Ots Studio requires an external encoder so that you can rip and encode your CDs (or CD+G discs) and convert your media files (unless you wish to store CDs and all non-native media with the uncompressed PCM option in Ots Studio Encoder Settings). You need to obtain an encoder, such as lame, from a "third party" organization.
Important note: Using MP3 encoding technology in some countries without first paying the appropriate license fees may mean that you are infringing on various patent holders' rights. Please check out the situation in your country first.
Download the stable version of the lame MP3 encoder. For detailed download instructions please click here.
The file you are downloading is a compressed file, you need to extract the lame_enc.dll file from this file using an extraction tool like WinZip. If you do not have an extraction tool you could try downloading and installing WinZip, see http://www.WinZip.com. You can obtain compression/extraction tools from the likes of http://www.tucows.com/
Once you have WinZip installed find the compressed file you downloaded.
Double-click on the file.
Click once on the lame_enc.dll file within this file, and select the option to Extract the lame_enc.dll file. If you are unable to view the lame_enc.dll file see section below.
Navigate to your Desktop and extract the file onto your Desktop. Note: you are placing the lame_enc.dll file on your Desktop temporarily.
Close the extraction tool.
Open Ots Studio.
Go to Options -> Encoder Settings in the program menu bar. This will open the Encoder Setup and Configuration dialog box.
Click on the Set button.
Navigate to your Desktop and click on the lame_enc.dll file and click on the Open button.
Click on Close to close the MP3 Encoder Setup and Configuration dialog box.
You can now go to your Desktop and delete the lame_enc.dll file as it has been "imported" into Ots Studio.
You will need to add your email address to the CD Database settings so you can obtain the Album information from freedb.org.
Go to Options -> Database Settings...
Add your email address in the Other settings: text box.
Make sure you have freedb.freedb.org entered into the Host: text box.
Make sure you have the Query CD database after disk is inserted check box is checked.
You are now ready to rip a CD. Place a CD into your CD-Rom drive and click on the CD icon on the toolbar. Note: you will need to be on the Internet so Ots Studio can communicate with the CD database.
You will be prompted by the Import Red Book Audio CD window. Click on the Import button. You are now ripping a CD.
If the disc you are ripping is a CD+G disc (used commonly for karaoke), ensure the Extract CD+G check box is checked.
For detailed instructions on using Ots Studio please see the Ots Studio help file.
Note: Not all CD/DVD drives are capable of ripping CD+G discs. Check the specifications of your drive for this capability, or contact your local computer store for assistance.
If you are unable to see the lame_enc.dll file on your system it is possible that your Windows installation is not allowing you to view all files.
If you have Windows 2000/XP/Vista you will need to:
Go to the Windows Control Panel.
Double click on the Folder Options icon.
Click on the View tab.
Select the Show hidden files and folders option.
For more details on using Ots Studio please see the Ots Studio help file.