Bay of Isles Computers Support and Technical Tips

Bay of Isles Computers

63B Dempster Street
Esperance WA 6450

Ph: 08 9071 5542
Fax: 08 9071 5549

boic@boic.net.au

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MP3 Introduction and Basics

What are MP3 files and what do you do with them?

MP3 is an audio format. The good thing about this format is that after compression from a regular audio file (usually WAV, AIFF) it will reduce to 1/6 - 1/12 of its original size and will keep 99% of the quality. The bad thing is that you can't play MP3 on regular CD Players.

You can transform WAV files from a regular CD into MP3s, copying these files to your Hard drive and using an MP3 converter. The files will use less space and you can play them with Windows Media Player, which comes with Windows.

If you download MP3 from the Internet, and you want to burn them in a regular CD you can use Windows Media Player, Roxio, Nero or any of the burning programs available. If you want them to be played on any regular CD Player, you can use the option on these programs to convert them from MP3 to WAV Files.

You can also play MP3s on car MP3 players, MP3 compatible portable devices, or MP3 compatible DVD Players, among others.

Points to consider when buying an MP3 player.

Built-in memory. This is important, especially for MP3 players without the ability to add more memory.
Expandability. Let's say you bought an MP3 player with 64MB of built-in memory, and it fills up. Many players have slots that allow you to expand their memory many times over. Sometimes this may be more cost-effective than buying an MP3 player with a large amount of built-in memory that isn't expandable.
Bit rate. This number may not always be advertised, but you want one that will play high bit-rate MP3s if you can find it. 128kbps would be a low bit rate, 256kbps or above would be high.
Bundled software. Make sure this will work with your computer.
Size/weight.
If you're looking for one to use while exercising, you may want to avoid the ones with internal hard drives at this point in time. The constant jostling and high possibility of dropping the player, will damage a unit with a hard drive more easily than those without.
Interface. Try it out if you can. Make sure the interface and controls are intuitive for you.

Loading CD files to your MP3 player

Your software will give you options to change the CD files to MP3 files and these will differ from program to program. Musicmatch Jukebox is a free download and it allows you to convert music files from one to another.

If you need more specific directions to convert your music files, a tutorial and a download link is available for dBpowerAmp, another free program.