Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
The MP3 File Format
The MP3 File Format
by Kevin Bonsor, Jeff Tyson and Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.
The MP3 file format revolutionized music distribution in the late 1990s, when file-swapping services and the first portable MP3 players made their debut. MP3, or MPEG Audio Layer III, is one method for compressing audio files. MPEG is the acronym for Moving Picture Experts Group, a group that has developed compression systems for video data, including that for DVD movies, HDTV broadcasts and digital satellite systems.
Using the MP3 compression system reduces the number of bytes in a song, while retaining sound that is near CD-quality. Anytime you compress a song, you will lose some of its quality, which is the trade-off for the ability to carry more music files in a smaller storage system. A smaller file size also allows the song to be downloaded from the Internet faster.
Consider that an average song is about four minutes long. On a CD, that song uses about 40 megabytes (MB), but uses only 4 MB if compressed through the MP3 format. On average, 64 MB of storage space equals an hour of music. A music listener who has an MP3 player with 1 GB (approximately 1,000 MB) of storage space can carry about 240 songs or the equivalent of about 20 CDs. Songs stored on traditional CDs are already decompressed, so it takes more CDs to store the same amount of songs. (Some CDs support MP3 files.)
Although MP3 is perhaps the most well-known file format, there are other file formats that can be played on MP3 players. While most MP3 players can support multiple formats, not all players support the same formats. Here are a few of the file formats that can be played on different players:
- WMA - Windows Media Audio
- WAV - Waveform Audio
- MIDI - Music Instrument Digital Interface.
- AAC - Advanced Audio Coding
- Ogg Vorbis - A free, open and un-patented music format
- ADPCM - Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation
- ASF - Advanced Streaming Format
- VQF - Vector Quantization Format
- ATRAC - Sony's Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding 3
How to Pick an MP3 Player for Children
How to Pick an MP3 Player for Children
By S.F. Heron, eHow Contributor
MP3 players are all the rage today among kids of all ages. These portable music storage devices are small and easy to use and children of any age can operate and enjoy using these wonderful devices. Most MP3 players come equipped with a set of ear buds so parents aren’t plagued with having to listen whatever song is the flavor of the moment. There are many MP3 players targeted for kids and it’s up to you as a parent to make the best choice by taking many things into consideration.
Instructions
1. Many MP3 players are available for use by children. The prices range from $25 to $100s per player, and the music downloads can be costly too. Choosing a reasonable player requires a little thought on the part of the parent because many electronic devices are basically obsolete soon after purchase. The hope for this purchase is that your child will get a few years use out of their MP3 player.
2. Take into account your child’s age. Little ones don’t need all the features that older kids will use and love. Ease of use is very important. Remember that you’ll probably be showing younger children how to load their music and choose music download files. There are plenty of different MP3 players that fit the various age groups (see Resources).
3. Consider the durability of the player. Kids will drop things frequently, so it makes no sense to buy a 5-year-old an expensive device with a glass screen. Choose a player that matches your child’s intended use.
4. Consider the amount of battery charge available on the player. It’s very easy to grab an MP3 player, run home and load music. It really stinks when your player doesn’t hold a charge for more than a few hours. Make sure you choose a player that holds a reasonable amount of charge. Disney sells some basic and relatively cheap MP3 players for younger kids. These Mix Sticks MP3 players hold a charge for up to 8 hours.
5. Consider how much storage space your child will really need. Basic MP3 players come with 512MB (that’s megabytes) of storage, which translates into about 4 hours worth of songs. Although it seems like a lot, it isn’t. Consider that your kids will be putting songs onto their player and most likely, never taking them off. The 512 MB is great for a younger child but it’s definitely not enough space for a teenager. Larger storage capacities range from 1GB (gigabyte) that can hold 1,000 songs to 16GB, which can hold songs and video galore. Ipod Nano falls into the 1GB category with a reasonable amount of storage space, durable exterior and a moderate price. Ipod Itouch’s top model is 16GB and that’s reflected in the price.
6. Consider other features such as video capability, voice recording and playback, FM radio access, file sharing, and expandable memory. All of these features are available on higher end model MP3 players. IGO M3 player offers a cute little MP3 player that has many added features as does the Creative Zen V Plus MP3 player. Ask yourself how long your child will be using the player and exactly what extra features are reasonable.
7. Set your price range and stick to it. There are such a great variety of players that it’s entirely possible to get a very reasonably priced player to fill your child’s needs for a great price.
How to Use Portable Music Players with Home Audio Systems
How to Use Portable Music Players
with Home Audio Systems
Portable music players are great for taking your music with you anywhere, making it convenient to listen to what you want, when you want to. You can increase the usability of your portable CD player, or other music player, by connecting it to your home audio system. Many newer stereos have a dock, a place to connect an MP3 player. If your home audio system isn't capable of one of these connections or if you aren't using an MP3 player, follow these steps to find out how to connect your music player.
Connecting to Your Home Stereo:
1. Make sure that your home audio system is equipped with an auxiliary or "aux" mode. In some cases, your home audio system "AUX" mode might be labeled as "Line In" or "MP3 Input." Be sure to turn down the volume on both your stereo and your music player before you connect them and make sure they are both turned off. Make sure your music player is fully charged or has new batteries. Read through the user manual for you home audio system to learn how
2. Connect you music player to your home audio system. Plug the 3.5-mm end of the transfer cable directly into your "Line Out" or "Headphone Output." Because music players are so compact, you may see a symbol, usually little headphones, instead of text marking the headphone output.
The RCA side of the transfer cable will have two ends, usually red and white. Plug these into the AUX input on your home audio system. Your home audio system may have color ports matching the cable. The red one is for your right speaker, and the white one is for your left (mono) speaker. Once everything is plugged in, power on both devices.
3. Adjust your home audio system output mode to "AUX" or "Line In." If your home audio system has a remote control, press the input button to cycle through your various input options until you get to AUX. If your stereo doesn't have a remote, look for a button (or buttons) labeled AUX, Tape and CD.
4. Tune your music player to any song and press "play" to test the connection. Slowly increase the volume control on each device until you reach your desired volume level.
+NEWEST+MODEL_1.jpg)
+NEWEST+MODEL_1.jpg)