FAQ Regarding File Conversion and Copy Protection (DRM)

This set of questions and answers covers issues regarding copy-protected files and file conversion, using the Converter view, in general.

1. I get an error message concerning "Windows Media Revocation and Renewal". What to do?

Under some circumstances, when processing DRM protected WMA files, an error message pops up which tells that you have to restart your computer for "media revocation and renewal".

Please restart your computer.

 

2. I get the error message "Playback error". What to do?

It can happen that a "playback error" occurs when trying to convert copy-protected files.

  • In this case, please play the files once with the original application. That's Windows media player for WMA/WMV files, and iTunes for m4v, m4p, .aa files and similar.

    If you do that, the player will try to acquire the license needed to play that file - and might ask you some questions (e.g. if you want to update the software, assign the player as default to some media types, or the like). Make sure to answer and settle all questions. Play the file again, until no such questions occur anymore.

    Now everything is ready to convert the files.

  • Vista users please note:
    Please make sure to use the same user account both for licensing files with iTunes, as well as running the conversion. You might also try to switch off the UAC feature in Vista until you are finished with converting.

If you need further assistance, please contact the product support.



3. What format should I choose to convert a file for my DVD player?

We recommend to use the preset Optimized for burning to DVD.

This preset meets most of our customer's requirements. It produces a MEPG-4 file that can be played by most modern DVD players. If your DVD player can only play MPEG-2 files, you can take this MPEG-4 file and use a regular DVD burner software to convert it to MPEG-2 format.



4. Converted audio files are glitchy or have no sound. What to do?

A variety of reasons can result in quality issues when converting copy-protected audio files. Please mind the following hints:

  • Make sure you are running the latest available version of your product.
  • If not selected already, try selecting DRM mode "High quality". Please repeat the conversion.
  • Please do not use your computer during recording.
  • In Options > DRM, select a slower unprotection speed.


5. Windows Vista: How to set up sound settings to avoid quality issues with audio file conversions?

First and foremost, always make sure you are running the latest available version of Oceans XStream.

If you experience quality issues when converting audio files on Windows Vista even with the latest version of your product, please check whether your default sound device applies so called "Enhancements". Such "enhancements" may interfere with Oceans XStream and can cause conversion quality issues. When switching them off, the sound playback is identical to the original audio.

Please proceed as follows:

  1. Right-click on the speaker icon in the tray (usually, that's in the bottom-right corner of the desktop).
  2. Click Playback devices.
  3. In the list of playback devices, right-click on the active speakers and select "Properties..." from the popup-menu.
  4. Is an Enhancements tab offered? If so, go to Enhancements and select disable all enhancements.