XM Satellite Radio, until recently, had an accessory that plugs into a USB port on your PC. The XM PCR ($50), let you tune into XM’s 120 digital audio satellite channels, using your PC. But it didn’t let you record individual songs.
Then a $29 program, TimeTrax became available from an independent developer. It used XM’s USB adapter and allowed you to record XM Radio broadcasts directly onto your PC’s hard drive, in WAV or MP3 formats.
TimeTrax records individual songs. Instead of being left with one large MP3 file containing an hour’s worth of music, TimeTrax divided it up into individual named MP3 files, each containing precisely one song.
Not part of the XM Radio business plan, apparently.
XM Radio pulled the plug on their PCR hardware a few days ago. Now XM’s little USB adapter has reportedly been getting bids of more than $350 on eBay, with sellers advertising the unit as “discontinued” and “rare.”
In other news, DataDirect Technologies, today announced that XM Radio will use its ODBC drivers (Open DataBase Connectivity) which eliminates the need for database client software, simplifying installation and maximizing interoperability.
The Recording Industry Association of America, has been paying close attention to XM Radio, especially after TimeTrax gained a following and media coverage. “We are very concerned about a variety of technologies that essentially transform performances into music libraries,” RIAA spokesman Steve Marks said.
[Thanks, Roger]
BTW, Engadget has an in-depth interview with Jack Valenti, the outgoing president of the Motion Picture Association of America. Today is his last day.
.gif)
