How to play WMV's on an MP3 player?

[JohnnyCNote]

I'm replacing my in-dash CD with another model. My old one played MP3's, and I wanted to get one that played WMV's as well. However, after several days of research and trying out various models at Circuit City, I've decided on a Sony for ease of use and good sound. The downside is that it won't play WMV's.

I have a fair amount of WMV files, but have yet to find a way to convert them without first creating an audio CD, then re-encoding them to MP3. This can introduce problems such as static. I've tried various coverters, but they seem to run into the dreaded DRM thing and one way or another don't work. I've been searching the Web, but have yet to find anything that will work.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.....

[celtic_druid]

So you included DRM on your own WMA files? Pretty sure that there are some apps like a winamp plugin for converting DRM'ed WMA files. They became quite popular when people were converting 30 day trial napster WMA files.

How about an alpine head unit? Mine works well, sounds excellent through my alpine 4 ch amp and focal speakers, plus it has an ipod interface and Alpine is not as evil as Sony.

Should point out though that I don't think any support WMA pro, lossless, etc. Just regular WMA.

[JohnnyCNote]

These are files I downloaded off of regular "for pay" sites like Napster or MSN's music site.

The selection of Alpines at CC was pretty limited, unfortunately. The Sony was really easy to use, unlike the Pioneer, which would have been my first choice....

[celtic_druid]

Could always go somewhere else.

[JohnnyCNote]

Yeah, but CC has free installation. Also, I've always had good experiences with their work before, so I'd rather stay with them. The same guy I've dealt with in the past is now manager of the department, and he's always been good to work with.

I can live with the MP3 only playback, as I have for the past few years already. I'm just hoping to find a way to convert the songs that produces a good result. Beyond that, I'm hoping to get into a new car next year anyway....

[guns1inger]

Rather than actually burning a CD, create an image, then mount it with daemon tools and convert back. Still that extra step, but at least you aren't wasting disks.

[Cornucopia]

IIRC, the DRM-aware apps that support WMA (WMP, what else?) probably won't burn to an image, you have to waste an actual physical disc 1st. None of that "contributory infringement" around here! Make you work for it.

Scott

[JohnnyCNote]

Rather than actually burning a CD, create an image, then mount it with daemon tools and convert back. Still that extra step, but at least you aren't wasting disks.

I've been using RW's, but that's still a good idea. Thanks....

[Shocker Milwaukee]

I'm not sure if this will help you... you might ask jimmalenko.


http://members.dodo.net.au/~jimmalenko/drm2wmv.zip

Found here: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=270764

BTW - I got some Creative software with an MP3 player that will convert WMA to MP3 (Creative MediaSource, I think).

[JohnnyCNote]

I solved the problem by getting a Panasonic instead of the Sony. It cost a little more but it sounds great.

Thanks for all the suggestions!