WAV? MP3? or a Hybrid?

[mike2002]

I recently installed 'Exact Audio Copy' with Windows 98SE. However, my query is NOT with EAC, as this peculiarity is present even if I fully Delete it. What's started to happen is this; I download a file in Wav format and save it to my hard disk. Although the saved icon (Windows media player) corresponds to WAV, the file's properties are in MP3 (see screenshot). As you can see, the file-name is 'hitchcock-TEST.wav.' It states 91KB, but that's the MP3 size. The file's Properties are: "Audio format: MPEG Layer-3,32 kBit/s, 16,000 Hz, Mono. (My 'correct' MP3 files have the the RealPlayer icon).
It's no big deal, as I can right-click the file, choose 'Convert to', and let 'dBpowerAMP Music Converter' convert it to WAV - funny, I thought it already WAS WAV!!
I hope I've explained it properly. Up-to-date scans with AVG, SpyBot, and AdAware have not detected any viruses or spyware on the system.

[BonedAgain]

Looks like an mp3 (mpeg layer 3 = mp3) with the wrong file extension. If you've scanned it with current AV software, it's probably fine from that standpoint. Change the extension to mp3 & try playing it.

BA

[mike2002]

How do I go about changing the Extension?
I first discovered this abnormality because both Windows Media Player & RealPlayer would 'Play' these files, although no sound came out!
Today, however, they play as normal. But if I change the extensions on these files alone, won't all my 'correct' WAV files be altered as well?
It's strange that this has occured ith the installation of 'Exact Audio Copy', as if it's somehow altered my settings elsewhere in some way.
But, like I said, I can always convert them.
Thanks for the quick response.

[mike2002]

'BonedAgain': Try one of the download links and see if you get a definate WAV.
http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/adults/hitchcock/hitchcock.htm
Then RIGHT-click on the "Theme" to download it. It's only a small file.

[mjc]

Right click on one of them and select Rename from the Context Menu...then rename it to whateveritsnameis.mp3.

[BonedAgain]

Mike-I dl'd the file, CoolPro says it is a 32 bit (low quality) mp3. What's odd is it plays in winamp with either .wav or .mp3 as the extension, generally this wouldn't be the case. Strange. Anyway try playing it, it should be fine. Interesting site, subscription archive of TV reruns. 1st such site I've seen.

BA

[mike2002]

'mjc': Renaming the file; but what exactly IS the file in the first place!! Like I said - is it a Wav or is it an MP3. Judging by BonedAgain's results, it looks like there's nothing wrong with my system, and that the files themselves are to blame.

Glad you like the site BonedAgain, there are tunes on it I haven't heard since I used to watch these programs as a teenager (giving my age away now!!).

[522]

It really does look like an mp3 file, mike 2002, -have you tried opening it with a .WAV editor (I use Wavelab) -it might tell you for sure...I *think* I remember that if I try to import an mp3 into wavelab it asks me if i want to convert it to .wav -I could be wrong though ...I'm not on my PC right now and can't test it out.
-522.

[mike2002]

I emailed the site in question and received this reply.

"The sound clips are wav files which have been compressed with an MP3 compression codec. They are therefore playable either with an MP3 player or with Windows Media Player, or software which recognises wav files. (i.e if you want to rename them to .MP3 after download you can and they will work OK)."

So now we know.