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MP3 audio files on my Creative Zen play too slowly?

I really enjoyed your pre-System call with Ken McCarthy (register to listen to the call or learn more about the conference) but I had a problem when trying to listen to it on my Creative Zen Microphoto MP3 player.

If I listen to the downloaded call on my PC it comes out fine, however if I transfer it to my Zen it plays real slow. Kind of like a 45rpm record being played at 33rpm. Any thoughts on what is causing this? I don't have this problem with other mp3 downloads except the ones from Ken which all seem to suffer the same problem.


Dave's Answer:

First off, thanks for the kind words about The System event coming up this May in Chicago. I don't exaggerate when I say that I'm delighted to be part of such a stellar faculty for this event. If you want to learn how the Internet can help you market your own business effectively, I think that The System Seminar is going to be a slam-dunk for helping you get to the next stage in your efforts.

Now, let's get down to business, shall we?

First off, you can find an online version of just about any product's user guide with a simple Google query. Here's how I found the PDF user's guide for the Creative Zen Microphoto MP3 player: creative zen microphoto mp3 user's guide site:creative.com. The last bit constraints the results to only those that are from Creative Labs' Web site. And match #2 on this search? Zen MicroPhoto User's Guide.

Perusing this well-written guide, I'm wondering if somehow what you're saving is being converted through the Audio Converter, a part of the Creative MediaSource suite that should have come with your ZMP? If not, it would be most interesting to try converting the audio into a different format and see if it still plays too slowly. If you're saving it as MP3, try pushing it into WAV format then copying it onto the Zen device, for example.

As it is, I presume that you're importing the audio onto your ZMP by launching the Zen MicroPhoto Media Explorer program and choosing Import Media to proceed?

Otherwise, I'm at a bit of a loss. Some MP3 players can play back audio material faster or slower than normal, but the Zen Microphoto Player doesn't seem to have this capability.

One last thought: have you tried playing the saved MP3 of Ken's calls through more than one audio player, for example Windows Media Player or, heck, the Creative player itself? Might be interesting.

Good luck with this, and see ya in Chicago, I hope!


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Categorized: iPod, Sony PSP and MP3 Player Help   (Article 6030, Written by )
Tagged: creative zen, mp3 audio player, the system seminar
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Reader Comments To Date: 1

Duncan said, on March 9, 2006 9:42 AM:

Hi Dave

Thanks for your suggestion, I saved it as a WMA file and it plays fine. Thanks also for the search tip I'm sure it saves a lot of time for specific searches like manuals etc.
Thanks again, I bought you a Chai.
Regards

Duncan

Starbucks coffee cup I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!











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