How to solve the Vodafone lockdown on using mp3s as ringtone

How to solve the Vodafone lockdown on using mp3’s as ring tones for the Sony Ericsson K700i (and others as well most probably). I have found out that there are at least two possibilities (three including unbranding) until Vodafone starts listen to the customer and remove the MP3 ring tone banning from our mobiles.

1. Converting the .MP3 to a .AMR audio file, which the K700i also can play as ring tones. The disadvantage is that you can only play 12.2 Kbps sound files (equals low quality). If you choose this solution I recommend that you register on the NOKIA developer forum at http://www.forum.nokia.com/main.html and download the file Nokia Multimedia Converter 2.0. You will need a register code as you install, which can be requested to your e-mail at the same location as you download. The program is very easy to use so I will not describe the process. Upload the converted file using IR, Bluetooth or cable.

2. Now to the Surprise! After some time of searching and testing I found out that you can play a MP3 if you attach DRM (Digital Rights Management) to them. The DRM wasn’t something new but the problem was to find the correct program to add the DRM with. Finally! Download the Drmpackager from http://developer.sonyericsson.com/. You will have to register here as well. Now you can apply DRM to a MP3 directly. Use the standard settings and load a MP3, press the Create DRM content and there you have it… A file named “Yourfilename.dm”. Upload this file instead of the MP3 you where planning to use as ring tone and you will see that it has the same quality as the original MP3 and you can select it as a ring tone. Cool eh? This process isn’t as easy as just uploading a MP3 directly but on the otherhand it does not take more than 20 sec to start the application and add the DRM to a MP3, so it’s not a big problem. The disadvantage is that the sounds can’t be passed on, just like other DRM protected sounds. And then of course this does not solve the actual problem. I really can’t understand why VF want to change a working firmware to something that doesn’t work especially since I find it hard to understand that someone really want to use the K700i as a fully functional MP3-player, but I suppose VF believes that =)

Written by PatRaven at www.engvall.nu
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Wirelessly posted (The Devils Advocat: SonyEricssonK700i/R2A SEMC-Browser/4.0 Profile/MIDP-1.0 MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1)

Or you call Vodafone or go to a shop and complain about it. Vodafone has a fix for it. They will switch the phone or just update the firmware.

Hi Bjoern,

Sorry but they dont. They care very little about the customer in this matter. They state its a world wide policy and we (the customers) have to
live with it. If you have been able to get it fixed then you probably have got a unbranded firmware from a very helpful "shop assistant". Can you please share more details regarding your particular case as you state they will do it...

Regs // Pat!

I've got to confess:
Something I have read over is that the DRM is needed (which btw only works with the newest firmware).
Many people on a german K700i have stated "switched the phone and mp3 does work" but only 1 out of 20 stated about DRM...

You now can call me Bill Gates

Hi Bill

Ok I see your point. My solution is for those who cant replace the phone and provided that they have the correct firmware.

I agree the DRM has not been discussed very much, dont think people in general knows what its all about. Hopefully it will change and lets enlighten the users of a possible workaround for some phones.

Regs // Pat!

After upgrading to the K700 I was very disapointed to find the MP3 ringtone lockout. I tried the DRM Software but this didn't work. I went back to the Vodafone shop to ask them if a software upgrade was going to be made avaialble. They said that Yes it was but this had already been delayed since September.
To check the story I went to the Second Vodafone store in Leeds and asked the same questio, I got the same answer but no timescales.

Not having a definite answer I e-mailed Vodafone and they basically said that no such upgrade was going to happen!, and that I would be able to purchase ringtones from them in Late Novemeber.

Luckily I was within the 14 day cooling off Period and so returned my phone.

I've now got the K700 from o2 online, a better price contract and best of all the phone is completly unlocked. Infact I have put my Vodafone Sim in the phone until I get my number Ported.

Get out whilst you can!

Hi,
When you mean about the Copywritten MP3s, just a tip,(i dont have a K700 to make sure.) Once you can edit and copyright the Mp3s using Nero Wave Editor, this would be much convenient.

Then you could flash your phone and remove these locks.
Bye,

I've just got a F500i which is a Vodafone badged K500i, how do I use my own MP3 ringtones? I had no problem doing this with my old Motorola V525.

Andy.

I'm returning my Vodafone branded crap F500i and bought a K500i which works OK and has non Vodafone Live! menu etc, it is much better.

How to solve the Vodafone lockdown on using mp3s as ringtone

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