Print .MP3 and Music CD compilation filenames?

Infopackets Reader Neal I. writes:

" Hi Dennis!

I have been reading most of your newsletters since below the 100,000-user subscription level and I find your articles to be very helpful.

I may have missed a relevant article, but here is a problem to chew on: I have Windows XP Pro with all the Service Packs and updates, and an Epson cx5200 all-in-one printer ... I [have plenty of music that I have downloaded off the 'net and find that Media Player 9 is able to present me with a list of song tracks when I'm sitting in front of the computer, however], I wish to study the play list from the comfort of my easy chair... Is it possible to copy or print what is displayed on media 9 play list or library to a snapshot location [that I can later print out and view on a piece of paper]? "

My response:

Thank you for your kind words; I have a few solutions for you.

Solution #1: Copy and Paste

I'm not sure if this will work (because I've never done it before, and I don't use Windows Media Player 9), but you can try and select all the file names in the display and then select CTRL + INSERT to copy it into your clip board. To see if the song titles will paste, load Notepad (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel) and then press SHIFT + INSERT on your keyboard. If nothing appears, then you cannot use this method.

Solution #2: Use a freeware Directory Printing Program

If the CDs that you've burned are in .MP3 format, you can simply insert the discs into your computer and print out the file names. I have written an article based on some suggestions from Readers that were sent in a little while back:

Print music Filenames, Part 2

Unfortunately, none of the freeware programs will print out compilations in Music CD format. That is, if you burned your .MP3 files so that you could play them on a regular old CD Player, the filenames won't print out using the freeware programs because the songs filenames are in a different format.

Solution #3: Use a program that Auto-recognize file names in various formats and Print CD Labels

If the music you've burned are whole CD compilations, they may contain a signature which can be read by Media Player 9 (as you have already addressed). Another program you might be interested in checking out is called Acoustica CD Labeler. It can not only read .MP3 compilations, but also whole Music CDs via Internet via FreeD or from CD-Text information (just like Media Player 9).

From the Acoustica web site:

" Are you sick of guessing what songs are on what CD? Then get the label maker that automatically puts your track list on your CD/DVD label! Create your own CD/DVD labels and jewel cases with the ultimate in ease and flexibility! Chock full of custom art for holidays and special occasions like Christmas, Valentines, birthdays, vacations, weddings and more! Automatically imports your track information from Acoustica MP3 CD Burner, WinAmp, Easy CD Creator or any other popular play list or previously burnt CD! Print on standard paper or stock sticker labels and jewel case templates... "

Acoustica CD Labeler was reviewed in the Gazette. You can find out more about it here:

Acoustica CD Label Maker Review