What is MP3 and the advantages of MP3
What is MP3?
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3) is a type of technology that allows a music or audio file to be compressed into a very small amount of space while preserving the original level of sound quality when it is played.
To use an example, our Learn the Bible in 24 Hours series comes on 24 individual audio CDs, but we can fit the entire series on a single CD using the MP3 format. I use an Apple iPod (20GB) for my portable MP3 player. With it, I can store all of Chuck's teaching (Commentaries and Briefing Packs) on it with room to spare for my entire music collection. All of this material resides on a device that is only 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.62 inches in size (we'll discuss the iPod later in this article).
MPEG is the acronym for Moving Picture Experts Group. This group has developed a compression system that is used for video data. This compression system is used to fit video and movie data into smaller spaces in DVD movies, HDTV broadcasts and DSS satellite systems. The MPEG compression system includes a subsystem to compress sound, called MPEG Audio Layer-3, or as we know it by its abbreviation, MP3.
Advanteges of MP3:
Music made portable – MP3 compresses files to a manageable size, MP3 lets you take your music pretty anywhere either on a portable or car player.
Turns your computer into a jukebox - You can easily store, manage and play MP3 files with graphically visual player on your computer making it into juke box of your favourite tracks.
Share MP3 files easily - Because of the size of MP3 files you easily transfer either via physical (CD-r) or electronically (over the Internet).
Easy to create custom CDs - With your collection of MP3 files you can make custom CDs of your favourite tracks.
Easy to transfer over the Internet - With slower Internet speeds, MP3 files makes it easier to transfer.
some of the different types of players.
MP3 Players
Many people ask us, "What player should I get?" This is a good question, since there are several different types of MP3 players that are available. They are divided into three categories and then subdivided by storage capacity (megabytes or MB).
The megabyte, gigabyte, "what's-a-byte" numbers are difficult for many to understand, but we will attempt to demystify it for you. Simply put, a typical one-hour file of Chuck Missler's teaching is about 20 MB. So a 128 megabyte (MB) player will hold about six hours of teaching. A gigabyte is 1000 Megabytes. I will let you do the math from there.
1) Flash Players
These players have no moving parts, making them great for active people that like to listen while jogging, skiing, exercising at the gym, etc.
They are small and light and have storage capacities of 128, 256 and 512 MB. Simply connect them to your computer using the software provided to add or change the files you want to listen to.
2) Hard Drive Players
The iPod mentioned earlier is a hard drive player. These players have a small hard drive in them, which is what your computer uses to store information. Using a hard drive allows you to store several gigabytes of information. This player can be used while walking (using headphones), while driving (playing through your car speakers), and at home (playing though your home stereo).
Hard drive players are extremely versatile and can hold a "ton" of audio files. They can also be used as a backup device for your computer or to transfer large files from one computer to another.
3) CD Players
There are also several MP3 CD players available. Many of you may already have one in your living room and don't even know it. Several of the new DVD players can play MP3 CDs. Look at the documentation that came with your DVD player to see if yours is compatible. Other MP3 CD players include personal CD players, portable radios, and some newer car and home stereo equipment. These work simply by inserting the CD into the player and listening directly from the CD. No computer or software is needed.
Related:
Use MOV to MP3 Converter to convert mov to mp3.