Playback and Creation Questions

1. What types of media does RealJukebox play?

   RealJukebox can play music files in the following formats:

   • RealAudio G2 (.ram, .ra, .rm *audio only)
   • RealAudio Secured (.rmx)
   • RealAudio unsecured (.rmj)
   • MP3 files and playlists (.mp3, .pls, .m3u)
   • AT&T A2B (.mes)
   • Windows waveform (.wav)
   • Mjuice (.mjf)
   • Liquid Audio (.lqt)   downloadable files only

2. Why do I receive missing plug-in errors when I try to play tracks that I have recorded with RealJukebox 1.0?

   When you play any tracks that you have recorded with RealJukebox 1.0 (or RealJukebox 2.0), you may receive the following error:

   - "Missing plug-in detected. Please wait while RealJukebox contacts RealNetworks."

   This message goes away after a minute without downloading anything. RealJukebox does not play the tracks.

   This problem can occur if some RealJukebox entries in the Windows registry are damaged. To correct this problem, we have released an update for this specific issue. This update only affects RealNetworks registry entries and will not impact any non-RealNetworks programs.

   To download and run this program, do the following:

   Step 1: Close all RealNetworks programs

   1. Close any active RealNetworks programs (RealPlayer, RealJukebox, RealProducer, etc.).
   2. Disable the RealPlayer and RealJukebox StartCenter icons:
      1. Right mouse-click the StartCenter "bubble" icon next to the clock on the Windows task bar.
      2. Choose "Close StartCenter" from the shortcut menu.
      3. Click Yes if you are prompted to verify your action.

   Step 2: Download and run the RealJukebox update program:

   1. Download the RealJukebox update from the following location:

      http://docs.real.com/docs/rjb/fixrjb1.exe

   2. Once the download is complete, run the update program.

   A black window will appear and go away very quickly. After this happens, Restart Windows and start RealJukebox. If RealJukebox does not play your tracks, please contact RealNetworks technical support for further assistance.

3. Where does RealJukebox save music I record or download?

   By default, RealJukebox saves your music files in the C:\My Music folder.

   RealJukebox catalogs your music in "groups" in the Music Library; the best way to access your music is to click the Music Library icon and view your tracks under the Master Library.

4. Can I play RealJukebox files with RealPlayer or RealPlayer Plus G2?

   Whether RealPlayer and RealPlayer Plus G2 Update II can play a RealJukebox file is determined by how the file was recorded.

   By default, RealJukebox records music files in a secure format to prevent music piracy. RealJukebox uses a Security Key to decrypt music files during playback. Both RealJukebox and RealPlayer G2 Update II can play secure music files on the computer where the music was recorded, but copies of RealPlayer G2 and RealJukebox on different computers cannot play the secure music files.

   If the music file was not recorded in a secure format, then any copy of RealJukebox or RealPlayer G2 Update II can play the music file.

   Note: Be aware that copyright laws must be considered whenever the security option is disabled during recording.

5. I have recorded music with RealJukebox on one machine. Can I play the music on other machines?

   By default, RealJukebox records music files in a secure format to prevent music piracy. RealJukebox uses a Security Key to decrypt music files during playback. Both RealJukebox and RealPlayer G2 Update II can play secure music files on the computer where the music was recorded, but copies of RealPlayer G2 and RealJukebox on different computers cannot play the secure music files.

   If the music file was not recorded in a secure format, then any copy of RealJukebox or RealPlayer G2 Update II can play the music file.

   Note: Be aware that copyright laws must be considered whenever the security option is disabled during recording.

6. I chose the MP3 recording format in RealJukebox Preferences. Why do my recorded files have a .rmx extension?

   Your MP3 files have been recorded in a secure format. Files recorded in RealJukebox with security turned on can only be played on the machine upon which they were recorded.

   To turn security off in RealJukebox, do the following:

   1. Start RealJukebox.
   2. Click the Options menu and choose Preferences.
   3. Click the Encoding Options tab.
   4. Click to clear the Secure my Music Files when encoding check box.

   Note: Be aware that copyright laws must be considered whenever the security option is disabled during recording.

7. What is Variable Bit Rate?

   Variable Bit Rate (VBR) encoding allows RealJukebox to adjust the "bit rate" or quality level as it records MP3 audio files, based on the individual needs of each piece. More complex sections of a track, such as those with many instruments playing simultaneously, may require more "bits" of computer information to create a high-quality sound: these sections of a song are recorded at a higher bit rate based on the quality level you choose (that is, if you choose 128Kbps, the most complex parts of your track are recorded at this bit rate). Less complex sections can be accurately represented using less information, and may be recorded at a lower bit rate. The result is a compromise between high-quality sound and smaller music files, so you get the best of both worlds. (Variable Bit Rate encoding is available when recording MP3 audio files only).

   For more information on VBR, see the Constant and Variable Bit Rate FAQ.

8. Why am I able to hear tracks during recording, but unable to hear them during playback?

   If you do not hear sound during playback of a track you have recorded in RealJukebox, please perform the following test to ensure that the sound card is properly connected to the CD-ROM drive:

   1. Start both the Windows CD Player and Sound Recorder accessories.

      Note: Both programs are located in the Start menu. To start them, click the Start button, then Programs, then Accessories, and then choose Multimedia.

   2. Insert a music CD into the CD-ROM drive and click the triangular play button in the CD Player window.
   3. Switch to the Sound Recorder window and click the round record button.
   4. When Sound Recorder is done recording the sound clip, press the triangular play button.

   If you do not hear the sound clip during playback, the connection between the CD-ROM and sound card may be faulty. There is an internal cable that runs from the CD-ROM drive to the sound card. Please check this connection or consult with your computer or sound card manufacturer for assistance with the cable.

   If you can hear the sound clip on playback, the connection between the CD-ROM and sound card is fine. The next step is to calibrate the volume controls in Windows.

   There is more than one type of volume control in Windows; various volume settings can produce many different results. On a typical system, there are controls for MIDI sound, Wave sound, and CD Music. Because each system can be configured differently, it is important to calibrate all the volume settings to find the correct recording setting.

   1. Click the Start button, choose Programs, then Accessories, then Multimedia, and then Volume Control.
   2. Make sure that the Mute All check box below the Volume Control slider and the Mute check box below the Wave slider is not selected.

      Note: If the Volume Control and Wave sliders do not appear, click Properties on the Options menu, and then select the Volume Control and Wave check boxes in the Show The Following Volume Controls box.

   3. Move the Volume Control and Wave sliders at least halfway to the top of the scale.
   4. From the Options menu, choose Properties.
   5. Click Recording.
   6. Click OK.

      Note: The Volume Control slider changes to the Recording Volume slider.

   7. Move all the sliders to the top. Make sure that all the Select check boxes have check marks in them.

   Note: On some sound cards, you may only be able to choose one of the Select boxes. If this is the case with your sound card, place a check mark in the "CD Line In" Select box. The CD Line In select box must be checked in order to record.

   When you use the Analog Recording mode, we recommend that you set the RealJukebox recording volume to the loudest setting:

   1. Start RealJukebox.
   2. Click the Options menu and choose Preferences.
   3. Click the Recording Options tab.
   4. Under Recording Methods, move the Analog Record Volume slider to the far right.
   5. Click OK.

   If you are using Windows 98, perform these additional steps:

   1. Click Start, choose Settings, and then Control Panel.
   2. Double-click the Multimedia icon.
   3. Click the CD Music tab.
   4. Move the CD Music Volume slider to the far right.
   5. Click OK.

   After making these changes, record and play a new track to see if these modifications fix the audio problem.

   Note: If you install RealSlideshow, you must reset the volume controls as instructed above. This is because RealSlideshow changes volume settings after it has been installed.

   If you continue to experience problems regarding this issue, please contact RealNetworks technical support for assistance.