Media Outreach

As you begin to utilize this feature, you may realize that some of your current audio files are not in the .mp3 format, and you may wonder the best way to go about converting them. While there are many ways to do this, below you will find step-by-step instructions for doing so using two of the more popular programs: Windows Media Player and iTunes.

Windows Media Player: If you have the file on CD it is very simple to rip it to a .mp3 using Windows Media Player:

1. First, you will want to open up WMP (Windows Media Player) without the CD in your computer,so that you can change some settings for “ripping”.
2. If you click on the “Rip” menu at the top of the page, there is a dropdown menu with several options.
3. If you click on the “More Options” link, a new menu will open with several options.
4. In the “Rip Settings” area of the “Rip Music” tab, there is a dropdown menu for Format. In this menu, select the .mp3 file format.
5. There is also a slide bar for the Audio Quality/File size of the file. You will want to move the slider all the way to the left for (128 Kbps).
6. After these settings are selected, you can just click Apply and then OK to continue to ripping a CD.
7. Place the CD into the computer and WMP should automatically start ripping the CD tracks.

iTunes:

1. Once iTunes is open, click “Edit” – “Preferences”
2. Once in the Preferences menu, select the “Advanced” tab.
3. Select the “Importing” tab to set options for ripping a file.
4. Select the “.MP3 Encoder” in the Import Using: drop down menu.
5. Under the “Setting” drop down, select Custom.
6. This will open a new menu. Select the following options: 80kbps, Auto, Auto. Leave both boxes unchecked.
7. Once these steps are complete, click “OK” and close the menu.
8. Now, load the file you wish to convert into the iTunes Music library.
9. Once you have found the file, right click on the file and chose “Convert Selection to .MP3″
10. This should create the new .mp3 file. Click on the new .mp3 file and chose “Get Info”
11. Once in the “Get Info” menu, on the info tab; add something to the name line so that you will know which file is the new file.
12. Upload the new file to Sermon Connect.

By using the steps provided, you should be able to quickly begin to upload your audio files and utilize them in your online media outreach through the Sermon Connect. For more guides on using Sermon Connect, check back next time or visit www.SermonConnect.com/support.