vivdunstan

On Wednesday afternoon I was still sorting out my newly downloaded 440GB of MP3/M4B files for 700-ish audios from Big Finish. Backing them up, and running a shell script (thanks to Martin!) to automate changing the folder names from ISBN numbers. I thought I'd check what applications on my Mac can play M4B (Apple lossless format), other than the obvious iTunes. So I opened up an audio file in QuickTime player. And then happily listened to half of The Chimes of Midnight. I'd only meant to check it played briefly! I will listen to the second half later this week. This April was 20 years since I first heard Chimes, the very first time I'd ever heard a Big Finish audio, the very first time I'd encountered the Eighth Doctor. What a way to start!

It's an absolutely brilliant audio, spooky in the style of Sapphire & Steel, but with a scifi twist. The writing is very strong - written by Rob Shearman - and the acting and directing top notch. The sound effects also enhance things, helping build tension in a thoroughly scary listening experience.

Sadly this Doctor Who story is not currently available to buy on the new Big Finish website, which is in a huge state of flux since its relaunch last week. First this audio wasn't there, then it was, then it wasn't again. But when it does come back up it will probably be available to buy in download form for just a couple of pounds. It is utterly worth that, and way more.

Oh and the quote in the post title is from the audio. Which does rather love Mrs Baddeley's plum puddings. It's no wonder many Big Finish fans relisten to this audio each year before Christmas.

Calculating how much space I need to download all my Big Finish audios (DRM free MP3 files and another format), at least those that I can get at. Many are still "unavailable for download", though I hope some will come up soon. The new website remains a mess. Even Chimes of Midnight is currently unavailable to download. I reckon at a hand waving calculation I can fit my 700-ish audios in half a terabyte of disk space. So I can get them onto my laptop initially, which has more than that free. And then plonk them in my NAS diskstation and also get another external drive. But this is not good. I have downloaded many audios before, but haven't worried so much until now. Though I should. But the new website and new app are a car crash. I think Big Finish have done themselves enormous harm with this move. And I wouldn't be surprised if they don't ride it out long term.