podServe is CD ripping service. Our focus is on Apple iPods, we also support all other MP3 players along with Sonos, Opus and iMerge systems. We convert music CDs, audiobooks, DVDs and photos.

podServe is different because we collect and return your CDs in person. Our service is described in more detail here.

We are the UK's largest CD ripping service, as well as the first, with endorsements from The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph and Rough Guides.

How do I load my music onto my computer?
We supply full instructions. It's a simple process that you only have to go through once.

How do I load my music onto my iPod classic, Nano, Touch or iPhone?
Through the usual iPod iTunes synchronisation process. We can download to your iPod or hard drive for you.

How do I load my music onto my MP3 player?
The MP3 files we supply are compatible with all portable music players. In overview terms you copy your music from our DVDs onto your computer's hard drive, then import the files into the music management system you use, finally you sync your player with your computer.

How do you organise my library?
We organise by album, by artist, by genre. When you look at your music in iTunes you'll see how you can access it ways you never thought possible.

How do I avoid jumbled composer names, 'Best of' confusion, and other problems?
Our Data Grooming service does this for you.

Album art?
We add album art. With current art databases this is not 100% accurate. If you have a collection biased to modern popular music we estimate over 70% accuracy.

How do I load CDs after you've converted my collection?
You simply use iTunes import feature or purchase music from iTunes Music Store or any other online source.

How do you deliver my music after its been converted?
On archive quality DVD-Rs, readable on virtually all computers.

Classical music?
We recognise the needs of discerning classical music lovers, our special approach to classical music is described here.

Will I be able to buy music over the internet?
Yes you can, it will integrate seamlessly into your new music library. Our clients are more inclined to invest in music downloads once their backlog is converted for them.

Does it matter if my computer is an Apple Mac or a PC? Or if I switch from PC to Mac?
No, our DVDs can be read equally easily on both platforms.

What is the benefit of an external hard drive? Is this instead of DVDs?
All clients are supplied with their music secured on DVD. Additionally we can supply your music on an external drive. This adds massive storage capacity at modest cost; if you upgrade your computer you simply plug this disc into your new machine.

Will you collect less than 100 CDs?
Yes, but our minimum charge is £100 plus contribution to transport.

How can I pay?
By cheque, bank transfer or by PayPal.

What if a CD is scratched? What if you can't get all the track data?
Amazingly few CDs are so badly scratched that they can't be read, even if it takes us hours. But, if the CD can't be played, we don't charge you. If the track data is incomplete we don't charge for that CD (but you do get a digital version).

What are your default settings?
We rip CDs at 224 Kbps, AAC, CBR. That's twice as good as iTunes Music Store.

What if I want a special bitrate or codec?
Certainly, just let us know.

Do you convert to MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC or AIFF?
Yes.

Will you convert at VBR (Variable Bit Rate)?
Yes.

Do you do lossless?
Yes.

I do get my CDs back don't I?
Yes.

Will you collect my CDs in their jewel cases?
Yes.

Can I deliver my CDs to you?
Yes.

How can I get music off my iPod and back onto my PC?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions - there's a complete explanation here.

How many albums fit on a DVD?
Around 70.

Do you keep a copy of my music?
No.

Do you use ID3 tags?
Yes.

Can you convert vinyl LPs?
No, it takes too long, and it's too expensive.

How do I get the best sound quality?
Notes on getting the best sound start here, with more on file types and music compression.

Will you digitise my photos? Convert DVDs?
Yes - please ring for details or see our sister image conversion and scanning service, 1Scan.co.uk.

Questions? Contact us here or
Ring 01277 222398, email enquiries@podserve.co.uk.

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"Data grooming is fantastic. All the errors that were frustrating me before are now gone."

"iPod loading without the pain".

"Much better than buying my music again from iTunes Music Store."

"Got an iPod for Christmas. Loaded six albums but got bored, so three months later I thought I'd get you to rip the other 250. I'd never have done it without you."

"Fantastic sound and service. 300 CDs in one week. My wife appreciates the space we've saved."

"Thanks for working over the weekend. The mini iPod was a great leading present for -- and to find it had his favourite CDs ready loaded really made his face light up."

"Really glad you fixed all the composer names. As a classical nut this was vital."

"Getting all my music onto my iPod was great. Thought about for ages, just had to accept I'd never do it myself. You did it without fuss or drama. Thanks also for sorting out how I can listen to music all over the house."