Download.com guide to Jet Audio Video

Video description: During installation, you have to be careful if you don't want to set JetAudio Basic as the default application for audio and video files. However, the freeware application gives you plenty of reasons to make it your only player. The interface has a modern design that looks like an equalizer. You can customize each section of the program, from CD ripping to format conversion, to your heart's content. The program can convert files among some 10 formats, as well as read and edit MP3 tags. The built-in Cross-fader, Reverb, and Wide-sound modes provide a nice touch not found in most MP3 players. The program becomes truly unique with its clock, however, which features a timer and an alarm. We also appreciate the inclusion of a tool for seeking out song lyrics. Our only quibble is it treats a playlist as an album but uses the artist as its primary key field, making it difficult to locate mixes. JetAudio Basic's appealing product set should attract audiophiles.

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If you're looking for a different kind of full-featured media and MP3 player, check out JetAudio Basic. Complete with everything you need from CD ripping and burning to playback features and one-click lyric searches, JetAudio Basic might be just the app for the job.

Download.com guide to Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player 7.1 consists of seven features in a single application: a CD player, an audio and video player, a media jukebox, a media guide, an Internet radio tuner, a portable device you can transfer music files to, and an audio CD burner. These software programs are combined in one easy-to-use application designed to make playing digital media a mainstream experience. An audio CD creator and a unified player also are included with the program. This program allows you to play streaming and downloadable digital audio, video, and other Internet content; play back CD and digital recordings; and use the jukebox functionality to play or copy an entire CD to your PC in just a few minutes with one click. Version 7.1 adds Windows Media Audio 8 encoding, Windows Media Audio and Video 8 decoding, new smart transcoding support for high-quality transferring to portable devices, and other enhancements and bug fixes. Note: Windows Media Player 7.1 should not be installed on computers running Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0

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Ripping your CDs to iTunes' AAC audio format doesn't mean you're relegated to the iPod as your only portable music player. On this Insider Secret, Donald Bell shows you five iPod alternatives that will play nice with your collection of AAC music files.

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Kelly Morrison shows you how to change the default file format, add equalizer effect to specific songs, and print basic CD covers for custom mixes.

Download.com guide to Nero 6 Ultra

Nero 6 Ultra Edition is an all-in-one solution for data, audio, video, photo, and backup. Nero has combined its best applications (over 16 applications included in the Suite) to satisfy all your digital-media needs, making the applications accessible through Nero StartSmart, the command center for all tasks. Now you can capture, edit, author, and burn your photos and home videos without buying different software packages. Nero Recode 2, ultra fast transcoder, allows you to recode DVDs and videos to Nero Digital format providing top-quality audio and video for your home theater. You can backup non-copyrighted DVDs without any visible loss of quality by converting DVDs to Nero Digital files, and fit an entire movie on one CD, including 5.1 Dolby surround sound. You can then playback your media files with Nero ShowTime or share with Nero MediaHome server with H.264/AVC support, the new standard in high definition support.

dBpoweramp Music Converter

See how this program converts a wide range of audio formats while keeping ID3 tags intact.

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Download.com guide to iTunes

Although iTunes has always been one of the best pieces of jukebox software available, the company continues to improve upon a great thing with version 6, which adds the much-rumored video capabilities. Though the last major release of this program featured a revamped design, the big news this time around is a video player that accomodates both your own files and ones you buy at the iTunes Music Store. The experience of both purchasing and playing videos is almost identical to perfoming the same actions with music, so seasoned users will have no trouble. All the features we've loved from past versions are still intact, including seamless iPod integration, smart playlists, CD burning, label printing, the ability to rip files in multiple formats (except WMA), network sharing, and, of course, the enormously successful iTunes Music Store. Rounding out the feature set are parental controls, integrated podcasts, and a smart-shuffle option. Whether you're already among the converted or have yet to try this top-notch player, iTunes 6 should find a home on any media junkie's computer.

Sony VAIO RB44G

This is a solid home-theater PC with basic features, but if you're finicky about audio, you'll want a more configurable system.