Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  • You use an MP3 file in a Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 presentation.

  • The MP3 file is encoded by using a variable bit rate (VBR).

  • You take one of the following actions:

    • You try to play the MP3 file.

    • You try to seek or to move to a specific point in the MP3 file.

    • You try to trim the MP3 file.

In this scenario, the MP3 file may not function as expected.

Workaround

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Run the Optimize Media Compatibility feature in Backstage view. To do this, click the File tab, click Info, and then click Optimize Compatibility.Note When you run the Optimize Media Compatibility feature, the MP3 file may contain an empty area at the end of the file. To achieve the expected behavior from the optimized MP3 file, you may have to trim the empty area from the MP3 file.

Method 2

Install a codec that better handles MP3 files that are encoded by using VBR.

Method 3

Encode the MP3 file by using a constant bit rate.

Status

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

More Information

For more information about codecs and encoding, visit the following Microsoft websites:

Codecs: frequently asked questions Encoding Audio and Video with Windows Media Codecs

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