Parsley Sidings.

[Rich Cornock]

i think you should be able to convert it to mp3 by downloading this free software. But you can only convert it from the cd

www.coolutils.com/Formats/CDA

[Dave Homewood]

Bugger, sorry about that. I'm no expert at all in these matters. I just assumed it was in MP3 already. I have no idea what I need to do and how. Any experts here?

Are you able to listen to it with the link or is it totally unusable?

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Rich, I didn't see the post above before posting my last one. I won't be able to do anything for a few days so you'll have to wait till after Christmas, and when I can get to a broadband connection I'll try again.

[Rich Cornock]

no worries Dave, be nice to get a copy when you do it as i think its the only one i havent got

[Dan S]

Dec 24, 2010 9:53:14 GMT Dave Homewood said:

Are you able to listen to it with the link or is it totally unusable?

The file is 44 bytes. Basically it's like a shortcut to the file and not the file itself.
First you need to rip the file to your pc using something such as EAC.

Certain amounts of restoration might be possible depending on what the file actually sounds like (for example if it's a microphone against a speaker there's not too much you can do, but if the problem is just hiss that can be removed with varying levels of success), and also depending on the quality of the file you upload. To do proper restoration the file would have to be available as wav (flac or rar to keep the size down), since restoration with mp3 would be less successful, but still possible if it's a high enough bitrate.

[Dave Homewood]

What is EAC?

I have never done this before so please bear with me, and explain things in slow, easy words. Thanks. I am not sure if I can actually ipload this file. It's all very confusing.

[jhuxford]

Hi Folks - I've been following this discussion with interest. I adore Parsley Sidings and it's very frustrating that this last episode continues to elude us, especially as a copy - even if a poor one - remains out there!

Can I ask, Dave, what the position is now? I know you were struggling valiantly to upload your copy, and the well-meaning but over-technical advice being offered wasn't helping much.

Has there been any progress? I can't believe that on a forum like this there isn't SOMEONE who can give simple, clear instructions on how to adapt and upload an audio file.

All the best---------JohnH

[Dave Homewood]

Hi John,

I'm afraid I have not gotten any further with this as I have been very busy but I will try to get to a fast connection computer and try to nut out how to do this. It does indeed seem all very confusing to a novice though.

Cheers
Dave

[jhuxford]

Hi Dave - Thanks for replying. Yes, I'm a complete no-hoper with technology too, unfortunately.

I had no idea what EAC was either until I googled around - apparently it's Exact Audio Copy or maybe Exact Audio Copier, I think.

I found this website that seems to offer a step by step guide to how you do it. I expect getting software is involved - I can't tell if the download they're offering here is free or not. But these things aren't usually very expensive.

As I say, I REALLY am bad at this sort of thing, but the website seemed useful - maybe give it a visit when you get a chance:

mp3.radified.com/

Thanks for your efforts...

Cheers------------John

[Mark Smith]

Dave, did you ever get the chance to sort out getting a site to upload this elusive episode to? I think there's still a few of us who would love to get their hands on it!

[Dave Homewood]

No I have not yet managed to work it out, and to be honest I've been so busy I'd forgotten. Thanks for the reminder. I'll try to work it out soon, now where did I put the CD with it on?

[Rich Cornock]

yes id love to hear this

[Dave Homewood]

I have some good news for Parsley Sidings fans. I received this message from Jim Eldridge last week:

Dear Dave

Hi! It's a long time since we were last in touch, but I wanted to let you know that I've just heard from the BBC (below) that they are putting "Parsley Sidings" out on CD in their Radio Classic Comedy series ... so those requests from listeners over the years have finally paid off!

all best wishes
Jim

The BBC told him it would be scheduled for release on 8th March 2012. It will be four episodes on 2CDs. They are asking Jim to pick his favourite four episodes for the set.

By the way for fans if Jim's work he has a website at www.jimeldridge.com

Now for some more good news. I was informed tonight that a complete and fairly good copy of The New Level Crossing has been located and it is held by the Audio Library of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society in the UK. I have not heard it myself, but a mate has and reckons its pretty good condition. So my crappy part-version I have that I tried and failed to upload is now irrelevant. To join the DAAS and gain access to their library, see their website here:
www.dadsarmy.co.uk/

[Dave Homewood]

I am sad to say I have just had a listen to a copy of the DAAS version of The New Level Crossing and was sad to find it is identical to my own truncated, poor quality, hissing version. In fact it is obvioulsy from my recording as I supplied them several episodes some years back. I had been lead to believe this was a full version and reasonable quality, but not quite. Still, at least you guys all now know where you can get it from, even if it's not that good.

Someone out there must have a better version.

[Adrian Gregg]

Im actuality restoring all these right now for DAAS, I found better copies of many of the programs, and have restored most of them, I've been very ill for the past year and a bit and haven't Re-started the Restoration Project yet, Bull will in the next few days.

Please Get In contact with me Dave, There Is Much to discuss.