Confused about iTunes files

Hi,

I was hoping someone could clarify how it all works with music files. I have iTunes installed and use it for my main music organizer/music mixes CD burner. I love it's interface and organization. I also originally received some songs that we bought in iTunes.com and I know that those songs are in an MP4 format (or something like that) which cannot be put in something like Musicmatch (which I also have installed and have many music files duplicated there as well. I was thinking that everything I put on the computer I should put in both programs so I would have songs in MP3 and MP4 formats. Does this make sense? If I buy songs online that are not itunes format and put them into iTunes does the original file get changed from MP3? If a song is in both programs after downloading (from allofmp3.com) are there 3 files on the computer? - the one bought, and one for each program? or does something like musicmatch leave the original where it is and use it from there?

I'm just trying to understand it all. I'm currently importing songs from my old CD collection into iTunes. Wondering if that's a bad idea - are they now in MP4 format? If I need them in both music programs do I need to import twice?

also, what is ACC? is that the itunes format?

I don't even have an MP3 player or iPod yet. just getting prepared for if and when I do buy one or the other.

happy to receive any and all recommendations on how best to approach music organization. thanks alot! Leigh

I just looked at the preferences in iTunes. should I choose import using MP3 Encoder? is that the answer to one of my questions?

#391225

AAC = Advanced Audio Codec is the official name of the codec iTunes Music Store uses while the file extension differs

m4a = non protected audio files, imported from CDs

m4b = audio files with "bookmarks", usually used in audiobooks and podcasts

m4p = used by the iTunes music store

Musicmatch cannot read/import m4p songs because they are protected by Apple's FairPlay DRM (DRM protection is imposed by RIAA)

To play m4p (music bought in iTunes Music Store) on a portable music player it will have to be an iPod because no other portable player supports FairPlay.

iTunes itself accepts a lot of non protected audio formats, including aac (m4a, m4b, m4p), mp3, wma (only non-protected, converting it to mp3) and lots of others.

#391228

so when I import music from CD's into iTunes, should I have it use the MP3 Encoder so I can do whatever I want with the songs in the future? or can Musicmatch use the m4a format? thanks

#391242

You can chose to import your CDs as either mp3 or aac (m4a). Both formats are pretty much future-proof.

aac because it's used by the biggest music store. mp3 cause it's the de-facto standard.

#391245