BMW i5 and 5-Series Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-08-2025, 01:02 AM   #1
SkykingUSA
Major
SkykingUSA's Avatar
4489
Rep
1,456
Posts

Drives: 2024 i5 eDrive40
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Santa Clarita, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Audio Question

I copied about 9 audio files to a USB drive and plugged it into my car to play. The file formats are
  • .mp4
  • .mkv
  • .wav
  • .flac
When I try to play them using the built in audio player in the car (simply by choosing the USB drive as the media "source") the only ones I can see and play are the .wav and .flac files. To find them, I choose Search, then Folders and browse to the folder where the files are.

Does anyone know how I can play the .mp4 files?

I have the base Harmon Kardon system.
__________________
2024 i5 eDrive40 / Vegas Red / Black Veganza / Dark Oak Gloss Trim with Dark Silv Acc / Premium Package / M Sport Package / M Sport Pro Package / Driving Assistance Pro Package / Luxury Seating Package / 19" 936 M Aero Wheels NonRFT

Appreciate 0
      01-08-2025, 03:25 AM   #2
LVBMW
Major
LVBMW's Avatar
3074
Rep
1,403
Posts

Drives: '24 iX M60 '23 Tesla Model Y-P
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by SkykingUSA View Post
I copied about 9 audio files to a USB drive and plugged it into my car to play. The file formats are
  • .mp4
  • .mkv
  • .wav
  • .flac
When I try to play them using the built in audio player in the car (simply by choosing the USB drive as the media "source") the only ones I can see and play are the .wav and .flac files. To find them, I choose Search, then Folders and browse to the folder where the files are.

Does anyone know how I can play the .mp4 files?

I have the base Harmon Kardon system.
According to the manual MP4 is not listed as a supported format.
Appreciate 1
SkykingUSA4489.00
      01-08-2025, 03:42 AM   #3
SkykingUSA
Major
SkykingUSA's Avatar
4489
Rep
1,456
Posts

Drives: 2024 i5 eDrive40
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Santa Clarita, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Do you think that means that the only way I can play an mp4 file is via my phone through the Android Auto connection?

What I'm trying to do is play a multi-channel immersive audio test file to see how it sounds through the car's system. I'm thinking that if I play anything through a Bluetooth connection, it may not carry the surround sound data into the car? I'm not sure. Maybe I'll just copy the file to my phone and try playing it on my phone to see how it sounds, and if it works. However, in the video below, it looks like the guy is playing it directly through the car's system. Maybe I just need to convert the original mp4 file to flac format, as long as the surround data is all preserved. Hmm, maybe I'll try that too.

This is the site where I got the test file.

https://immersiveaudioalbum.com/sonic-brand/

It's the same test that this guy ran in his review of the Bowers and Wilkins system. I just want to run the same test in my car. The downloaded file appears to only be available in mp4 format.

__________________
2024 i5 eDrive40 / Vegas Red / Black Veganza / Dark Oak Gloss Trim with Dark Silv Acc / Premium Package / M Sport Package / M Sport Pro Package / Driving Assistance Pro Package / Luxury Seating Package / 19" 936 M Aero Wheels NonRFT

Appreciate 1
ToddRGuy4445.00
      01-08-2025, 04:32 AM   #4
SkykingUSA
Major
SkykingUSA's Avatar
4489
Rep
1,456
Posts

Drives: 2024 i5 eDrive40
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Santa Clarita, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I converted the file to FLAC format, and I also downloaded other test FLAC files from here: https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater..._every_format/

I'll test it out over the next day or two and report back.
__________________
2024 i5 eDrive40 / Vegas Red / Black Veganza / Dark Oak Gloss Trim with Dark Silv Acc / Premium Package / M Sport Package / M Sport Pro Package / Driving Assistance Pro Package / Luxury Seating Package / 19" 936 M Aero Wheels NonRFT

Appreciate 4
nacs914.50
LVBMW3073.50
ToddRGuy4445.00
      01-08-2025, 03:18 PM   #5
LVBMW
Major
LVBMW's Avatar
3074
Rep
1,403
Posts

Drives: '24 iX M60 '23 Tesla Model Y-P
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by SkykingUSA View Post
Do you think that means that the only way I can play an mp4 file is via my phone through the Android Auto connection?

What I'm trying to do is play a multi-channel immersive audio test file to see how it sounds through the car's system. I'm thinking that if I play anything through a Bluetooth connection, it may not carry the surround sound data into the car? I'm not sure. Maybe I'll just copy the file to my phone and try playing it on my phone to see how it sounds, and if it works. However, in the video below, it looks like the guy is playing it directly through the car's system. Maybe I just need to convert the original mp4 file to flac format, as long as the surround data is all preserved. Hmm, maybe I'll try that too.

This is the site where I got the test file.

https://immersiveaudioalbum.com/sonic-brand/

It's the same test that this guy ran in his review of the Bowers and Wilkins system. I just want to run the same test in my car. The downloaded file appears to only be available in mp4 format.

I wish I could help with these details. Way over my head. I just listen to SiriusXM and Apple Music at times.
Appreciate 2
SkykingUSA4489.00
MiGs550e1015.50
      01-08-2025, 07:15 PM   #6
btlalum
Private
202
Rep
52
Posts

Drives: BMW i5 M60 Audi Q3
Join Date: Apr 2024
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
My experience is that FLAC and MP3 play fine, but the system has never recognized MP4, perhaps as it's often used as a video container. Interestingly, I took a large number of video files (movies etc.) that were *.mp4 files, changed the extension to *.mp3, and now they play fine as videos, including multi-channel sound. But have never seen *.mp4 even show up...FWIW.
Appreciate 1
SkykingUSA4489.00
      01-08-2025, 08:45 PM   #7
SkykingUSA
Major
SkykingUSA's Avatar
4489
Rep
1,456
Posts

Drives: 2024 i5 eDrive40
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Santa Clarita, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I converted the file to flac format, and also used the other files I found and they play fine.
__________________
2024 i5 eDrive40 / Vegas Red / Black Veganza / Dark Oak Gloss Trim with Dark Silv Acc / Premium Package / M Sport Package / M Sport Pro Package / Driving Assistance Pro Package / Luxury Seating Package / 19" 936 M Aero Wheels NonRFT

Appreciate 0
      01-08-2025, 10:49 PM   #8
MiGs550e
(OO=[][]=OO)
MiGs550e's Avatar
1016
Rep
235
Posts

Drives: 550e
Join Date: Aug 2024
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Mp4 is not a audio codec. It is a container that can contain audio video and other data. The audio data can use any number of audio codex. I imagine that is why in part it is not supported. Now you might luck out if you compile the mp4 to use a codec that is supported. My guess is you mp4 audio data is encoded using AAC which I believe is not supported. FLAC is really the way to go for saving space, hi-res, lossless audio.
__________________
(OO=[][]=OO)

Last edited by MiGs550e; 01-08-2025 at 10:50 PM..
Appreciate 1
SkykingUSA4489.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:14 AM.




g60
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST