Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a good source for bootleg trading?

2. What is a B&P?

3. What is a good program for audio extraction?

4. How can I learn how to use Exact Audio Copy (EAC)?

5. What are SHN's?

6. How can I make copies of bootleg videos?

1.  What is a good source for bootleg trading?

The Official Alt.Music.Bootlegs FAQ is the best known source for bootleg trading.  It covers all aspects of trading including definitions of trading, legal ramifications, tips and techniques.

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2.  What is a B&P?

B&P stands for blanks and postage.  Click here for an excellent source on the subject.  Oftentimes a generous trader will offer a title up to the trading community.  Your are responsible for providing your own blank disks and return postage.  The trader donates time and in return you receive an addition to your collection.  Remember, we all started with nothing.  Please try to support B&P requests whenever possible.

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3.  What is a good program for extraction?

Exact Audio Copy (EAC) is a great program for audio extraction.  It is full of features and you can't beat the cost of ownership (a postcard and a stamp).

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4.  How can I learn how to use Exact Audio Copy (EAC)?

Dick's CD-R Page is a great reference for setup and use of Exact Audio Copy.  The Coaster Factory provides a more technical reference on the subject.

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5.  What are SHN's?

Shorten (extension .shn) is an audio compression scheme written by Tony Robinson of SoftSound that can compact wav files without subtracting out any frequencies. It's "lossless"- everything in the original wav is there, so that full quality is maintained. For many traders of live music, Shorten files (shns) therefore have an undisputed advantage over "lossy" mp3-format files. A shn file made from a wav is quite a bit larger than the corresponding mp3, with a size perhaps ~50-70% of the orginal wav.  The MKW Audio Compression Tool can help you create SHN's.

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6.  How can I make copies of bootleg videos?

copyDVDpro is a good tool for copying bootleg videos.  Although it's not free ($39 last time I looked) it allows you to copy videos to both DVD and video CD.

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