[l008com]

One of the new features of iTunes 8.1 is the 'new' ability to import your CDs in "iTunes Plus" format. Isn't iTunes plus 256kbit aac without DRM? Thats been an option in itunes forever. Am I missing something here?

[TETENAL]

They renamed "AAC 256 kbit/s" to "iTunes Plus". Maybe it also turns on variable bit rate. I didn't check what the default was in iTunes 8.

[Hal Itosis]

Probably just to make life easy for regular folks (who don't have bit rates committed to memory).

[l008com]

OK but you always COULD use 256kbit aac with VBR, so how is this a 'new' feature?

[Maflynn]

its a new feature because it now rips CDs to the same bitrate as iTunes Plus by default. I think this a good move, because I for one don't have the bit rates memorized.

[64stang06]

I thought about that yesterday when I first read it from Apple. Basically, it appears that by default, it's now finally 256kbps, with VBR turned on and Channels set to 'Off'.

What I laugh at now though, is that the new iPod shuffle is reported to carry 1,000 songs, provided that they're imported at a bit rate of 128kbps. Ah, the irony.

[Mac User #001]

Originally Posted by 64stang06 

What I laugh at now though, is that the new iPod shuffle is reported to carry 1,000 songs, provided that they're imported at a bit rate of 128kbps. Ah, the irony.

Not really, because in iTunes with the new shuffle, you also have the ability to check a box which will convert all music to 128kbs before adding it to the shuffle.

[l008com]

For the record, isn't it true that a CD ripped to 256kbit then transcoded to 128 kbit, is going to be lower quality than a song ripped directly from CD to 128kbit?

[chabig]

Yes, but it doesn't matter. If it matters, then your expectation for the Shuffle are probably too high.

[SpaceMonkey]

Originally Posted by Mac User #001 

Not really, because in iTunes with the new shuffle, you also have the ability to check a box which will convert all music to 128kbs before adding it to the shuffle.

That feature's been there since the original Shuffle, I believe.

[TETENAL]

Originally Posted by l008com 

For the record, isn't it true that a CD ripped to 256kbit then transcoded to 128 kbit, is going to be lower quality than a song ripped directly from CD to 128kbit?

That is true, but I doubt you will notice the difference when listening to music with the Shuffle in the subway.

[64stang06]

Originally Posted by Mac User #001 

Not really, because in iTunes with the new shuffle, you also have the ability to check a box which will convert all music to 128kbs before adding it to the shuffle.

Didn't know that. A little bass ackwards if you ask me though. Oh well, I'm not the target audience anyway for the Shuffle!

[SpaceMonkey]

Originally Posted by 64stang06 

Didn't know that. A little bass ackwards if you ask me though. Oh well, I'm not the target audience anyway for the Shuffle!

The point is that you keep higher bitrate files on your computer, where you are more likely to be listening in a quiet environment and care about sound quality, but have the ability to convert to a lower bitrate to cram more songs on the iPod without having to manage two separate music libraries.

[Mac User #001]

It really should be an option for all iPods.

[l008com]

Autofill should really be an option for all ipods! And phones!

[Spheric Harlot]

autofill now *is* an option for all iPods.

[l008com]

Oh sweet, its about time

[Salty]

I'd be very happy if I could have all my 256kbps iTunes plus songs converted to 128 kbps for my iPhone. I don't need 256 kbps on the treadmill at the gym.

[l008com]

Well they are unprotected right? So you CAN just drop them all into Max and quickly get 128 kBit versions of them all. Its not as seamless as the way it works with shuffles but still very doable.