Frequently Asked Questions
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1. The Basics
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What does RipDigital do?
RipDigital converts your music CDs into a digital music library perfectly organized by artist, album and genre. You send us your CDs and we send back digital music files - playable on all digital audio devices (Apple's iPod, Dell's DJ, etc.) and software players (Apple iTunes, MusicMatch, Real, etc.).
The alternative is best described by TimeOut New York in a recent story about RipDigital: "If A represents your complete music collection on CD, and B is the amount of time it takes to cover one CD into a digital MP3 file, then A x B = one long project."  We do the work for you.
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What does the service cost?
RipDigitial's conversion service costs average around $1 per CD for most orders (Premium Format CD Conversion costs only slightly more, but you can choose from various value adds such as high fidelity formats, multiple pass error correction for well-loved CDs, $20 insurance per CD, expedited UPS shipping, external hard drives for plug-and-play flexibility, hand-groomed album information and premium printed catalogs). In addition, we offers bulk discounts for orders over 500 CDs.
Please see our order page for a complete price list. For orders larger than 500 CDs, please contact us.
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2. Using Your Music Library
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How do I load my music onto my computer?
Once you receive your data DVDs, simply insert the DVDs and move the files over to your computer's hard drive.
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How do I load my music onto my iPod?
RipDigital delivers files that are compatible with all music players. You load your iPod in three simple steps:
  • Load your music onto your computer.
  • Import the files into iTunes.
  • Use iTunes to sync your iPod with your computer.

Consult your iPod users manual or the iTunes sync page for more details.
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How do I load my music onto my portable MP3 player?
RipDigital delivers files that are compatible with all music players. You load your MP3 player in three simple steps:
  • Load your music onto your computer.
  • Import the files into your MP3 player's music management software.
  • Use your MP3 player's music management software to sync your player with your computer.

Consult your MP3 player's users manual for more details.
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How will my music library be organized?
RipDigital organizes your music library by artist, album, and genre. This organizational information is included in both ID3 tags within every file as well as within the file names themselves.
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Is the music library organized by artist, album, and genre?
Yes. RipDigital organizes your music library by artist, album, and genre. This organizational information is included in both ID3 tags within every file as well as within the file names themselves.
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How do I load CDs I purchase after RipDigital converts my collection?
While converting an entire CD collection is very time consuming, conversion of a single new CD does not take much time or effort.
Even better - now that all your music is digital, consider buying your new music online instead of trudging to the store to purchase new CDs. Experience the simplicity and convenience of online music digital music by visiting Apple's iTunes Store and MusicMatch's Store.
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Is the music RipDigital returns to me CD quality?
Yes. RipDigital's default configuration for converting your CD collection is 192 kbps MP3, while most player software packages claim 128 kbps to be CD quality.
The higher bit-rate at which RipDigital encodes guarantees you even better sound quality than you would experience using CD quality on the most popular players. That said, virtually all encoding technologies compress your music. Though indistinguishable to even the most tuned ears, the technical truth is that encoded music is not exactly the same as the original.
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Is my library copyright protected?
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Yes. RipDigital is committed to copyright protection and has actively taken steps to protect the rights of artists and music labels. RipDigital has implemented the following steps to protect copyright:
  • RipDigital physically converts every single CD provided by our customers and does not keep a backup copy of any music files.
  • RipDigital includes a unique identifying mark with each file to encourage responsible use of digital music.
  • RipDigital requires that customers take responsibility for ownership of their CDs and agree not to upload music onto file sharing services.
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What does RipDigital do with scratched or damaged discs?
RipDigital makes every effort to convert scratched or damaged discs and in many cases we are able to successfully convert them. Obviously though, there are cases when we are unable to work with damaged CDs. In these cases the rest of your collection will be converted as normal and your damaged CDs will be returned along with your music library and the rest of your original CD collection.
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3. Ordering Information
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How long will it take RipDigital to process my order?

The time it takes RipDigital to process your order depends on the number of CDs you would like us to convert. It will take ' up to 7 days from the date we receive your CDs to process a 200 CD order - not including shipping time. Larger orders take up to 10 days from the date we receive your CDs.

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What benefit does the hard drive option provide?
A portable hard drive allows you to store your entire CD collection digitally without taxing your computer's memory. Many people use an external hard drive because their music files take up a lot of space on their computer.
To determine if you computer has enough memory to hold all of your music files check out our digital storage tutorial.In addition, you can use the chart below as a guide for determining how much storage your library will require:
# of CDs
Gb Required
100
10
150
15
200
20
250
25
300
30
350
35
400
40
450
45
500
50
550
55
600
60
650
65
700
70
750
75
800
80
850
85
900
90
950
95
1000
100
1050
105
1100
110
1150
115
1200
120
1250
125
1300
130
1350
135
1400
140
1450
145
1500
150
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What size external hard drives does RipDigital offer?
RipDigital offers between 160-500GB external plug & play hard drives (Note: Unless specified otherwise, all orders delivered on a hard drive will not include the data DVDs as a backup archive).
The amount of storage you need depends on how many CDs you want to convert. In addition, external hard drives can be used to store any type of computer file - consider order a slightly larger drive if you also want to use it for general purpose storage.
Use the chart below as a guide for making your selection:
# of CDs
Gb Required
100
10
150
15
200
20
250
25
300
30
350
35
400
40
450
45
500
50
550
55
600
60
650
65
700
70
750
75
800
80
850
85
900
90
950
95
1000
100
1050
105
1100
110
1150
115
1200
120
1250
125
1300
130
1350
135
1400
140
1450
145
1500
150
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Does RipDigital offer bulk discounts?
Yes. Please contact us via the form on our website or call us at 202-464-8701.
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Does RipDigital accept orders of less than 50 CDs?
Yes, you may submit fewer than 50 CDs, however please note that you will be charged for up to 50 CDs, our minimum price point.
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Does RipDigital handle custom audio conversion requests?
Yes. Please contact us via the form on our website or call us at 202-464-8701.
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Contact us
Phone: 202-464-8701
Fax: 202-558-6443
Mail:
2175 K St NW
Suite 120
Washington, DC 20037
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4. Encoding Options
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What audio file formats does RipDigital offer?
The short answer for people familiar with digital music formats and bitrates:
RipDigital offers the MP3 format at 192kbps given the superior sound this bitrate offers. We offer ripping to other popular formats (pricing varies). If you have a specific request, please contact us via the form on our website or call us at 202-464-8701 . We anticipate adding additional formats to our website in the near future.
The detailed answer for people who are NOT familiar with digital music formats and bitrates:
The MP3 file format is the only standard supported by all media devices (e.g., Apple's iPod, Creative's Nomad, Dell's DJ, Gateway's Jukebox) and software players (e.g., Apple iTunes and MusicMatch). Other file formats do exist, such as AAC and WMA, but these are more platform specific.
In addition to file format, bitrate is another factor in determining the format of your digital music. The bitrate affects both the sound quality and the size of each file. The higher the bitrate, the better the sound quality and in turn the larger the file size. For example a song converted to MP3 at 128kbps is considered by many to be "CD-quality." RipDigital offers conversion to the MP3 format at 192kbps which provides a superior sound quality.
RipDigital can usually accommodate conversion to other formats and bitrates for custom orders. Please contact us via the form on our website or call us at 202-464-8701 to discuss your specifications.
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What are RipDigitals default configuration settings?
RipDigital's default encoding configuration is:
  • MP3
  • 192kbps
  • CBR

If you would like your music encoded with a different configuration, please contact us via the form on our website
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Does RipDigital convert to custom bitrates?
RipDigital's default bitrate is CD-quality 192kbps CBR. RipDigital uses an industry- leading codecs set to a 192 fixed bit rate and "high" quality settings.
To place an order foralternate bitrates (other than 192 kbps) simply follow the steps below:
  • Place your order online using our normal ecommerce process.
  • Receive order confirmation email with your order #.
  • Send an email requesting a specific bitrate to customerservice@riptopia.com referencing your order number.
  • Receive shipping kit and send your CDs as per RipDigital's standard order fulfillment process.
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Does RipDigital convert to AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AIFF?
RipDigital's current default file format is MP3. If you would like your music converted to other audio formats (AAC, WMA, FLAC, etc) please contact us via the form on our website or call us at 800-874-4921
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Does RipDigital convert to VBR?
Yes. Though RipDigital's default configuration uses constant bit rate (CBR) encoding, we do offer variable bit rate (VBR) encoding as a custom request.
To place an order for VBR simply follow the steps below:
  • Place your order online using our normal ecommerce process.
  • Receive order confirmation email with your order #.
  • Send an email requesting VBR encoding to customerservice@riptopia.com referencing your order number.
  • Receive shipping kit and send your CDs as per RipDigital's standard order fulfillment process.
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Does RipDigital convert to CBR?
Yes. RipDigital's default configuration uses constant bit rate (CBR) encoding.
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Does RipDigital convert to lossless codecs?
If you would like your music converted to a lossless codec please contact us via the form on our website
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5. Shipping Details
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How do I send my CDs to RipDigital?
RipDigital makes it easy. After you place your order, we will send you a pre-paid, insured shipping kit that includes:
  • Shipping box
  • CD-spindles to hold your collection
  • Padding to protect your CDs
  • Pre-paid UPS return label
  • Pre-cut packing tape to seal the box
You simply load your CDs onto the spindles, seal the box and call UPS for pickup. Shipments are handled and insured through UPS for $10 per CD. Feel free to inquire about expedited shipping and/or more insurance.
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How long will it take RipDigital to process my order?
The time it takes RipDigital to process your order depends on the number of CDs you would like us to convert. It will take up to 5 business days to process a 200 CD order - including shipping time.
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How does RipDigital deliver my music back to me?
RipDigital currently offers you two options for receiving your digital music library:
  • DVD Archive Only
  • DVD Archive + Apple iPod
  • DVD Archive + Plug & Play Hard Drive

RipDigital returns all orders on DVD. Your music-filled data DVDs are included in the list conversion prices on our website. Once you receive your data DVDs, you simply move the files over to your computer.
RipDigital also offers you the option to purchase and receive your music on a plug & play external hard drive. We will ask if you would like to buy a portable drive and, if so, what size. Unless specified otherwise, all orders delivered on a hard drive will not include data DVDs as a backup archive.
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Do I get my music CDs back?
Yes. We ship your CDs back with your new digital music library. We insure all shipments through UPS at a value of $10 per CD for Standard orders. Feel free to inquire about expedited shipping and more insurance.
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Do I send my CDs in their cases when I ship them to RipDigital?
No. CD jewel cases are heavy to ship and notoriously fragile. Because your CD collection is important to you and to us, RipDigital provides you with specially designed spindle cases for safe and cost-effective shipment.
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Does RipDigital serve markets outside of the United States?
No. Regrettably, the cost and complexity of shipping outside of the US prevents us from offering this service.
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Are the shipments insured?
Yes. RipDigital uses UPS for all shipments and insures each CD for a replacement value of $10 for Standard orders. Feel free to inquire about more insurance.
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Does RipDigital accept drop-off orders?

Yes - RipDigital accepts drop-off orders at our processing centers located in Washington, DC. Just place your order online and select the pickup/drop-off option in the shipping section.

We are located at:

East Coast
2175 K St NW - Suite 120
Washington, DC 20037
202-464-8701

Our hours are:

9am - 5pm Monday-Friday
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6. Tech Details
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Does my computer read DVDs?
Almost all computers purchased in the last couple of years include DVD players. If you don't have a DVD drive or if you just want some extra storage space, you can choose purchase an plug & play external hard drive on which RipDigital will pre-load your music collection.
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How many albums fit on each DVD?
Each DVD we send you will contain roughly 50-75 music CDs. Please note that this calculation is rough and assumes MP3 192kbps CBR. Higher encoding rates will lower the number of CDs that fit on each DVD.
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Does RipDigital maintain a copy of my music?
No. RipDigital actually converts each CD that you send to us and we do not keep a backup of any music files.
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What is the unique identifying mark written to each track?
RipDigital writes a "unique identifying mark" to each file that identifies every track as your own.The mark written to the file does not degrade the sound quality of your music.
RipDigital is committed to copyright protection and works actively to protect the rights of artists and music labels.
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Does RipDigital use ID3 tags?
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7. Other Services
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Does RipDigital offer a digital LP conversion service?
No. At this time RipDigital only offers a conversion service for music CDs.
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Does RipDigital offer a digital photo conversion service?
No. At this time RipDigital only offers a conversion service for music CDs.
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Does RipDigital offer a digital VHS conversion service?
No. At this time RipDigital only offers a conversion service for music CDs.
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