freedb options can be accessed through freedb menu >> freedb Server:

To speed up freedb requests, click the down arrow next to Server and choose a server address closer to your country. Port, Retries, CGI Script and Proxy (to access freedb through a firewall, or internet connection computer on a network) can be altered, however if you are unsure of any of these options then leave them as is. 

Offline freedb if your computer is not able to connect to the internet the entire freedb database can be downloaded and installed on your computer (beware it is BIG, currently 1GB uncompressed). Download the Windows compatible database from www.freedb.org and extract to a location such as C:\Freedb-win (make sure the next set of folders are Blues, Classical etc.). 

Auto Dial Internet Connection when checked automatically dials out to the internet when a new disk is inserted, and hangs up when completed. To function correctly your computer has to be setup to auto dial, this is done by Right clicking on Internet Explorer icon (desktop), select Properties, select Connections and make sure your connection is set to Always dial my default connection.

Delayed freedb Operation this is a useful feature for those who have to pay for internet access, or can only periodically access the internet. With this option checked - rip a whole bunch of CDs as normal, not bothering about track or artist names. Then connect to the internet and click on freedb button (on main page) and all previously ripped tracks will be renamed and ID tag information set, all using one internet connection (rather than having to connect each time a CD is inserted). ** Do not use the option Add to MMC, or move the files until freedb is clicked **

 

Submissions to freedb

Freedb is a shared resource, it's value only exists through submissions. Should your CD not return any positive matches from freedb you will be asked if you would like to submit Artist and Track details. Follow these guidelines before submitting:

• Write Track, Artist and Album names in lower case each word starting with a capital letter, for example: Ice Cube,
• Artists starting with The leave it out, for example The Stone Roses should be set as just Stone Roses,
• Write names of people [First Name] [Surname] ie Paul Simon,
• Do not submit any CD-Rs you have made yourself,

Submitting Compilation Discs:

A Compilation Disc is one that is made up from multiple Artists, depending upon whether you have Power Pack installed or not determines how you enter multiple Artists:

No Power Pack Installed: type the Artist as Various and for each track name type [Artist]/[Track Name], for example Ice Cube/Check Yo Self.

Power Pack Installed: dMC can do all the hard work for you, just select each track individually and type the artist at the top.

When you have typed all Artist, Album and Track Names, select a freedb Genre (on the submit page freedb menu >> Submit to freedb) - there are not many to choose from, select Misc for any genre that does not match, such as Pop. Finally click Submit to freedb to send your information to freedb. 

It is also possible to edit an already existing entry and resubmit it to freedb (to correct spelling mistakes), insert your CD and let freedb supply the information, correct what ever is incorrect then click freedb menu >> Submit to freedb. For re-submissions you will not be permitted to change the genre.

Thank you from me Spoon, and everybody else who uses freedb for taking the time to submit discs to freedb.

 

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