Replay A/V, click the Media Guide button. The Guide appears.
2. Select Podcasts.
3. Select Enter XML. The Guide appears like this:
   
   
   
   
4. Enter the RSS/XML feed URL of the Podcast. (On some sites, you'll see . Right click this, and choose Copy Shortcut, and then Paste it into the Podcast Feed URL input field.)
5. Click the Submit button.
6. The Podcast is entered into the Replay Media Guide. The Guide shows the new show.
7. If you enter a category, this is used by the Guide as well.
8. Click the button to add it to your shows list.

Updating Podcasts

When you subscribe to a Podcast, Replay Radio or Replay A/V automatically checks for new Podcasts periodically. You can determine when these checks occur by double-clicking on a Podcast in your list of shows, and selecting the Schedule tab.

To force a download of all new Podcasts:

1. Open Replay Radio or Replay A/V.
2. Click the Update button.

Downloading Individual Episodes

Sometimes, you might just want to download an individual show, and not an entire series of Podcasts. Here's how to do it:

1. Find the Podcast.
2. Click the button to see more information about the Podcast.
3. When viewing the Podcast, you'll see summaries of the most recent episodes. Click the button to download the episode to your PC right away.
   
4. If you have iTunes, click   to load the show straight into iTunes.

Removing Episodes from the List

Hint: After you have downloaded one or more episodes, you can remove them from your list of shows as follows:

1. Click the Options button.
2. Click Remove Downloaded Podcast Shows from List.

This doesn't delete any files, but does remove them from the list view.

Making Shows "Bookmarkable" on the iPod

When listening to long Talk Shows, you might want to pause the show and resume listening at the same place where you left off. Enabling this feature on the iPod requires converting MP3 files to a "bookmarkable AAC" format. You can have Replay Radio or Replay A/V do this automatically with subscribed shows as follows:

1. Subscribe to a show using the Replay Media Guide.
2. Double click the show from the shows list in Replay Radio or Replay A/V.
3. Click the Output tab.
4. Next to "After Recording, Convert to" choose AAC (iPod Bookmarkable).

Hint: See iTunes Tricks and Hints for more great suggestions on managing Podcasts.

Back to Top

Recording Sirius Radio Online

Replay Radio or Replay A/V can capture Sirius radio broadcasts from the online streaming feeds made available to every Sirius Radio subscriber. All you need is a valid Sirius subscription (not a free three day pass).

If you're not scheduling a recording, simply tune to the Sirius station, and use the Quick Record feature to begin recording.

To schedule a recording from Sirius Online:

1. Click the Manual Add button.
2. The Edit Show dialog appears with a blank show:
   
   
   
   
3. Select Capture by Recording Audio Output.
4. Change the Type to Sirius Online. The Edit Show screen changes to this:
   
   
   
   
5. Enter the Sirius Channel to record.
6. Enter your Sirius Online Login and Online Password. (Once you enter these, they are saved for future recordings.) The password can be up to 11 characters.
7. Enter the Name of Show.
8. Set the Audio Recording Method: choose Stereo Mix, Wave, Wave Out Mix, or What U Hear as the Recording Source. (If you've installed the Enhanced Sound Card Driver option, you should choose Enhanced Sound Card Driver instead.)
9. Click the Schedule tab. Enter the time and days to record.
   
   
   
   
10. Click OK.

The rest of the options are just like recording any other streaming broadcast. (See Setting Show Recording Options and Recording a Broadcast Radio Show for more details.)

Notes on Recording Sirius:

• Not all Sirius Channels are available for online listening. Make sure the channel you want is available by visiting the online player from Sirius.com.
• A paid subscription to Sirius is required.
• Tuning to Sirius stations requires Replay Radio or Replay A/V to have complete control of the keyboard. If you're typing when a scheduled Sirius recording starts, just wait 15 seconds until the Sirius station has started tuning before continuing to use your PC.

Back to Top

Recording XM Radio Online

Replay Radio or Replay A/V can capture XM radio broadcasts from the online streaming feeds made available to every XM Radio subscriber. No external hardware is needed!

Here's how to schedule a recording from the XM Radio Online:

1. Click the Manual Add button.
2. The Edit Show dialog appears with a blank show:
   
   
   
   
3. Select Capture by Recording Audio Output.
4. Change the Type to XM Online. The Edit Show screen changes to this:
   
   
   
   
5. Enter the XM Channel to record.
6. Enter your XM Online Login and Online Password. (Once you enter these, they are saved for future recordings.) The password can be up to 11 characters.
7. Enter the Name of Show.
8. Set the Audio Recording Method: choose Stereo Mix, Wave, Wave Out Mix, or What U Hear as the Recording Source. (If you've installed the Enhanced Sound Card Driver option, you should choose Enhanced Sound Card Driver instead.)
9. Click the Schedule tab. Enter the time and days to record.
   
   
   
   
10. Click OK.

The rest of the options are just like recording any other streaming broadcast. (See Setting Show Recording Options and Recording a Broadcast Radio Show for more details.)

Back to Top

Recording XM Radio via a Cable or XM PCR

Before recording, you'll need to ensure you have the proper equipment. See the XM Recording Guide here for details.

To record XM Radio via a cable:

1. Click the Manual Add button. The Edit Show dialog appears with a blank show:
   
   
   
   
2. Select Capture by Recording Audio Output.
3. Change the Type to XM Hardware. The Edit Show screen changes to this:
   
   
   
   
4. Set the Audio Recording Method: choose Line In as the Recording Source. (If you attached the RCA Stereo Cable to the Mic port, then choose Mic.)
5. Enter the Name of Show.
6. Enter the XM Channel to record.
7. Click the Schedule tab. Enter the time and days to record.
   
   
   
   
8. Click OK.

Back to Top

Recording from an External Audio Source (like a Radio)

In addition to recording over the Internet, you can record any other audio sources your PC accepts, including the Line In or Microphone jack on your PC's sound card, CD Players, Video tuners and more.

If you have a device like a radio or police scanner attached to your PC, you'll need a dual male headphone adapter as shown here:

This adapter is available at Radio Shack for about $4. Look for the following on the package: Part #42-2497 Stereo Audio Cable 1/8" stereo mini plug to 1/8" stereo mini plug For connecting audio components to a computer's sound card

Before connecting the adapter, check to be sure you get sound out of the microphone or line-in input. Often times Windows is not set up properly for this by default. You can check this by opening Sound Recorder from Start, Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, and then recording something.

Configuring Windows for Recording from External Audio Sources

To record, you need to make sure Microphone or Line In recording is selected using the Windows Volume control. Here's how to set it up properly:

1. Double-click on the speaker icon on the task bar tray.
   
   OR
   
   If there is no icon, select Start, Settings, Control Panel. Click Sounds and Audio Devices (or Sounds and Multimedia). Then click the Audio tab, then click the Volume button under Sound Recording.
   
   This opens the Windows Volume Control.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click Options, Properties, Adjust Volume for Recording.
   This makes the recording inputs appear.
   
   
   
   
3. Be sure Microphone and Line In are checked to display these inputs.
   (Some PCs may not have a Line In control, in which case just Microphone will appear.)
4. Click OK.
   The Recording Control dialog appears.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Depending upon your version of Windows, make sure that the Select box for both Microphone and Line-In are checked, and make sure that Mute is unchecked.
6. Close the Windows Volume Control.

Note: When you record in this manner, be sure to select the proper Audio Recording Method when adding a new show to record.

Back to Top

How to Use Quick Audio Record

Sometimes you may want to record what's playing through the PC speakers without scheduling a show or tuning -- this is known as Quick Record.

To start a Quick Record:

1. Select Quick Record from the main screen. The Quick Record dialog appears:
   
   
   
   
2. Enter the Name of Show as you want the MP3 or WAV file to appear.
   (The show will be saved with the date added to the name of the show, for example "My Show" will be saved as "My Show Aug 10.mp3".)
3. Set the duration for recording by entering Hours and Minutes in the Record for input.
4. Set an Audio Recording Method (click here for details).
5. You can also set Output, Splitting, and Audio Options, just like you do for a scheduled recording.
6. Click OK. Recording commences shortly, and the Quick Record button changes to "Stop Quick Record".

To stop recording, click the Stop Quick Record button.

Note: If you're using the Enhanced Sound Card Driver option to record, you must start Quick Record BEFORE opening whatever program is going to play the audio.

Back to Top

Editing a Scheduled Show

You can change or adjust recording settings for each scheduled show easily. Here's how:

1. Double-click on the show to change.
2. Make your modifications, then click OK.

See Setting Show Recording Options for details on the various options.

You can also right-click on a show, then choose Edit from the menu to change recording settings.

Back to Top

Deleting a Scheduled Show

To delete a show:

1. Right click on the show to delete.
   
   OR
   Click the show to delete and then click the Options button.
   
2. Select Delete from the pop-up menu.
3. Click OK when asked to confirm.

The show is removed from the schedule. The recordings from that show still remain on your PC.

Back to Top

Duplicating a Scheduled Show

Sometimes you may want to make a duplicate copy of a show, and modify it slightly to make a new show.

Here's how to create a duplicate show:

1. Right click on the show to duplicate.
   
   OR
   Click the show to duplicate and then click the Options button.
   
2. Select Duplicate from the pop-up menu.
3. You'll see a duplicate show at the bottom of the list. Double click it to change it.

Important: The new show will have the same scheduled time as the original show, so you will need to change the scheduled time.

Back to Top

Continuously Recording a Station

Replay A/V makes it easy to continuously record a station 24 hours a day. (This operation is not recommended for use with Replay Radio.)

Here's how to continuously record:

1. Double-click on the show/station to continuously record.
2. Click the Schedule tab.
3. Click the Set Continuous Recording button.

Continuous recording works by setting the schedule to record from midnight to midnight 7 days per week. It it highly recommended to also set up Splits (click the Splitting tab) to that your recordings are broken up into smaller pieces.

Back to Top

Organizing Shows

You can change the order which your scheduled shows appear on the main screen, either by sorting shows, or rearranging them manually. Here's how the main screen appears again:

To sort shows:

• Click the Name, Status/Last Recording or Next Recording heading in the list of shows.

To rearrange the order of shows:

• Click a show, and then click the Move Up or Move Down buttons, or press the Shift + Up or Shift + Down keyboard combinations. The selected show changes position.

Back to Top

Playing and Deleting Recorded Shows

To see all the shows you've recorded and play them or delete them:

1. Click the show to Play or Delete.
2. Click the View button. Windows File Explorer appears, displaying the folder where your recordings have been saved.
3. Double-click a file to play it. Right-click a file and choose Delete to delete it.

Back to Top

Recording a Listed Show Immediately

Sometimes you may just want to record a radio station that appears in your schedule manually.

Here's how to start recording a scheduled show immediately:

1. Right click the show to record.
2. Click Start Record/Download from the pop-up menu.
3. When you want to stop recording, right click the show again, and click Stop Record/Download from the pop-up menu.
4. Answer Yes when you are asked "Would you like to save the current recording?"

Back to Top

Tuning to a Show Immediately

Sometimes you may just want to listen or watch a preset show or station without recording. To do this:

1. Right-click the show to listen to.
2. Click Tune to Station from the pop-up menu.
   

Back to Top

Closing Replay Radio or Replay A/V

To close the program, click the X button at the top right in Replay Radio or Replay A/V.

Important: Once you close Replay Radio or Replay A/V, your scheduled recordings won't occur until you restart Replay Radio or Replay A/V.

Back to Top

Troubleshooting using the Log

If you have trouble recording, the View Log button will show you all of the activity in Replay Radio or Replay A/V. This may help in diagnosing some errors.

The Log is saved as the file log.txt in the Replay Radio or Replay A/V program files folder (usually c:\program files\Replay AV). If you're sending a support request, attaching the Log file to your email helps the support technicians diagnose your problem.

You can also see a recording log of an individual show by opening the log.txt file in the folder where the show's recordings are saved.

Back to Top

Customizing Recording File Names

You can specify how you want the names of recorded files to appear. By default, a show named "My Show" saved as an MP3 file on December 1 will be named "My Show Dec 1.mp3". However, you can change this using the File naming format string in Settings, Other.

Here are the various symbol options and what they mean:

%%s - This is the name of the show, and must be present.
%a - Abbreviated weekday name.
%A - Full weekday name.
%b - Abbreviated month name.
%B - Full month name.
%c - Date and time representation appropriate for locale.
%d - Day of month as decimal number (01 – 31).
%H - Hour in 24-hour format (00 – 23).
%I - Hour in 12-hour format (01 – 12).
%j - Day of year as decimal number (001 – 366).
%m - Month as decimal number (01 – 12).
%M - Minute as decimal number (00 – 59).
%p - Current locale’s A.M./P.M. indicator for 12-hour clock.
%S - Second as decimal number (00 – 59).
%U - Week of year as decimal number, with Sunday as first day of week (00 – 53).
%w - Weekday as decimal number (0 – 6; Sunday is 0).
%W - Week of year as decimal number, with Monday as first day of week (00 – 53).
%x - Date representation for current locale.
%X - Time representation for current locale.
%y - Year without century, as decimal number (00 – 99).
%Y - Year with century, as decimal number.
%z - Time-zone name or abbreviation; no characters if time zone is unknown.
%#c - Long date and time representation, appropriate for current locale.
%#x - Long date representation, appropriate for current locale.

Use the # character to remove any leading zeroes, as in any of the following:

%#d, %#H, %#I, %#j, %#m, %#M, %#S, %#U, %#w, %#W, %#y, %#Y

The characters / ? : * \ cannot be used anywhere in the format string. Any other characters that appear are presented as-is.

Examples:

The default format string is:
%%s %b %#d

The above default string makes show names like "My Show Dec 1.mp3".

A format string like this:
%m-%d-%y %%s

Would make a show name like this: "12-01-03 My Show.mp3".

Note: Track numbers are always appended to the END of each show, before the .mp3 suffix. For example:
12-01-03 My Show - 01.mp3
12-01-03 My Show - 02.mp3
etc.

Back to Top

Keeping Your PC Clock Accurate

You can configure your Windows 2000 or XP system clock to synchronize with a government NIST time server, thereby ensuring your shows always record on time. Click here to read the NIST document for Windows 2000 .

For Windows XP, you can ensure your clock is synchronized as follows:

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel.
2. Choose Date and Time.
3. Click the Internet Time tab. The Internet Time dialog appears:
   
   
   
   
4. Make sure Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server is checked.
5. Choose a server. (The default should be fine.)
6. Click Update Now to set the correct time.
7. Click OK.

Back to Top

Custom Conversion Options

For Advanced Users Only!

With Replay Radio or Replay A/V, you have the ability to automatically convert recordings using any command line conversion utility you choose. The conversions are done after the recording has finished. Replay Radio or Replay A/V comes with a few built-in conversions already, and you can create your own as well. Here's how to do it:

1. Locate a "command line" utility that performs the conversion you'd like to add to Replay Radio or Replay A/V.
2. Make a .cnv file, or look at one of the ones in the Replay Radio or Replay A/V program files folder.
3. Fill in each line in the .cnv file.

Here's a sample CNV file used to convert from WAV to OGG Vorbis:

[Custom Conversion]
name=WAV to OGG
from=WAV
to=OGG
exe=audiocv.exe
cmd=audiocv.exe "%from" "%to"
fromext=wav
toext=ogg

Each line has a parameter that Replay Radio or Replay A/V reads to perform conversions. Here's what they are:

• name - The name of the conversion.
• from - The format you're converting from. This should be the same as appears in the Record to This Format selection in the Output tab for your scheduled shows (see here).
• to - The format name to appear as an After Recording, Convert to setting (see here).
• exe - The name of the command line converter EXE file. This EXE file must reside in the Replay Radio or Replay A/V program files folder.
• cmd - The command to pass to the conversion utility EXE file. In the command, you can have "%outfolder" as the output folder, "%from" as the full path name to the source file, "%to" as the full path name to the destination output file, "%name" as the name of the show, and "%episode" as the name and date of the show.
• fromext - The filename extension of the "from" file.
• toext - The filename extension of the destination output file.
  

Back to Top

Setting Show Recording Options

From the list of shows, double click any show, and you'll be presented with the following screens:

Basic Options

The available options here are:

• Name of Show: Enter the name of the show as you want it to appear in the list of shows. This name will also be used to name the output file.
• Capture by Recording Audio Output: Selecting this option makes Replay Radio or Replay A/V record by playing audio on your PC, and capturing the audio you hear. You can also record from the Mic or Line-In inputs using this method. When you select this, choose a suitable Audio Recording Method.
• Capture by Downloading: This method can be used to record without having to play audio through your PC's speakers. This option is typically used for podcasts or capturing streamed content directly from the network source.
• Type: The options here change depending upon whether you have selected Capture by Recording Audio Output or Capture by Downloading.
  
  For Capture by Recording Audio Output, the following options are present:
  
  • General Streaming Audio - Records a show by opening a mini-browser window that plays the show.
  • Window Media (Audio) - If the show is streamed using Windows Media Player, use this option, as a mini Windows Media Player tuner window will appear when recording the show. If the show is NOT a Windows Media stream, then you won't be able to record if you choose this option.
  • Real (Audio) - If the show is streamed using Real Player, use this option, as a mini Real Player tuner window will appear when recording the show. You must have Real Player installed on your computer in order to record Real audio streams. If the show is NOT a Real Player stream, then you won't be able to record if you choose this option.
  • External Input (Line In or Mic) - Use this option when recording from a device attached to your Line In or Mic port on your PC.
  • XM Online - Use this option to record from XM Online. You'll need to enter your XM Login and password, as well as the channel to record.
  • XM Hardware - If you have an XM PCR, or a hardware cable from Hybrid Mobile, select this option. Replay Radio or Replay A/V will be able to tune to the station to record before capturing the audio via the Line In port.
    

  For Capture by Downloading, the following options are available:

  • Stream Capture (Replay A/V only): This option records MP3, Windows Media and Real streams directly from the network source. This works for most (but not all) audio and video sources.
  • Podcast - If you're using Replay Radio or Replay A/V to record a Podcast, select this option. The URL field must have the RSS XML feed for the Podcast.
  • Link to File - If the show is available as a downloaded file, enter the URL for the file here. Note that very few shows will download directly. Unless the file has a .mp3 or .wma extension, you won't be able to download this, and will need to use one of the other recording methods.


• URL: The URL of the show to record. For most shows, entering this URL into your browser should start playing the show. For Podcasts, this is the RSS XML feed for the show.
• Audio Recording Method: Choose how the audio is to be recorded. This selection corresponds to recording inputs available on your Sound card. For recording Internet Radio, one of these options should be present: Stereo Mix, Wave Out Mix, Mix-record, All, What U Hear, Stereo Out or Wave. If you have installed the Enhanced Sound Card Driver option, "Enhanced Sound Card Driver" will appear at the top of this list. (See the Enhanced Sound Card Driver information page to learn more.)
• Test Methods: When you start an audio recording session, you need to pick an Audio Recording Method. Many sound cards have several different options. Use the Test Methods button to determine the best source for recording what you hear from your PC's speakers. (Note that the Enhanced Sound Card Driver option is not tested here.)
• Record Now: Check this to immediately start recording once you click OK.
• Is an Archive (Don't Retune Automatically): If you're recording an archived show (and not a live stream), check this option. Normally, when recording, if no more data is detected, Replay Radio and Replay A/V assume that the live feed needs to be tuned again. For archived shows where the feed ends, checking this option prevents tuning into the same feed again. (Version 7.01 and later only.)

Advanced Feature: You can make a specific program load a URL to play by entering the full path name and command line into the URL field. For example, entering this into the URL field forces Windows Media Player to play a stream:

"C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe" "mms://66.250.188.10/KGO_AM"

Schedule Options

This screen lets you determine the recording schedule for the show.

• Start Recording At: Choose the time (your local time) when you want to start recording.
• End Recording At: Choose the time when you want to stop recording.
• Unscheduled: Keeps the show in your list, but doesn't automatically record it.
• Record Once On: Pick this if you are recording a show that is broadcast only once.
• Repeating: Choose which days to record the show.
• Today: Quickly set recording just for today (version 7.14 and later).
• Weekdays, Weekends, All, None: These buttons make it easy to select multiple days to record shows.

Output Options

This screen lets you decide how to output the show. Your choices are:

• Record to this Format: Choose how the show is recorded initially. The choices listed depend upon the Capture and Type selections in the Basic screen. Usually MP3 and WAV will be present.
• After Recording, Convert to: Replay Radio or Replay A/V comes with a variety of post-processing converters. The selections shown depend upon what is selected in the Record to this Format field. These conversions take place after the recording has completed.
• Don't Delete Original File After Converting: Normally, once a conversion has finished, Replay Radio or Replay A/V will delete the original. For example, if you're converting from WAV to MP3, the WAV file will be deleted once the MP3 has been created. Check this option to keep the original file as well.
• Make Audio CD: If you are making WAV files, then you can burn them to an Audio CD, which will play in most Car CD Players. Audio CDs have a maximum of 74 minutes (some can hold up to 80 minutes). If you've selected this option, make sure you have configured the CD Burner (see Setup CD Burner).
• Make Data CD: This is handy if you have an MP3 capable CD player. MP3 files are burned to a "Data CD", which holds up to 650 Meg.
• Setup CD Burner: You will likely need to configure Replay Radio or Replay A/V's CD Burner once before making Audio or Data CDs. Click this button to do the setup.
• Global Stream Capture MP3 Conversion Settings (Replay A/V 7.04 or later only): If you've set the Output option to Stream Capture as MP3, click this button to determine how the MP3 files will be created. You can set the bit rate, and other parameters. Note that this sets parameters for ALL Stream Capture as MP3 recordings.
• Add to iTunes Library: If iTunes is present on your PC, this will automatically add the recorded track to iTunes.
• Overwrite Last Recording: This is used when you want a single copy of a recurring show. For example, if you're recording the daily news, you might use this. The show file name does not include the date when you use this option.
• Delete Shows Over __ Days Old: This option enables Replay Radio or Replay A/V to automatically delete shows older than a specified number of days.
• Maximum number of shows to download: For Podcasts or other downloadable shows, use this option to limit the number of shows downloaded.

Splitting Options

Recorded shows can be split into smaller files in various ways:

• Create New Track after: Automatically makes separate MP3 files or CD tracks after a period of silence. This is handy for recording commercial free radio or other playlists. (Note that this is not available for Podcast or Stream Capture recordings.)
• Split tracks every: Makes a new track or MP3 file automatically after a period of time. This is useful for splitting long radio shows into smaller segments. For example, set this to 60 to make a separate file for each hour of your favorite show.
• Split Tracks at __ minutes after the hour: This lets you have track splits occur at particular times. For example, if you enter 0, 30 into these boxes, you will get 30 minute segments, starting at 0 minutes and 30 minutes after the hour. For example, if you enter "9' as a value, a split will occur at 12:09, even if the recording starts at 12:05.
• Split Shoutcast MP3 streams into individual songs (Replay A/V 7.06 or later only): If you're using Stream Capture to record a Shoutcast music radio station, tick this option to have songs tagged and extracted from the recorded stream.

Audio Options

When recording shows via the Audio Record method (not downloaded or Stream Capture ones), you have some extra features available:

• Compress Speech: This is used to record talk-oriented shows so that you can listen to more in less time, with no loss in comprehension.
• Mute Sound While Recording: Mutes the speaker while you are recording.
• Eliminate Dead Air: Removes periods of silence from the recording. (Works great for recording things like Police Scanners or stations that have silence instead of advertisements).
• Disable Automatic Retuning: Select this only if you're recording an archive. Automatic retuning reloads the internet audio feed if silence is detected for a long period of time. (This option is in version 7.0 only. The same function is available in the Basic tab as the "Is an Archive" option.)

Back to Top

Main Settings

To fully configure and fine-tune Replay Radio or Replay A/V, click the Main Settings button. The Settings dialog appears. Below are details on each section of the settings dialog:

Folders

Tell Replay Radio or Replay A/V where to save your recorded radio show files here.

• Save Output files to this folder: Pick a folder where your recorded shows are to be saved.
• Temporary Files Folder: This should be located on a drive that has lots of free space. In some rare cases, Replay Radio or Replay A/V captures uncompressed audio, and then converts it to MP3s. Uncompressed audio can be as large as 4 Gigabytes, depending upon the length of your recording.

Podcasts

You can have Replay Radio or Replay A/V check for new Podcasts at certain times of day or at regular intervals.

• Don't Automatically Check: Don't ever check for new Podcasts.
• Check at these times: Specify three different times per day when to check for new podcasts to download.
• Check every: Specify how often to check or new Podcasts.
• Also check when program starts: Looks for new Podcasts when you first open Replay Radio or Replay A/V.
• Automatically convert downloaded MP3s to AAC Bookmarkable: If you are listening using an iPod or iTunes, this will make Bookmarkable files. The great thing about this is you can stop listening, and when you resume listening you will start at the point where you were last. This is really handy for listening to long programs.

Tuning

For recording shows broadcast over the Internet using the Audio Record methods, you can specify how to tune them as follows:

• Start Connecting : Since it takes time to load the radio feed, as well as connect to the Internet, Replay Radio or Replay A/V starts the tuning process before the show is scheduled to start. This setting lets you decide how much time to allow for this process.
• Automatically Retune: If Replay Radio or Replay A/V detects a certain amount of silence, it assumes that the network connection has broken, and attempts to tune to the station again. You can set the amount of time before a retune occurs. Some Internet radio stations have periods of silence during commercial spots, so make sure you set this value high enough.
• Tune with Replay Tuner: Selecting this option uses Replay Tuner to tune to radio shows. This appears inside of a small window below the Replay Radio or Replay A/V program.
• Tune by Opening Browser: Select this option if you want Replay Radio or Replay A/V to open your browser for tuning to an Internet feed to record. Using this if you have trouble with the Replay Tuner.
• Stream Capture Time Out (Replay A/V only): Enter the number of seconds after which a stream capture is determined to have failed. If your stream captures are being split into many pieces automatically, or if they terminate early, try increasing this parameter.

Connections

If you are connecting to the Internet via a dial-up modem, or with a proxy server, you'll need to configure those settings here.

• Connect Via default Dial-up Connection: If your PC is on a LAN, DSL or Cable Modem, leave this unchecked. Otherwise, Replay Radio or Replay A/V will use the default dial-up connection to connect to the Internet before recording the show.
• Test Default Dial-up Connection: This lets you test the dial-up connection to be sure it is working properly.
• Internet Connections use a Proxy Server: If you connect to the Net using a proxy server, enter this data here. Replay Radio or Replay A/V uses Internet connections to download up-to-date program schedules and station lists.

Sound Mixer

Use these settings for reconfiguring Audio Method recordings.

• Sound Card Driver in Use: Select the active sound card driver to record from. Usually, Default works fine.
• Optimize Mixer Volume for Recording: Select this to have Replay Radio or Replay A/V automatically set the input volume to a middle level for each recording. If you have sound quality issues, you may want to uncheck this and set the values yourself. but this should work well on most PCs.
• Test Recording Sources: When you start a recording session, you need to pick a recording source. Many sound cards have several different options. Use the Test Recording Sources button to determine the best source for recording what you hear from your PC's speakers.
• Setup Windows Sound Mixer: Click this to select input and output devices and sound levels (advanced users only).

Sync

The Sync settings are used to copy your recorded files to a single folder on the PC, or for syncing to a USB-based MP3 player or other external drive.

• Copy all Finished Recordings to this PC Folder: When a recording has completed, a copy is made to this folder on your PC. Choose Browse to pick a folder. Choose View to view the contents of that folder.
• Sync Recordings to this Device Folder (if present): If the selected folder is present, files are also copied to this folder. This folder is also used for synchronizing between the Device and your PC.
• Sync Now: Make sure the contents of the PC folder are copied to the device folder, and removes any files on the device that are NOT in the PC folder.
• When Device Connects, Sync: If a new USB device is detected, a sync will occur Always, Never, or from a prompt (Ask Me). The Sync will occur only if the Device Folder is detected.
• Delete Files Over: When a sync occurs, any files older than the specified number of days will be deleted on both the PC folder and the device folder.

XM Hardware

If you have an XM PCR, or a hardware cable interface from Hybrid Mobile, you can record XM Satellite feeds once Replay Radio or Replay A/V is properly configured. The functions on this page help you test the XM HArdware connection.

• Check XM Hardware Interface: Click this button to ensure that Replay Radio or Replay A/V can talk to your XM receiver.
• Turn Off Radio: Turns off the XM Radio.
• Tune to Channel (Test): Lets you change the channel on your XM receiver.

Other

• File Naming Format: This lets you customize how Replay Radio or Replay A/V names recording files. (See Customizing Recording File Names for details.)
• Start Program when Windows starts: When you reboot your PC, Replay Radio or Replay A/V is automatically loaded if this option is checked. Since Replay Radio or Replay A/V needs to be running for a scheduled show to be recorded, this helps ensure you don't miss any shows.
• Run uPnP Server: If you have a uPnP device like a WiFi boom box or a Media Extender, it can play recordings from Replay Radio or Replay A/V. Check this option to start the uPnP server.
• Make m3u files playlist after recording (Replay Radio or Replay A/V 7.04 or later): If you're recording several tracks as MP3s, select this option to make a .m3u playlist for each recording session. M3U files can be played using Windows Media Player or Win Amp, and will play each track sequentially.
• Don't show warning when quitting: When you exit Replay Radio or Replay A/V, you normally get a warning message. Select this option to disable those messages.
• Run Conversions Faster: If this option is selected, conversions from one format to another will run faster, although other operations on your PC may run slower while conversions are taking place. (Version 7.14 and later only.)
• Setup CD Burner: Click this button to configure your CD Burner.
• Stream Capture MP3 Conversion Settings (Replay A/V 7.03 or later only): Click this to determine how Stream Capture as MP3 builds MP3 files. You can set bit rate and other settings. This also sets how MP3 files are created from the Burn/Copy option.

Back to Top

iTunes Tricks and Hints

If you're using iTunes to manage your downloaded MP3 files, here's some neat tricks:

Making Smart Playlists

Wouldn't it be cool if you could have any shows recorded by Replay Radio or Replay A/V automatically appear in their own playlist? Replay Radio or Replay A/V saves each recorded file with a Genre of "Replay AV", which makes it easy to do this. Here's how:

1. Open iTunes, and select File, New Smart Playlist from the menu.
2. Set the Genre to contain "Replay AV", as shown here:
   
   
   
   
3. Enter the name of the Playlist. Suggested names are "Replay AV" or "Podcast".

To make just new shows appear in a Playlist, add the following condition: PlayCount=0. The smart playlist screen appears like this:

For more tricks on managing Podcasts, see the Podcasts section.

Back to Top

Keyboard Shortcuts

For visually impaired users, commonly used functions in Replay Radio and Replay A/V can be triggered with these keyboard shortcuts:

• Alt+G: Open Media Guide.
• Alt+A: Add New Show.
• Alt+B: Open Burn/Copy dialog.
• Alt+O: Open Options dialog.
• Alt+Q: Open Quick Audio Record.
• Alt+S: Open Main Settings.
• Alt+T: Tune to selected station.
• Alt+U: Update Podcasts.
• Alt+F: Open URL Finder.
• Alt+V: View files recorded for the selected show.
• Alt+L: View the Recording Log.
• Shift+Up: Move the selected show up in the list.
• Shift+Down: Move the selected show down in the list.
• Alt+1 through Alt+9: Quickly tune to the show listed first, second, etc.
• F1: Open the User Guide.
• Enter: Edit the selected show.
• Alt+F4: Exit.

Note: These shortcuts only work in Replay Radio or Replay A/V version 7.05 and later.

Copying Recordings to your iPod

You can have your recordings automatically added to iTunes, which will have them copied to your iPod the next time you sync up. You can do this using either Quick Record or by scheduling a recorded show.

In iTunes and on the iPod, your recordings are tagged as follows: The Genre will always be "Replay A/V", and the Title will be the show as you've named it. This way, all your recordings are easily located as the top entry in your list of artists. This is also true for Podcasts.

To automatically add recordings to your iPod:

In Quick Record or Scheduled Shows, click the Output tab, and select Add to iTunes Library, as shown below:

Note: These options will only appear if Replay Radio or Replay A/V detects that iTunes is installed on your PC.

You can also transfer recordings to your iPod after they have been saved using the Burn/Copy function. (Click here for details.)

Back to Top

Syncing to other MP3 Players

With Replay Radio or Replay A/V, you can have all your recordings copied to a single folder on your PC, as well as sync them to any USB-based MP3 player. This is set up using the Sync option in the Settings menu.

If your MP3 Player attaches via a USB or Firewire connection, and can appear as a drive letter on your PC, then this option will work for you.

Here's how the Sync settings appear:

See the Sync Settings reference for details on how this option works.

Burn/Copy Playlists

The Burn/Copy button is the gateway to making CDs, copying tracks to iTunes, or just making a playlist for immediate listening. You can do these things using the Burn/Copy function as follows:

1. Select a show.
2. Click Burn/Copy. The Burn/Copy dialog appears:
   
   
   
   
3. Click files in the top pane to to add to your playlist on the bottom pane.
4. To remove a file from the playlist, just click it in the bottom pane.
5. When your playlist is complete, pick an operation: Play Playlist, Burn Audio CD, Burn Data CD, Copy to iTunes or Convert to MP3.
6. Click Exit when you're done.

Hint: Click View ALL if you want to make Playlists from shows in several different folders.

Back to Top

Legal Notices

MetaProducts Download Library™ is a copyrighted work of MetaProducts Corporation and is distributed by Applian Technologies, Inc. under license.