MP3 Advice: How Do I Play MP3's? |
MP3 Advice:
How Do I Play MP3's
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How Do I Play MP3s? There are a variety of ways to play MP3s and the manner you chose is dependant upon what best fits your needs. If your computer was manufactured within the last two years, odds are you have a program that will be able to play MP3s. But, if you are more adventurous, or you want to take your MP3s on the road, you'll need something more heavy duty. What are the basic players? Winamp is perhaps the most popular player on the Net. Free, downloadable, and very customizable, Winamp allows the user to organize play lists, play entire directories, sub directories, or single files. Also, it comes loaded with a graphic equalizer that allows you to have complete control over your sonic experience. It also comes integrated with a minibrowser that allows you to search for information related to the file you are playing, including lyrics, band information and buying options. Most importantly, Winamp has an entire library of plug-ins designed to help you make the most out of playing your MP3s. There are other MP3 players, such as Sonique and Music Match that are easy to find and download. Music Match offers a deluxe version of its software that acts as a CD player, ripper and encoder. To find the best fit for you, find a file that you are familiar with and test each player out, comparing the audio quality and interface. Also check out websites such as download.cnet.com for freeware, shareware and open source MP3 players. Just like buying a stereo, testing out familiar music on a variety of platforms will allow you to make the best choice for your needs. I've chosen a player, but now my MP3s skip and
pause. What about portability? If you want to listen to MP3s while exercising, running or riding a bike (no skips!), a portable MP3 player is the answer for you. The most common style is "flash memory" which allows you to copy digital music from your hard drive to a memory card that plugs into the MP3 player. Often these flash cards are very expensive and hold only 30 to 60 minutes of music. Popular brands include Rio Port, Intel Pocket Concert and Creative Labs Nomad. Again, before purchasing any hardware, do your research! Finally MP3s are beginning to make their way into your car and home stereo. Companies such as Phillips, TDK and Rio are beginning to produce home, car and portable MP3/CD players. These players will be able to play traditional CDs as well as CD-R's recorded as data discs. The advantages here are 1. You can use the fidelity of your home or car-stereo, 2. 30 to 60 minutes is a pittance compared to the ten or more hours available on a CD-R. Judging by the advances in technology, buying
any sort of hardware at this time is a difficult choice. The new and better
seem to always be right around the corner. |
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