Add the ability to play MP4A files

[Brodephat]

It seems that some stream providers are now using the MP4A file format. I would like to see RadioDJ have the ability to play these types of files.

Also, we have an affiliate station that is streaming this format and RadioDJ can not play it.

[DJ Garybaldy]

Do MP4A files differ from MP4?

If they're virtually the same have you tried the bass AAC add on from http://www.un4seen.com/

Just put the required files into the bass_plugins folder and restart RadioDJ

[Capt_Fuzzy]

Do MP4A files differ from MP4?

Actually, yes, they do differ from .mp4.
See this:
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/what-is-an-mp4a-file

If they're virtually the same have you tried the bass AAC add on from http://www.un4seen.com/

Just put the required files into the bass_plugins folder and restart RadioDJ

I was wondering if that might work. I don't really have any need of it at the moment, but the info might come in handy someday...

[DJ Garybaldy]

So what would eh advantages of .mp4a over mp3 etc?? Do they give better sound?

[Brodephat]

Yes, the mp4a is smaller in size with higher quality.

The MP4A format is often used on streaming audio websites because the reduced file size allows for quicker loading.

MP4 Encoding

MP4A files utilize Audio Advanced Coding technology. This AAC encoding allows the MP4 format to retain audio sound quality while cutting unnecessary data from the file. The Federal Digital Preservation Agency documents that AAC technology allows the MP4A format to provide a higher fidelity experience than the more common MP3 audio format, as published in their digital sustainability report on the MPEG-4 format. This Federal agency works under the Library of Congress in charge of preserving digital copies of files registered with the library.

The problem we are having,(it's just this one feed), is that one of our affiliate stations is streaming using mpeg4 .flv which comes out as an mp4a audio stream. So, now we can no longer pull in their stream. They claim it's better sounding for them and more secure. Not sure why they wanted to use a flash encoder to stream but it looks like that's what they are doing.

If there is no solution we will just let them know we can no longer carry them (haven't been able to anyway since they made the switch).

I'm looking at the future should something like this (mp4a format) becomes popular.

The station is http://www.KYCC.com

RadioDJ can play m4a but it looks like mp4a is different.

[PROducer]

The problem we are having,(it's just this one feed), is that one of our affiliate stations is streaming using mpeg4 .flv which comes out as an mp4a audio stream. So, now we can no longer pull in their stream. They claim it's better sounding for them and more secure. Not sure why they wanted to use a flash encoder to stream but it looks like that's what they are doing.

Using flash is like going down the up escalator.  My impression is everything is moving to HTML5.

I'm looking at the future should something like this (mp4a format) becomes popular.

I don't think that will happen. Here's a quote from the first link you posted:

Since its release in the late 1990s, the format has become commonly used along with .MP3s, .WAVs and .WMAs

20 years in radio, and I have never had to deal with this format.

[DJ Garybaldy]

So mp4a is pretty much like what mp3Pro was... a codec that no one uses....

[Brodephat]

I'm pretty sure you are right! 

That company will loose trying to use something that isn't the current norm for everyone else.

It's their loss.

[PROducer]

I'm pretty sure you are right! 

That company will loose trying to use something that isn't the current norm for everyone else.

It's their loss.

Exactly.  They will realize their error as more and more subscribers say they can't use their new feed/format.