Proms 2017 in FLAC

[PJPJ]

(Sorry I can't address the question I have the video pro version as it was modest cost and sometimes I record You Tube excerpts for Mrs CS teaching purposes).
UPDATE - I've just looked up the comparison chart - I think you can use the software mode in the basic edition, but the comparison chart here
http://www.totalrecorder.com/features.htm indicates you might not be able to "Schedule direct capturing (background recording) of an Internet audio stream". I think you can trial the program for 30 days? .

Thanks for that - scheduling may be very useful.

[johnb]

Bryn, on the occasions I have checked the FLAC the peak levels have been much on a par with those of the AAC 320kbps stream - usually somewhere around -3dB but they can vary.

The 10dB difference between your HP and Acer laptops is puzzling. As I understand it there are only three things that can influence the level: the BBC webpage volume adjustment (sb 11), the Firefox level in Windows Mixer (sb 100%) and the level in Total Recorder (sb 100%). What am I missing?

[gradus]

Is Total Recorder better for recording from R3 than Audacity which I use, much as I would have used a tape recorder? I try to set the rec vol so that the blue lines don't touch the upper and lower limits - presumably this is correct?- but I have little idea about the various tools built in to Audacity and assume they're not needed for radio recording. If I am missing something crucial I'd be grateful for tech guidance.

[Bryn]

Bryn, on the occasions I have checked the FLAC the peak levels have been much on a par with those of the AAC 320kbps stream - usually somewhere around -3dB but they can vary.

The 10dB difference between your HP and Acer laptops is puzzling. As I understand it there are only three things that can influence the level: the BBC webpage volume adjustment (sb 11), the Firefox level in Windows Mixer (sb 100%) and the level in Total Recorder (sb 100%). What am I missing?

One thing I am missing om the Acer is a Firefox level adjustment slider in the Windows Volume Mixer. I get the usual system sound slider plus a couple of "x"ed out Total Recorder sliders and an active TR Scheduler at 100%. I will investigate further once tonight's early Prom finishes. I avoid using the HP as, with the very settings you list, it hits 0 dB, though without actually clipping. This obtains with both 'Concert Sound' and binaural. Very puzzling.

Damn it! Internet connection just failed (Virgin Media Fibre). Luckily got it back in time for Part 2.

[David-G]

Sorry if this is seen as hjacking this thread. This may be of use to somebody. I used to be a total recorder user and moved on this set of products. I have the complete capture sweet and can't fault it http://applian.com/replay-capture-suite/ nice and easy to get set up but also has advanced options. Just been recording the flac stream.

Does this software actually capture the FLAC stream as such, or does the computer's sound facilities first resolve it to PCM?

I use Replay Media Catcher 7 from Applian. This has a "stream download" option but it does not work for the "Concert Sound" stream. The answer would therefore appear to be "no" for Bryn's first question.

[johnb]

David,

Your message box is full.

[PJPJ]

I use Replay Media Catcher 7 from Applian. This has a "stream download" option but it does not work for the "Concert Sound" stream. The answer would therefore appear to be "no" for Bryn's first question.

Which of the Applian components will capture the flac stream?

[David-G]

Which of the Applian components will capture the flac stream?

I suspect the answer is none. I have been in correspondence with Applian Support who suggest I use the Audio Recorder in RMC7. However, I do not think this captures the stream. I think it would record, but I do not think you would get the full lossless quality.

[PJPJ]

I suspect the answer is none. I have been in correspondence with Applian Support who suggest I use the Audio Recorder in RMC7. However, I do not think this captures the stream. I think it would record, but I do not think you would get the full lossless quality.

Thanks, David. I'll eventually get myself organised for 2018's Proms. New laptop definitely needed.

[johnb]

David,

Your inbox is full.

[Goon525]

I've really enjoyed the FLAC feed this season, and feel it offers a real sound advantage over other ways of listening to R3. But I should report that towards the end of the season I've suffered quite a lot of drop-outs. It's possible that my broadband service is to blame - but I have a 200Mb feed from Virgin which is usually rock-solid. Furthermore I also use Internet Radio as my next best, and this hasn't suffered in the same way. Strange that not many others have reported drop-outs. Incidentally, the FLAC feed often seems to be about two minutes behind 'normal' R3, which is rather a lot, if only important when one needs to switch between them.

[David-G]

I've really enjoyed the FLAC feed this season, and feel it offers a real sound advantage over other ways of listening to R3. But I should report that towards the end of the season I've suffered quite a lot of drop-outs. It's possible that my broadband service is to blame - but I have a 200Mb feed from Virgin which is usually rock-solid. Furthermore I also use Internet Radio as my next best, and this hasn't suffered in the same way. Strange that not many others have reported drop-outs. Incidentally, the FLAC feed often seems to be about two minutes behind 'normal' R3, which is rather a lot, if only important when one needs to switch between them.

Just wondering whether by a "drop-out" you mean a period of silence after which the stream resumes - or the stream cutting out altogether so that you have to restart it?

[Goon525]

Just wondering whether by a "drop-out" you mean a period of silence after which the stream resumes - or the stream cutting out altogether so that you have to restart it?

Both of those things have happened. Mainly brief 'periods of silence' but some where the stream has just stopped, and needed bit of cajoling to get going again.

[Dave2002]

Both of those things have happened. Mainly brief 'periods of silence' but some where the stream has just stopped, and needed bit of cajoling to get going again.

The two minutes delay between streams makes me wonder if data is being buffered somewhere. With that much data buffer overflow conditions might occur which might indeed cause the dropouts and silences. If you restart the streams can you minimise the delay between the standard and the FLAC stream. You might need to turn some kit off then on to achieve this.

Possibly a reset procedure before listening will reduce problems - though not guaranteed.

[Bryn]

The two minutes delay between streams makes me wonder if data is being buffered somewhere. With that much data buffer overflow conditions might occur which might indeed cause the dropouts and silences. If you restart the streams can you minimise the delay between the standard and the FLAC stream. You might need to turn some kit off then on to achieve this.

Possibly a reset procedure before listening will reduce problems - though not guaranteed.

Too late to test the theory now. The Pilot has ended, though it did run into Hear & Now and TtN. The binaural pilot has also ended, taking the catch up files with it.