- Music Enthusiast, Portland, OR
"AudioBinder 'fills the gap' for iTunes on the Mac platform."
- Chuck Barr, wanderingFocus
What is AudioBinder?
AudioBinder (AB) began as a front-end application for Apple's ChapterTool utility* and is now all that and then some. AudioBinder allows you to easily create AAC files that have chapter markers and embed links and graphics.
Audio tracks prepared in this manner allow for gapless playback in iTunes, Quicktime Player and on selected iPods. These files also allow for gapless burning in iTunes!
AB facilitates a host of methods for assembling the files required as well as previewing/editing.
The registered version of AudioBinder allows unfettered embedding of images and hyperlinks as well as other convenient features. Perfect for Enhanced Podcasts! [References that apply only to the full version are enclosed in square brackets.] For example,your Podcast can include product images and a link for purchasing or further info. This is just one of many possibilities.
IMPORTANT NOTE! As of version 0.98, users of the 'Lite' version may test the Image and Link functionality by loading the 'Sample.m4a' file included with ChapterTool 2.0b8. Loading any other audio file will restrict AudioBinder to the 'Lite' feature set. Please use this feature to test complete functionality before you purchase; absolutely no refunds will be given!
DOWNLOAD: The most recent release of AudioBinder is available HERE
.DOWNLOAD: The most recent release of AudioBinder is available HERE
For a more comprehensive explanation of these enhanced AAC files, see the very informative tutorial at WanderingFocus (thanks, Chuck!), to which I am indebted for introducing me to ChapterTool and which led to the creation of this front-end utility. There you will also find information about other helpul utilities and scripts. [UPDATE: Site is unavailable.]
Registration: You can upgrade your copy AudioBinder at any time by selecting 'Register...' from the AudioBinder menu. You may purchase your key securely via Kagi through your browser here or directly within the program. Users who donated via PayPal before 19/9/2005 are welcome to contact audiobinder at mac dot com for a free registration key.
Setup / Quick Start Top
AudioBinder requires Apple's ChapterTool utility (Beta 2.0b8 as of this writing). It is, at this time, available freely at Apple's web site for download
ChapterTool, in turn, requires Mac OS X 10.3.8 and Quicktime 6.5.2 at minimum, and Quicktime 7 is preferred.
The first time it is run, AudioBinder asks you to locate ChapterTool (a command-line tool) and then incorporates a copy of this file internally for convenience. If it is successful, AudioBinder displays a dialog showing ChapterTool's version and copyright information. Use and distribution of ChapterTool is governed by its own User Agreement. As such, please do not redistribute AudioBinder once it contains ChapterTool.
The main steps of using AudioBinder consist of selecting an AAC (.m4a) audio file and create and/or edit Table-of-Contents (TOC) data. You can import ChapterTool-compliant XML files created elsewhere for fine-tuning/testing. AudioBinder generates its own chapter data for ChapterTool, leaving your imported XML intact. [Registered versions can also import CDRDAO-style (e.g.: FireStarter) TOC files.]
To add audio, drag an AAC (m4a) file to the 'Audio' area of the AudioBinder window or use the 'Select...' button. A Quicktime controller will appear in the Audio area and a default 0:00.00 (Zero) marker is added to the Chapter list.
If you already have a Table-of-Contents (TOC) in XML [or TOC] format, you can import it by dragging the file to the Chapters area or use the 'Import...' button to select a file. The file's data will be parsed and placed in the table.
AudioBinder goes through pains to maintain valid chapter data and that includes requiring there be one and only one marker at Zero. In actual use, this means:
You may rename the 'Zero' chapter's title, but not edit its start time. Pressing the '+' button (or pressing Command-N) will add a new chapter entry, and set its start time to the audio controller's current position. If the position is at Zero, it will ignore you and beep. Pressing the ' - ' button will delete a selected entry (unless it is the Zero entry).
Clicking on any row in the list will move the controller to the time position for that row and will allow you to edit that chapter's title or start time. Chapters with blank titles are interpreted as, and referred to as 'Subchapters'. Subchapters do not appear listed within iTunes or on iPods. Chapters will burn as separate tracks when using iTunes, subchapters will not. Subchapters are most often used to change images or links within a Chapter.
Start times should be typed using minutes before the colon ( : ) and seconds after, the latter with two decimal places of precision. Once you leave the field, AudioBinder should format it nicely (e.g. if you simply type '14:7', it will display 14:07.00) and automatically perform the default sort for the chapter list (ascending timeline).
Once you have tweaked the chapter list to you satisfaction, all that remains is to press the 'Bind...' button, which will invoke ChapterTool and generate a new AAC file of type 'm4b' at the location of your choice.
Additional instructions for registered users Top
Embedding images: Allows you to display images in iTunes or color-capable iPods!
Clicking on the 'Image' button (sun icon) will allow you to select an image file. When the selected chapter is reached during playback,the image will be displayed in the Artwork pane in iTunes and on color iPod screens. 'Officially', only JPEG or PNG files are supported by ChapterTool, but it appears any image type supported by Quicktime will work. Just bear in mind that your audience may not have the same version of Quicktime.
If an image has already been attached to a given chapter, a small arrow is displayed on the button. Clicking on the button will instead display a menu with the following options, listed in order:
<The image's filename>: Selecting this item will open/display the image in your default application for the image type.
Remove: Removes the reference to the image from the selected chapter/subchapter. The Image button returns to its original state (no arrow)
If you want to change the display images within a chapter, create a subchapter by adding a chapter in the normal fashion, but leave the Title field blank (or select New Subchapter, Command-option-N, which does this for you). Then set the Start time as appropriate after the parent chapter's Start time.
In version 1.0, AudioBinder has the ability to 'relink' image files that may have moved since the chapter data file was created. This also helps when you are reading/troubleshooting XML chapter data created elsewhere.
Specifying Links: Allows you to specify an internet link to go to if the user clicks on it in the iTunes Artwork window.
Clicking on the 'Link' button (@ icon) will allow you to enter a Uniform Resource Locator (URL, a/k/a link, internet address). The button turns yellow and a yellow text field appears. Type the desired link in the text field. Pressing
If you are pasting an address copied from another program, alway be mindful of URLs that contain
When the selected chapter is reached during playback, the user will be taken to this address if they click in the Artwork pane in iTunes. Any valid URL may be used, i.e.: http:// (web) and mailto: (email), among others.
If a link has already been attached to a given chapter, a small arrow is displayed on the button, and clicking on the button will instead display a menu with the following options, listed in order:
<The URL>: In versions up to 0.9.8, inclusive: selecting this item will access the URL in your default application for the link's type. In 0.9.9 forward, it will allow you to edit the URL 'in place' instead of having to delete/re-enter to make any changes, which seems more sensible. Holding down the option key will invoke the older behaviour and launch the URL.
Display Text: Links, by default, display the URL (usually...truncated) at the bottom of the Artwork pane. To better describe the purpose of the link, you may optionally specify a label that will be displayed in the iTunes Artwork window, independently of any image present. Selecting this item displays a text field in the same manner as if entering a link.
Remove: Removes both the Link and Display text from the selected chapter/subchapter. The Link button returns to its original state (no arrow)
IMPORTANT: All images and links persist until a replacement is specified. If you want a link to cease displaying without a replacement, you may specify this by creating a subsequent link with the URL 'none' (without quotes).
Preview: AudioBinder can optionally display a preview window which give you a draft appearance of what will be displayed in iTunes' Artwork pane. While not identical to iTunes' rendition, it will allow you to see if images have been assigned correctly and whether the Display Text will be truncated.
Importing CDRDAO-compliant TOC files: Works in the same manner as importing an XML file. AudioBinder looks at the beginning of the file to determine if it is XML or TOC and interprets it accordingly. TOC files use a slightly different time notation, dividing seconds into 'frames'. AudioBinder calculates the proper equivalent in decimal notation.
Importing CUE files: This feature is present in prelease form as of writing. Please email me if you need this functionality and I will send you the download link (Registered Users Only).
Export chapter data as XML: Any chapter data, whether imported or entered manually can be exported as an XML file. To do so, hold down the option key before pressing the Import... button. AudioBinder will save the exported data in the location of your choice. The location of any image files are expressed as absolute paths.
Options pane: AudioBinder now has an options pane to set a few helpful or nifty features. You access this pane by selecting the '?' (options) button or the 'Preferences...' (command-comma) item in the application menu. Current options are:
Send to iTunes: This checkbox will add the processed file(s) to iTunes when finished. If not already present, an 'AudioBinder' playlist is created to make finding your processed/source files easy.
ChapterAlias: Gapless users (those users primarily interested in creating a 'gapless' iTunes experience) can now add individual chapters to playlists and Party Shuffle thanks to ChapterAlias. When selected, AudioBinder creates tiny aliases of the processed file whose start and stop times correspond to the chapter markers established. Each alias is named accordingly. These files will not however, be synched to or work with iPods, as they require Quicktime, which is not present on the latter.
Note: Due to limitations in iTunes, the alias start and stop times are rounded to whole seconds. However, where greater accuracy is required, AudioBinder includes the exact times in the alias' Comments field. You may then copy and paste in iTunes as appropriate.
Known Issues (or: 'The Page You Wrote') Top
May not be properly 'escaping' spaces and/or 'illegal' characters. This could concievably cause a world of grief when selecting files whose names or enclosing folders have spaces or non-ASCII characters.
WORKAROUND: Place your source audio on the desktop and use short simple [A-Z,a-z,0-9] names for both input and output files.This will be addressed in a future release.
Version History Top
• 30.7.2005 v0.61
• First public release.
• 1.8.2005 v0.7(build 1)
• Corrects bug where the 'Bind...' button was not enabled when editing chapters within AudioBinder (as opposed to importing). Thanks, Malum!
• 1.8.2005 v0.7(build 2)
• Internal build implements an alert box with full text of ChapterTool's results if an internal problem results in an error.
• 2.8.2005 v0.97(build 2)
• Original feature set renamed 'Lite' version.
• 2.8.2005 v0.97(build 4)
• Corrected a situation where binding would fail in locales that use a decimal comma instead of the decimal point.
• 8.8.2005 v0.98(build 1)
• Added menu equivalents and keyboard shortcuts. Added 'trial' mode when used in conjunction with the 'Sample.m4a' file.
• 13.8.2005 v0.99(build 3)
• Substantially improved XML import capabilities and graceful handling of errors in imported XML files (Thanks, Ben!)
• Changed functionality in Link (@) submenu: Selecting
• Menu displays actual text of link's Display Text, if it exists. Selecting this item now allows editing.
• Implemented 'none' URL option to dismiss links during playback.
• Implemented code to keep links from persisting into the next audio file (automatically generates approriate instructions at end-of-audio.)
• Player position is now displayed continuously as opposed to only when stopped.
• All editable fields now select entire contents upon entry
• 25.8.2005 v0.9.14+
• Added first implementation of Preview window.
• Support for dragging Audio CDs as source for chapter data
• Improved iTunes/Applescript support
• Added 'Session Options' pane with option 'Send to iTunes when done'.
• 20.9.2005 v1.0fc3
• Instant Gratification (Upgrade to full version via Kagi!)
• Persistent options (prefs saved on quit).
• Continuing improvements in Preview
• ChapterAlias functionality rolled in
• ChapterAlias: Added option to disable (uncheck) parent file in iTunes
• 'Fat' menu bug put out of its misery
• Added error checks and (more) graceful recovery for issues encountered with XML files generated on other machines.
• 2006 v2.0a150 (Seeded)
• Ability to accept MP3s added.
• Ability to join MP3s and create chapter data from files.
• Many tiny enhancements to UI
• Now prettyprints (formats) XML for readability.
• 2006 v2.0a155 (Internal)
• Fixed NilObjectError when working with m4a.
• 2006 v2.0a156 (Internal)
• Enabled file checks for XML picture nodes.
• Chaptertool success window now has text to try with sample files.
• Changed default position of preview pane.
• Remember filepaths in case of missing images.
• 2006 v2.0a160 (Seeded)
• Basic CUE support added. Thanks, Jason!
• 12.2006 v2.0a165 (Testing)
• New AudioBinderExport script adds support for joining MP3s.
• Fixed broken XML drag-and-drop.
• Re-enabled M4A checkbox in options.
Planned Enhancements Top
Options for non-AAC audio files.
CUE support.
Improved mimicking of iTunes in Preview.
Localization.
Any feedback on usability or features is welcome. Email audiobinder at mac dot com.
Is this useful?
AudioBinder is Shareware. You should find the ease-of-use a far cry from Chaptertool's command-line interface. I am also diligent in listening to and implementing user suggestions. If this kind of support is important to you, I would appreciate if you could 'applaud with your billfold'. I have made many useful utilities over the years, and AudioBinder is the first I have chosen to 'put out there'.
Your payment not only supports AudioBinder, it also helps me to gauge your interest, and will encourage the polishing and release of my existing and future utilities
Secure payment services are provided by Kagi.
AudioBinder is ©2005-2007 Vaughn S. Cordero, all rights reserved. No warranty, whether of suitability or of any other type is expressed or implied. Use at your own risk.
AudioBinder and ChapterAlias are trademarks of Vaughn S. Cordero.
Apple, iPod, iTunes and Quicktime are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.