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Extract an embedded MP3 from a PDF file?

Merlin
Acrobat 9ExpertTeam
Registered: Mar 1 2006
Posts: 766
Answered

Hi,

A few years ago I'd created some PDFs containing MP3 sounds, using the Acrobat 8 multimedia tool. At this time I thought it was reliable (stupid, isn't it?), so I'd trashed all MP3s original files…
Now, using Reader/Acrobat 9, I can't play these sounds because of the yellow bar of death who display a security warning.

I'd like to extract MP3 files (to re-create new PDFs using the Acrobat 9 Rich-media tool).

Is it possible ?

My Product Information:
Acrobat Pro 9.3.1, Macintosh
UVSAR
Expert
Registered: Oct 29 2008
Posts: 1357
Yes it's possible, but I'm not sure of the Mac equivalent of the following, as the location of the temporary files folder in OS X can vary:

1) Open the PDF and select "trust once" in the yellow DMB.
2) Click the annot so the audio begins to play.
3) In the Windows Start Menu, choose Run, and enter %temp%
4) In the folder that opens, sort by descending date. The most recent file will be your MP3, with a semi-random filename (it may be the name of the PDF, but it depends how you made it).
5) Copy the MP3 into another folder, then close the PDF.


The above works because you've used legacy MM, and so Acrobat/Reader has to export a temporary copy of the MP3 so your audio software (Quicktime, Media Player, etc) can access it. It's only there while the audio annot is playing, so grabbing anything that's really short is a challenge! With native Acrobat 9 Rich Media this doesn't happen as playback is entirely within the process - so next time don't throw away your originals ;p

Obviously if you have a bunch of files to extract from, you can keep the folder view open and they'll pop up on the list as you go.
Merlin
Acrobat 9ExpertTeam
Registered: Mar 1 2006
Posts: 766
Thanks, I will try that.
Merlin
Acrobat 9ExpertTeam
Registered: Mar 1 2006
Posts: 766
Unfortunately, I can't find any "Trust once" option in the yellow bar using Acrobat 9.3.4 nor in Reader…

[img]http://imagesinsolites.free.fr/parkimages/yellowBarOfDeath-1283176565875.png[/img]

And this yellow bar always argue about a JavaScript event, even if it's a MP3 or a SWF file!

:-(
UVSAR
Expert
Registered: Oct 29 2008
Posts: 1357
That means your PDF is trying to use the media.newPlayer() JavaScript method, and you've blacklisted it - probably as a result of patching APSB10-02.

See the info in this CPS, and if you have the blacklist entry you can temporarily remove it while you deal with these files (given you know they're trustworthy):

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/532/cpsid_53237.php


With the blacklist off, the DMB will revert to asking if you wish to trust the document or not.


(you can see why we don't create legacy media PDFs anymore!)
Merlin
Acrobat 9ExpertTeam
Registered: Mar 1 2006
Posts: 766
UVSAR wrote:
That means your PDF is trying to use the media.newPlayer() JavaScript method, and you've blacklisted it - probably as a result of patching APSB10-02.
I don't know what is a APSB10-02…???

Quote:
See the info in this CPS, and if you have the blacklist entry you can temporarily remove it while you deal with these files (given you know they're trustworthy): http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/532/cpsid_53237.php
It does not change anything for me.
But no matter, using the Security (Enhanced) preference I can trust the PDF, so I just need to found the "%temp%" name for the Mac…
(My PC just crashed, I can't use it now)

Thanks.
Merlin
Acrobat 9ExpertTeam
Registered: Mar 1 2006
Posts: 766
Yes, fine, I just do it.

On Mac OS X.6 the temporary folder is here :
/private/var/folders/jj/jjb3Ts0AFVi1bG0tOOfx8U+++TI/Temporaryitems/

Milles mercis, UVSAR

:-)
UVSAR
Expert
Registered: Oct 29 2008
Posts: 1357
Good to hear. The temporary folder name is randomly-generated in OS X, which is why it looks so strange.