Audio CD Input: freedb Settings & Submissions
 
 

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freedb should function automatically in the background, that is each time a CD is inserted the tracks are looked up and filled on screen. It is important if running a firewall (such as ZoneAlarm, Norton or Windows XP built in firewall) that access to the internet for Audio CD Input is granted.

freedb options can be accessed through freedb menu:

Retrieve freedb and clicking the main button act the same, freedb settings for the CD will be retrieved which is normally done automatically on a disc insert, also useful to look at different submissions when presented with multiple freedb options (such as Misc, Rock, etc).

Extra Retrieved Details displays the program used to create entry on freedb and extra details the user might have provided.

 

 freedb Server 

There are two locations where freedb lookups can be: online and local. With online each new CD is looked up live on the internet this mode should be used for the majority of people. To use a Local Database the entire freedb database downloaded for offline use.

Online Server

Choosing a server closer to your location will speed up freedb requests, choose by clicking the down arrow (active internet connection required). Port, Retries, CGI Script and can be altered, however if you are unsure of any of these options then leave them as is.

Proxy has to be completed if your computer accesses the internet through a proxy server, Auto Detect will find which settings are being used by Internet Explorer.

Auto Dial Internet Connection when checked automatically dials out to the internet when a new disk is inserted, and hangs up when completed. To function correctly your computer has to be setup to auto dial, this is done by Right clicking on Internet Explorer icon (desktop), select Properties, select Connections and make sure your connection is set to Always dial my default connection.

Delayed freedb Operation is a useful feature for those who have to pay for internet access, or can only periodically access the internet. With this option checked - rip a whole bunch of CDs as normal, not bothering about track or artist names. Then connect to the internet and click on freedb button (on main page) and all previously ripped tracks will be renamed and ID tag information set, all using one internet connection (rather than having to connect each time a CD is inserted). ** Do not use the option Add to MMC, or move the files until freedb is clicked **

Local Database

The entire Windows compatible database must be downloaded (beware it is BIG, currently 1GB uncompressed). Download from www.freedb.org and extract to a location such as C:\Freedb-win (make sure the next set of folders are Blues, Classical etc.). 

 Submit to freedb 

freedb is a shared resource, it's value only exists through submissions from ordinary users. If a CD does not appear in freedb's database dBpowerAMP will offer for you to submit Artist and Track details:

To contribute simply complete Artist, Genre, Year and track (select the top track and press F2 to begin editing track 1, press Enter after each track to automatically move down) fields as taken from the back of an album, Follow these guidelines before submitting:

  • Write Track, Artist and Album names in lower case each word starting with a capital letter, for example: Ice Cube,
  • Artists starting with The leave it out, for example The Stone Roses should be set as just Stone Roses,
  • Write names of people [First Name] [Surname] ie Paul Simon,
  • Do not submit any CD-Rs you have made yourself,

After everything is completed, select a freedb Genre (on the submit page above) - there are not many to choose from, select Misc for any genre that does not match such as Pop. Finally click Submit to freedb to send your information to freedb, it can take many hours for a CD to appear into freedb's database. 

Submitting Compilation Discs:

A Compilation Disc is one that is made up from multiple Artists, depending upon whether you have Power Pack installed or not determines how you enter multiple Artists:

Power Pack Installed: dMC can do all the hard work for you, just select each track individually and type the artist at the top.

No Power Pack Installed: type the Artist as Various and for each track name type [Artist]/[Track Name], for example Ice Cube/Check Yo Self.

It is also possible to edit an already existing entry and resubmit it to freedb (to correct spelling mistakes), insert your CD and let freedb supply the information, correct what ever is incorrect then click freedb menu >> Submit to freedb. For re-submissions you will not be permitted to change the genre.

Thank you from me Spoon, and everybody else who uses freedb for taking the time to submit discs to freedb.

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