Importing mp3's

[rlinsurf]

This is similar enough to the .pdf question that I almost posted it there.

So I imported in a bunch of small .mp3's. When I open the file on the machine I created on, which also contains a folder with all those files, it works perfectly -- the files play.

But when I copied just the file to a new drive, none of the files played -- and the file size was reduced by 200MB.

Is there a way to tell if I did the import incorrectly? These files are supposed to be in fact contained in the file permanently, as long as I don't mind the hefty file size, right?

EDITED: nm. Got it .

Edited October 21, 2009 by Guest

[rlinsurf]

Well, now I'm confused.

So I reimported all the .mp3's in, this time making sure the Import only references checkbox was unchecked. All looked well, except when I checked the filesize, it was the same.

When I then opened the file on the second machine, none of the mp3's were there.

Now what am I doing wrong?

EDITED: I just ran a test of this. I created a brand new file with two fields, mp3 and filename. I then ran the import from a folder of two mp3 files, making sure the import as reference checkbox was unchecked. The mp3's then played in the file on the machine where it was created, but when moved to the second machine, the files were no longer present.

Edited October 21, 2009 by Guest

[rlinsurf]

More tests.

I just tried to do a right-click and select Insert QuickTime... When I inserted the mp3, it then opens fine on the second machine.

[rlinsurf]

Well, more. So I then tried to import the inserted files in by importing them from the FM file directly. They showed as being present in the container field in the import dialog, but when the import was done -- no mp3's.

I'm sorry, but the phrase "you must be kidding" comes to mind.

[jamesducker]

We spent an hour or so developing a solution for the original poster, who contacted us through the emergency aid system.

Won't post the solution here on this occasion as the development work has been paid for by the original poster... but it is possible!

Suggest that others contact the original poster if having the same problem.

James

[Lee Smith]

Won't post the solution here on this occasion as the development work has been paid for by the original poster

So the rest of us don't need to help [color:red]rlinsurf because you have made a contract with him?

Lee

[rlinsurf]

Actually, I'd very much like to hear whatever solution you may have. They're all still asleep in London at the moment. (Don't worry, they've already been paid!).

Edited October 21, 2009 by Guest

[Lee Smith]

The problem with doing things off list, is we have no idea what has been suggested, therefore we could be wasting our time coming up with the same solution.

Lee

[rlinsurf]

Actually, nothing has. At this point, I know as much as you do. If you have something please do impart :

[IdealData]

Requesting more help, having gone 'off list', is simply not good form.

I suggest that this topic is closed.

[rlinsurf]

I have so far heard absolutely nothing from anyone about this subject. There is no reason I can't or shouldn't seek technical help from any source where I can find it. There is no "morality" to seeking TS as far as I've ever heard.

Here's what I suggest. I suggest that you and Lee, if you have something to say as what may be the issue here and how to fix it, offer that.

Other than that, your silence speaks volumes.

[Lee Smith]

Mr Ducker has been paid to answer your questions.

[LaRetta]

As I see it, it shouldn't matter if a person has paid 20 people to provide a solution. If someone asks a question here, we can answer it or not ... that is our choice. Who is to say that many questions asked here haven't already been answered (and maybe even paid for) in one fashion or another?

It is nice to know that someone has provided a solution and the person just hasn't heard it yet (thank you, James). And I personally would prefer to wait until the person can determine if THAT answer gives them what they want. But 1) they may not be able to wait for such an answer, 2) even if they received the answer, it may not fit what they want and 3) we may have already struggled with this situation and be able to provide a quick solution in a totally different way! [color:gray]Or we may just feel like typing the solution out again for our own memory spark ... I do that quite often here ... providing a solution for the ump-teenth time just to keep it fresh in my mind.

So answer if you wish ... or not. But, in my personal view, rlinsurf is doing nothing wrong by asking for additional input.

UPDATE: BTW, *my* silence doesn't speak volumes ... it only means I choose not to respond (for MY reasons). :wink2:

Edited October 22, 2009 by Guest
Added Update and gray sentence

[rlinsurf]

Hi, LaRetta--

First, I appreciate your support. Thank you.

I must report that James' solution arrived and unfortunately doesn't work -- at least satisfactorily. For a variety of reasons, but among them are the sheer time, complexity, and danger of executing it.

However, I would like to know what if any answer you may have, as I'm now still stuck.

[LaRetta]

I would have provided an answer if I would have had one (xor I also had the time); I didn't have either. Maybe others can suggest as well but I would recommend discussing it with James. Many times when designing a solution, there is misunderstanding, misinterpretation and/or software/hardware version issues to overcome. All designers should be allowed follow through.

[bcooney]

My silence doesn't mean anything, either! I can't image what the problem is. If you import references, then you have a path issue when you move either the FM file or the source referenced files. Import and embed in the container, then copy the file to another workstation, and no files. Well, I'm stumped.

My guess was multiple copies of the FM file, perhaps.

I am curious as to how the solution that James proposed could be time consuming, complex and dangerous. Perhaps it would provide more info about the situation and allow us to suggest a solution.

[rlinsurf]

I have actually written to James -- he says he's off to bed for the night :

[rlinsurf]

In talking to James (earlier) he did seem to believe this was a legit issue... in fact, one he believed had been around since FM 4 (and please, if this wrong, there are no aspersions meant, I promise). But it does appear that one cannot import .mp3's, at least, and perhaps any quicktime file, as anything other than a reference, no matter what options you choose.

So I'm now working on an FM/AppleScript solution as the Insert as QuickTime option does in fact work to store the file in the database.

If I get it working I will post it here.

Edited October 22, 2009 by Guest

[bcooney]

Yes, FM KnowledgeBase Article 5812 clearly states, "Note: All QuickTime movies are stored in a container field as a reference," and that includes the .mp3s.

So, I suppose you have a path issue. You will need to have a shared volume that all fm clients can access. There are several posts about that on the forum.

[rlinsurf]

Ah. That explains it.

Thanks, bc :

It still looks like I've got a solution cooking that may work, so I'll post it here if I get it going :