ID3iconv is a Java command line tool that converts ID3 tags in mp3 files to Unicode, irrespective of the machine encoding.
By using ID3iconv, users can force the encoding and display tags of international languages simultaneously, solving the problems of several players. The software was developed to help convert MP3 files with Chinese tags (both simplified and traditional), which can be played using Rhythmbox under Linux. This was after much frustration with XMMS and similar players that could not handle the large charsets GBK/GB18030 or Chinese altogether.
However, it is important to note that the tool updates MP3 files in place, so users should create backups to avoid losing their music. In the latest release of ID3iconv, users can benefit from several bug fixes, including the ability to rename the output temp file to the original file name under Windows. Additionally, the conversion from v2 tags now uses the same encoding (little-endian UTF-16) as conversion from v1 tags to ensure better compatibility.
Finally, the latest release also includes new options for users. These include the option to force the use of an ID3v1 tag, even if a v2 tag exists, and the option to remove a v1 tag after conversion. Overall, ID3iconv is a great tool for anyone seeking to convert ID3 tags in MP3 files and improve their music listening experience.
Version 0.2.1: N/A