You can convert cassette tapes into WMA format (digital) sound using the sound Card. WMA files can be played on Windows Media Player, sent via e-mail, and posted to Web pages.
1. Check Out Boom box Headphones and Audio Cable from Library. In order to transfer images from Cassette to WMA you will first need to check out from the library a boom box on which to play your cassettes. You will also need to check out from the library a pair of headphones with which to monitor sound quality, and an Audio Cable to connect the boom box to the sound card.
2. Choose the Correct Lab Computer. Next, you will need to choose the correct lab computer on which to work. The Windows Media Encoder Program is installed on most of the computers in the labs.
3. Place Boom box on Top of Desk near monitor. Place the boom box near the monitor on the desk, you may need to move the monitor slightly.
4. Plug Boom Box Into Power Outlet. Plug the Boom Box power cord into a wall outlet or power strip.
5. Attach Audio Cable to Boom Box. On top of the Boom Box attach the Audio cable to the "PHONES" jack.
6. Attach Audio Cable and Headphones to Computer. On the back of the computer, attach the Audio cable as follows: Audio Cable = Input Jack (Light Blue-Middle), and headphones = Output Jack (Light Green-Mint-Top). Note: Headphones are needed for monitoring sound quality.
7. Log On and Open Windows Media Encoder. After you log onto the network, open the encoder application: Start --> Programs --> Windows Media --> Windows Media Encoder.
8. Choose Custom Settings. Choose "Broadcast, capture or convert a file using the New Session Wizard" in the "Welcome To Windows Media Encoder" dialog box, then click the OK button.
9. Choose Capture Audio. Choose "Capture Audio or Video from attached devices or computer screen" in the "New Session Wizard" and click "Next."
10. Choose Device Options. In the "New Session Wizard" be sure that the "Video" check box is NOT selected. The "Audio" check box will not be darkened. Click "Next" to continue.
11. Designate File Path and File Name. In the "New Session Wizard", type in the desired file path and file name or click "Browse" to search for a file location, click "Next" to continue.
12. Select profile you want to use. In the "New Session Wizard", click on the drop down box and select "Audio for dial-up modems (56 Kbps stereo)", click "Next" to continue.
13. Display Information. In the "New Session Wizard", you now have the option of entering information that will display when the encoded content is viewed. If you do not want to enter this information click "Next" to continue, if you prefer to enter the information enter the proper information then click "Next" to continue.
14. Settings Overview. In the "New Session Wizard" it now displays an overview of what you have decided to do, if any of the information is incorrect, click "Back" and correct it. If all of this information is correct, click "Finish" to continue. You will return to the "Windows Media Encoder" application window.
15. Mixer Settings. In the "Windows Media Encoder" session click on the "Mixer" button in the lower left hand corner of the window. Look under the "Line in Balance:" to see if there is a "check mark" beside the "Select". If there IS NOT one click on the box to select it. Also, make sure the Volume is about 5/6 of the way up. Now close "Recording Control" window by clicking the "X" in the upper right hand corner of the window.
16. Insert the Cassette into the Boom Box. Insert the cassette into the boom box, into the slot labeled "A", and make sure the side with the audio is facing you.
17. Begin Recording. Begin recording by pressing "Play" on the boom box and then press the "Start" button on the "Windows Media Encoder" window.
18. Monitor Recording. Be sure to listen to the audio while it is recording. Make sure the volume on the Boom box is set to a level where you can easily hear it. (Don't put the volume to high, or to low because this will affect the recording).
19. Ending Recording. When the audio is complete press the "Stop" button on the "Windows Media Encoder" window, and the "Stop" button on the Boom Box. Then press the "REW" button on the Boom box to rewind the cassette. If you want to listen to the encoded file press the "View Output File" button. If you are finished with this encoded file press the "Close" button on the "Encoding Results" window. Now you can close the "Windows Media Encoder" window by pressing the "X" in the upper right hand corner of the "Windows Media Encoder" window. When prompted to save session, select no.
20. Listening to Recording. Open Windows Media Player: Start --> Programs --> Windows Media Player. Then Select "File" then "Open". Now go to where the ".WMA" file is save, select it then click Open. Windows Media Player will begin playing your selected file.
