Convert SRF audio file to MP3 or WAV file

Can you open the autorun.inf file in a text editor and post what it says? It looks like you got that on a CD or something and it installs some software on your computer (which is how the attorney was able to listen to it on his).

In any case, once you are able to listen to the files, there should be a way to either save them or re-record them in a format you can run through your transcription software. But one step at a time...

Here is what it says when I open the autorun.inf file.

[autorun]
action=Run Nexus Player to listen to call recordings
label=Nexus Recording Downloads
icon=cdico.ico
open=NexusPlay.exe

When I open NexusPlay.exe, I'm able to listen to a file. The one I listened to played for about 1 minute and a half and then stopped. It gives options only to Open, Save, Save As and Close. When I click Save As or Save it doesn't do anything.

It's 36 hours of material, so I think re-recording them somehow would take a very long time to do. But to save them to a different format if I have the right converter would probably go pretty quick.

Let me know if I can give you any other info to help. Thank you so much for your help. I do appreciate it.

I'm guessing the reason you can't do a Save or Save As is because the file is either blocked or Read Only (just a guess). Open Windows Explorer, highlight one of the files and check the properties.

You say you have 36 hours of files (and I believe you), but is the one you tested -- that played for about 90 seconds -- one of the larger files or one of the small ones? Because if it's one of the larger ones, then there might be some flaws in the recordings OR with the playback software.

I just checked the properties and there looked to be no limitations on what I can do with the files. Next to Attributes: Read Only is not checked, Hidden is not checked.

I tried playing a 20 minute file. I just tried another one and that seems to be a complete file and that was also a 20 minute file.  Each one I tried playing, I had to play it through the NexusPlay.exe file. These are on CD's, but my client took one CD and uploaded the entire thing to my FTP site in a folder specifically for that CD.

Can you also post a sample of what's in the XML file? Most likely it's a play list of files in the order they should be played or something, but it may be instructive.

I suspect that the SRF audio files are either a proprietary format or (more likely) a known format in a proprietary wrapper. After knowing what's inside the XML file, my next step would probably to open one of the SRF files in notepad and look for any recognizable references (for example, MP3 files often start with ID3 and then some data about the song and track and album).

The XML file goes like this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<RECORDINGS> -<RECORDING> <APIN>927132</APIN> <NAME>Person's Name</NAME> <STARTDATE>20120603</STARTDATE> <STARTTIME>214846</STARTTIME> <NUMBER>2185260388</NUMBER> <DURATION>79</DURATION> <ID>20120603-214915-01_086</ID>
</RECORDING>
-<RECORDING> <APIN>927132</APIN> <NAME>Person's Name</NAME> <STARTDATE>20120603</STARTDATE> <STARTTIME>215803</STARTTIME> <NUMBER>2185260388</NUMBER> <DURATION>73</DURATION> <ID>20120603-215832-02_121</ID>

There was someone else on this site that had this same issue in 2010 and it doesn't show that his problem was resolved, but this is what he posted. "The only audio reader is a program that came with it called NexusPlay.exe, when I ran it through a debugger, I found the header file of SDCAudioPlayer.exe."  He tried "soundforge, realplayer, iTunes, Windows Media Player a slew of other audio readers/rippers to no avail."

You guys are great! I can't thank you enough for trying on this. The software I'm guessing is proprietary, because it's from a prison in South or North Dakota. The prison system staff nor state staff are never helpful in trying to assist anyone in making something work. They do as little as necessary. The execute file I do have, seems to have all of the SRF files and then some embedded into that file as well, but only allow the files the attorney requested to play.

I'll try that converter you just listed and see if I can get anywhere with that. I'll let you know.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Technology drives me crazy some days!

Okay, I tried the converter above, but sadly it wouldn't work. Great converter though, I can use that for other clients. Then they had a video converter as well, so I gave that a try, and again, no luck. If someone only had one with the little srf format, we'd have a winner.

If you think of anything else, I'll keep trying. Thanks so much for all of your help.

Thanks Joe, I just tried that as well. I used to use VLC on a regular basis and forgot to download it when I replaced all of my computers recently. Unfortunately it did not play the SRF or allow me to convert it through VLC.

Back to the drawing board again. This is becoming quite a challenge. I appreciate your input! Thank you.

Patty

>>  It's 36 hours of material,

Where did you get that figure from and how many srf files are there?

My client counted up the time on all of the CD's they have. I so far have 12 files, but there are 135 srf files total. They want to make sure these will work before uploading the remaining files to me.

Patty

Hi Patty,

Two things I'm confused on:

(1) Can you listen to these files with <NexusPlay.exe>? On the one hand, you said, "An attorney was able to sit and listen to these on his computer. I am not able to." On the other hand, you said, "When I open NexusPlay.exe, I'm able to listen to a file."

(2) Can you provide a sample file? On the one hand, you said, "I can send a sample file." On the other hand, you said, "I can't post a file to try unfortunately."

Regards, Joe

And what are the names of some of these srf file?  Give us a couple of samples.

I'm going to guess at names such as 20120603-215832-02_121 or am I wrong.

i found a few posts saying that it was caused by the AV, or wireless setup
so disable the AV, or use wired  setups to test

Patty,
Haven't heard back from you on my last post, and I'm going to pack it in for the night now, but I'll leave you with one more thought. If you can play the files with <NexusPlay.exe>, then it must have the proper codec. If that's the case, then give GoldWave a try. I haven't used it in years, but there was a time when it was the only program that could convert certain proprietary audio file types that I had. The technique was to install the program that supported the proprietary audio file type (in your case, <NexusPlay.exe>), open the proprietary file in GoldWave (which, in essence, launched the proprietary codec), and then perform the conversion in GoldWave (which I always did to MP3).

I'll check back into the thread first thing in the (my) morning. Good luck! Regards, Joe

Oh, snap.

I'll bet Joe's right... I don't know why I didn't think of it (I have it -- licensed and everything -- and it's never failed me before. http://goldwave.com/

Hi  wordtec000
has time run out for you yet?
Since this was on CD I'd try everything to get a copy of that  back on to a CD
rather than all this converting stuff..
The integrated auto play and the combined proprietary codecs with this Nexus.exe player should just play it once on a disc.
That's how the laser works with this Nexus player.
What you wrote here is the key.  Each one I tried playing, I had to play it through the NexusPlay.exe file. These are on CD's, but my client took one CD and uploaded the entire thing to my FTP site in a folder specifically for that CD.
Burn it back on to a cd as a data CD then try and play it that could be the key

If you were sent the complete contents of the CD

just reburn it to CD using Nero or a DVD burner software you have there
Select CD and a data Disc
All the files from the sounds needed are already there by the looks of it.
[autorun]
action=Run Nexus Player to listen to call recordings
label=Nexus Recording Downloads
icon=cdico.ico
open=NexusPlay.exe
Including the .srf just burn everything as is

I dont know if you need to finalise the disc for the auto play to work but do that anyway
Tick to make the CD finalised.
There would be no need to convert or anything as the autorun Nexus player will play it automatically when inserted ( [autorun] ) and ( open=NexusPlay.exe ) is your inbuilt player
so no media player required with in your windows
as it's a data disc it holds a lot more than an audio disc, it doesn't use the redbook format
If it helps
Burn a CD or DVD in Windows Media Player
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows-vista/burn-a-cd-or-dvd-in-windows-media-player
Or any burning software you have,
That should do it.
Happy playing
cheers
 Merete

Merete,

With respect, the issue isn't with playing the files using the software (NexusPlay.exe) wordtec000 was provided.

The issue is that the files are in a format that wordtec000's transcription software doesn't read, so the process of transcribing 36 hours of calls would take quite a long time. The question is to find some software that will allow the calls to be changed to a format that the transcription software can read, allowing wordtec000 to complete the process of transcribing in a more timely fashion.

Think of it like trying to read a program written on a Mac, for use in a Mac, on a PC. It wouldn't matter what media was used -- a CD, a flash drive or even a good ol' floppy -- if the OS on the PC doesn't know what to do with the file, it's going to throw up its hands and say "you've gotta be kidding."

ep

Okay, I'm back. Thanks for your explanation above Eric. That's precisely the situation. I've now tried Gold Wave to convert, but it didn't work on automatic. I get the message "Cannot determine format of file, please specify a format below. Then I get the choice of
File Type: Raw (snd, raw)  OR choice of Dialogic (vox)
Attributes: PCM Signed 16 bit, little endian, mono (or a drop down list)
Rate Hz: 44100 (or a drop down list)  Custom   Data
Okay    Cancel    Help

Unless there's different things I should enter in those spots, of course I would have no idea what to put in those areas.

I've got a call into my client, to see if someone there can beg the prison to export the files to MP3's, but that's a long shot. It sure would make this a lot easier. And to see if they would allow me to post one file to test. I'm not sure if they'll let me do that.

I can't thank you all enough for trying to help me get these to work.

Patty

The files are in a number format; ex: 20120604_173650_2184357.srf
That's what they look like.

I also tried the resaving idea and that did not work either. It ended up sounding like total static.

Hi Patty,
Based on your recent posts, it seems the answers to my two questions here are:

(1) Yes, you can listen to the files with <NexusPlay.exe>.

(2) No, they will not (yet) allow you to post a file.

Right?

Btw, what transcription software are you using? Regards, Joe

>>  The files are in a number format; ex: 20120604_173650_2184357.srf

Time for an experiment.  Make sure you have your files backed up somewhere first.

Copy them to a folder and try the following.

Now the XML file above has the line <DURATION>79</DURATION> <ID>20120603-214915-01_086</ID>

Use a text editor to change 79 to 319 and save.  Then try playing file 20120603-214915-01_086 and see how long that file plays.

I'm hoping that 79 is the string that determines how long the file is to be played.  Up above you stated that you only got a minute and a half of playing.  Well 79 could be that time in seconds, so changing it to 319 gives a much longer time.

Again this is only an experiment so I can't guarantee that this will solve the problem.

found this :
What is a SRF file?
 
Most files that contain the SRF file extension are raw image files that have been created by a Sony digital camera. The SRF files store the images that have been taken by the camera in an uncompressed raw file format. This means that the image is saved exactly the way that it was captured by the camera's sensor.

Image editors can take the raw SRF files that a user takes with his or her camera and can make adjustments to the image's settings once the file has been saved to the user's computer.

The .srf file extension is also used for Garmin software. These SRF files contain vehicle image files that are used by the software application.
 from : http://file.org/extension/srf

and it says these programs open the files :
Software that will open or convert SRF files
Picasa Photo Viewer
ACDSee

wordtec000,

I get the message "Cannot determine format of file, please specify a format below. Then I get the choice of
File Type: Raw (snd, raw)  OR choice of Dialogic (vox)

Select Raw. From everything I've seen, the files are raw files from a Sony (or Samsung) recording system, or Sony [Samsung]/[Sound] Raw Files (.srf).

It's worth a shot, right?

ep

wordtec000 to your knowledge did the attorney listen to the transcript from a CD on his computer and that is the copy of the contents that was uploaded to FTP sent to you and now you have this copy on your HDD in a folder.
And it is this copy of text files or xml or srf that you are trying to play, as you said they play from the Nexus player.
Logic would state since since the CD has the auto run and the player once burnt back on to a CD and inserted in the rom drive the the Nexis player read the files and play them?
It reminds of the same logic of the CDA format on audio discs, when copied off the CD as is
the CDA files are useless.
Please do quote me if I'm wrong here,
If you can play them through the nexus player on your HDD regardless consider using audacity to record what you hear in your speakers ( stereo mix )
or mp3mymp3 recorder
Merete

Audacity won't let you open that kind of file: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/manual-1.2/fileformats.html

It's been a busy day. I do use Start/Stop Transcription Software by HTH Engineering. I was on the phone with them a good part of the day. They called the manufacturer of the NexusPlay software and were told that it is proprietary and there is no codecs that will work with it to convert any files and they were not willing to give it up if there were. So that answered that.

So I've now resorted to having to play each file on NexusPlay, which came with the files, and then I'm finally just now recording them through Gold Wave.

That was a process as well, trying to rerecord with the transcription software, which has that capability, but was only giving us static. So then we tried Gold Wave and am now going through the grueling process of recording 36 hours of files one by one. 3 files down 135 to go.

The client has also put a call into the prison, to see if they will export the files to MP3s, as they had to get a court order to get them in the first place. I did share with them the information Masqueraid provided about the National Center for State Courts. She was thankful and will use that in her request for MP3s.

I am so grateful to each and every one of you who came up with so many ideas. I know it's time consuming to troubleshoot, especially when you don't have a file to test. So thank you, thank you, thank you. My client is also so appreciative of all the help and input as well.

So evidently there isn't a way for now to convert the SRF files and one must rerecord them, if you want to play as a different format.

Time for me to finally get to work!! Thank you again!

Patty

I still believe that you burn the all the folder from ftp to cd it will play ok from cd

Patty,

While you are going through this, can you open one of the files in Notepad (expect it to take a while, several minutes or more) and then copy and paste the first screen-full of characters (including any that are recognizably words or abbreviations here?

Merete,

Wow you got that wrong ericpete, if I may explain then,
we are not opening the srf in Audacity it will only be used to record the srf playing in the nexis player

That was suggested. It was also rejected as a solution and now, it's exactly what wordtec000 is doing.

It's amazing what you'll find when you read through all the posts.

wordtec000,

Sorry we put you through all kinds of hoops for very little return -- but if nothing else, you have your hands on some great software. Goldwave will open up a whole new world of custom ringtones...

ep

Thanks Eric as well. No hoops at all, it was a great learning experience and I like learning new tricks on the computer of what I can do to help one of my clients. So all of this information will be helpful in the future as well, along with the programs and getting reacquainted with Goldwave.  I've had my business for 26 years and on occasion I get these crazy files that I can't do anything with. So my clients or potential clients appreciate that I go the extra mile to try get them a solution or answer and of course that keeps them coming back.

I only have 2 files left of the first CD to convert. My new client called the prison this afternoon, they said no at first when she asked if they'd export the files to MP3s. Then she cranked up the charm and told him how hard you guys were all trying to help get it working. So he finally agreed to talk to his IT people and see if they will export the rest of them to MP3s.  We're crossing our fingers that he'll make it happen.

Thank you again for everything and an early Happy Holidays to you all. I'll be back if I come up with another doozy that needs all your expertise! ;-)

Best,
Patty

ericpete,
The links in your last post do not work. I think it's a bug in the EE website, although the EE devs may say it's a feature. :)   When you try to do a link like this...

http:#a39643518

...it doesn't work if you place it in text via the Link tool on the formatting toolbar. Unfortunately, it turns

http:#a39643518

into

http://http/#a39643518

The only way that I'm aware of to keep that type of link (stay-in-same-tab) is to specify it as-is, i.e., not with text. So your sentence with the three links should have been something like this:

That was suggested (http:#a39643518). It was also rejected as a solution (http:#a39643554) and now, it's exactly what wordtec000 is doing (http:#a39646593).

Let's hope that the EE devs agree it's a bug and fix it. Regards, Joe

Patty,
You're very welcome. It was an interesting thread...happy to help...and I'm glad to hear that GoldWave has been useful. Regards, Joe

This solution will help with other files that I use on a regular basis that I need to convert. And correct, SRF is not a convertible file, as it is proprietary software. VLC is an excellent player and something I used to use on a regular basis.  Thanks Joe!

I think I did the grading wrong, as I wanted to accept multiple solutions, instead of just the one.  Eeek! Is there a way to change that? I apologize for that.

I'm sure Netminder will be able to re-open it. Hang tight for a while...he'll be here to rescue you. :)

Great! I'll be working still for a while, or will do it tomorrow if it gets late. You guys are awesome! I'll be giving great recommendations on my Facebook page for this site and how helpful everyone is. It's been a very good experience.

Yep, EE is a wonderful community. Lots of incredibly smart people and, just as important, friendly, good-spirited folks, always eager to share their knowledge. I've learned more here at EE than I've taught! :)   Welcome to the community...looking forward to working with you in the future. Regards, Joe

wordtec000,

For my part, I don't mind your giving the points to Joe, so while I'm sure Netminder is still lurking, please don't re-open on my behalf. To be safe, though, just click the Request Attention button under your original question post, and the Mods will take care of it.

Joe,

I knew that. I just forgot that. Hopefully, Netminder will pick that up as well.

ep

Patty,
That's a very nice gesture by ericpete, but I do not deserve all of the points, and your desire to accept multiple solutions and spread the points around is the right thing to do. Also, based on your obvious happiness with this thread, I'm sure you'll want to change the rating from Good to Excellent...probably just a selection error based on your newness to the site. But don't worry about any of this...and certainly don't stay up late for it...there's no rush for the points. Regards, Joe

Thanks Joe and Eric and Netminder for reopening! I wasn't sure exactly how to do it. I think now I do though. So I'm going to get some much needed sleep and then I'm going to come back on here tomorrow when I'm fresh and do it correctly and will spread the points around and kudos, because I'm very happy with all of the help I received. I just did a blast out on my personal and business Facebook pages as well and attached a link to this site. I believe that positive experiences and great resources should be shared. Thanks guys. Stay tuned...

Well done with getting them to convert the files for you - also good to hear that the name of Experts-Exchange carries so much weight in the Dakota prison system :)

For reference here's the current state of play with encryption for digital evidence in the US Court systems - as you'll see it's pretty new so even the courts are not fully aware yet.

http://www.fortherecord.com/news/making-the-record-utilizing-digital-electronic-recording/

It struck me as bizarre that there was previously no requirement for archived files to be able to be stored in a common, open source format.

As Netminder said - thanks for staying engaged with the question - that's what really makes this site work well.

Actually Patty can't convert them
refs to  http:#a39645223
I've now tried Gold Wave to convert, but it didn't work on automatic. I get the message "Cannot determine format of file, please specify a format below.

Patty also said I am is using Goldwave to record them as they play
 http:#a39646593
I was on the phone with them a good part of the day. They called the manufacturer of the NexusPlay software and were told that it is proprietary and there is no codecs that will work with it to convert any files and they were not willing to give it up if there were.
So that answered that.
So I've now resorted to having to play each file on NexusPlay, which came with the files, and then I'm finally just now recording them through Goldwave.

Going through the comments the suggestion I made http:#a39644040
and also http:#a39646448, burn the auto run back to CD  (So long as he had all the files) would probably solve it but was never tried,
I don't think Patty even saw it.
With this many experts helping there will be clutter especially if experts start opinioning other comments.
Refs to>
Patty said> http:#a39643774
My client counted up the time on all of the CD's they have. I so far have 12 files, but there are 135 srf files total.
They want to make sure these will work before uploading the remaining files to me.

All in all I am very happy for you Patty that you resolved it one way or another
The Goldwave or Audacity is the best solution, record what you hear.
using the Goldwave was the real solution.
And your continuous feedback and contributions was Awesome!!
That's the key to get all us experts hopping in all fired up to help where we can
All the best
Merete

Thanks to everyone who participated in my question! It was all very helpful and enlightening. I will be able to use many of the suggestions on other issues that I do encounter with files that I transcribe. So it was a complete win-win on this thread! Next time I run into another challenging issue, this will be my go to source for help. I've already shared info about this site with my personal and business Facebook page as well. I wish I would have known about Experts-Exchange a long time ago, you all would have probably saved me from having a lot of headaches and stress. Thank you so much, you provide an valuable service!
Best,
Patty

Thanks Masqueraid for that link and info! I do use FTR and Liberty Court Players as well on a regular basis, as I contract with our state court system and do court hearing transcripts as well. I don't usually go to their websites, so I didn't know those documents existed. But that is fantastic information. I've saved it and will be passing that on to a few of my clients in the courts and to some of my attorney clients. I think I only have two judges still on the dreadful tape system, as opposed to jumping into the digital age. I always hope their tape recorders break. :-)

Thank you Merete for the recap as well! My client is now in the process of asking the prison's IT staff to convert the files on their end, if they are able to do so. Me being able to rerecord though was definitely the saving grace on this one, so we could get to work on this project. (P.S. I'm a big believer in communication and feedback. It's definitely makes it easier to solve the problems.)

Have a great day!

I know this is an old thread, but I happened to have had a similar issue, not with Nexus Player files but with a game that used this file types. On SourceForge they put up and SRF Extractor. It's from 2006, it should still work on a modern machine. You can't download from SourceForge, but I still had a copy from 14 years ago, so I make it available to try if you wish.

http://kelvington.com/TEMP/SRFExtra.zip

If it works... let me know!
---Kelvington

The SRF extractor is a tool to extract from a container file used in a game, it is just a coincidence the makers of the game used the same file extension.

No solution was found to convert the SRF files yet, other than playing them with the proprietary player and recording the audio that way.

I noticed that the NexusPlay shows additional information about the file, such as name of a person, phone number (recorded phone call), time and date and some ID number.