ok I just ordered a head unit that can play mp3 format cd-r/rw. Don't laugh, my last head unit did almost everything but mp3 and when I got it I didn't know any better.

the new unit is the kenwood kdc-x979, and it looks like one awsome unit.

my question is, since it reads mp3 tags for labeling the mp3 file how you want it, do I need a specific cd-mp3 converter program. I have a few that were free downloads and they work well for ripping and converting, but I don't know if they can add the tag so that the head unit can read it. also the summary on the kenwood talks about folders and directories, I would assume that this is like any folder/directory that is normally used on a computer. If I am correct then I would create for example a folder "hip-hop/rap", then within that I could create "white", then within that "eminem" and " vanilla ice". then just copy the main folder "hip-hop/rap" to a cd-r as a data file. when I put it in the head unit I would then use it's key to navigate to the folders I want and the song, or play the whole folder, or the whole cd.

lmk if I am on the right track here ( no pun ) and which software would be best and most user friendly for ripping, converting, burning, tags.

thanks for the help

 

your are on the right track

 

not sure where to find it, but cd-ex is what i use... do a search at techtv.com.

edit: http://www.g4techtv.com/callforhelp/...File_CDex.html


there ya go.

 

I usually burned with nero, it works well.. I dont know about id3 tags, my HU I dont think supports them.

But as far as the fulders/driecties thing, youve got it

 

yeah, I wouldn't use too many "levels" of folders, tho... makes jumping from folder to folder a pain. I have a kenwoodd HU that has the sam capabiliies... i use just 2 layers at the most... just separate by artist name/album...

 

I can't ever remember what songs which artists sing so I may go with like 80's, 90's, rock, hip hop, then within those put the artist and I could care less about which album since I usually only get 3 or 4 songs off each album. I am wondering if the tag thing is just like renaming a file. thanks for the link to the ripper I will try it to see how it is.