All About MP3

What is Napster

Since its high profile lawsuit with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Napster has almost become a household name.

Napster was founded in May 1999 by Shawn Fanning, a high school student that developed a program for people to share music files over the Inernet. The program caught on with the allure of "free music" and turned into a worldwide phenomena. However, Napster came under legal trouble and was found to be aiding copyright violation through its program. The central server was shut down by court order and the original program ceased. However, the program was bought out by media giant Bertelsmann AG (BMG) and is undergoing a reorginization.

The core concept of Napster has since inspired a whole generation of file sharing devices like KaZaa, Music City Morpheus, and BearShare. Napster may have been the single biggest influence in popularizing the MP3 format.

MP3 file sharing programs are software tools that let you download mp3 files from other users of the same program that have allowed files on their computer to be shared. Napster is the father of all mp3 file sharing programs.

What do these programs do?

File sharing programs in general let you swap any kind of file with other people that are connected a network through the software. You can trade pictures, movies, text documents, and music files by downloading them from another person's computer. The software only lets you access files that a user has opened to the public. You can in turn offer files on your computer to be downloaded by others. Most file sharing programs today include filters to help you get what you want and stay away from what you don't.

Are these programs safe?

Any time you connect your computer to a network or even go on the Internet you are at some level of risk to hackers and viruses. Most file sharing programs try to minimize the risk through security measures but you are still putting your trust in their programming and maintenance skills. The biggest risk with MP3 file sharing is viruses disguised as MP3 files. However, dilligent and careful use of your virus software should catch most problems.

What Is WAV ?

WAV is a file format developed by Microsoft and IBM for use on the PC. The format was built into the Windows 95 operating system and quickly became a standard. The format ends with the .wav file extension.

Uses of the WAV Format

WAV files are typically large in file size due to the high quality the format and are used for CDs. An average pop music song is around 50MB in size. WAV files can be made smaller and converted to MP3 format through a process called encoding. This process always yields some kind of quality degradation, depending on how much compression is applied. When MP3 is converted to WAV, the process is called decoding. When MP3 is decoded to WAV, there is no increase in sound quality whatsoever, the file merely increases in size and can be read by common CD players. CD rippers (or CD recorders / extractors), are sofware programs that record CD audio to WAV format on your hard drive.

WAV format is necessary for editing sound files. Technically, MP3 cannot be edited to remove defects or add effects, it must first be converted to WAV format. A WAV editor is needed to alter the WAV file. Some programs like Rip Edit Burn include a WAV editor in the program.

There is one program that will actually compress WAV files without a loss in sound quality. Monkey's Audio compresses WAV files to as much as 60% of the original file size. Files are then saved in .ape format and can only be read by a few compatible players. The program is free and great for those who want to store high quality sound files and want to maximize data storage space at the same time.

What Is WMA ?

WMA is a file format developed by Microsoft to compete with MP3. The letters stand for Windows Media Audio and the file format ends with the .wma extension.

Is WMA Better Than MP3?

The latest release of WMA technology is version 8 which is the best yet. I believe WMA files produce better sounding files than MP3 at similar bitrates. My entire music collection is encoded in WMA 8 format at 128kbps and it satisfies my picky ears. The drawbacks of WMA is that it is a proprietary format meaning that Microsoft charge whatever fees they wish to developers that want to incorporate support for the format in their software. The format also incorporates differing levels of copyright protection which angers some users, limiting them to what they can do with their own music. However for simple encoding and archiving for a jukebox collection, it suffices.

How Do I Make WMA Files?

Making WMA files requires a WMA encoder. Windows Media Player comes with a free CD ripper and WMA encoder, enabling you to easily convert CD audio to WMA on your computer. For more advanced WMA converting and organizing tools, see our WMA converter section.

What Is Real Audio?

Real Audio is a technology developed by Real Networks that includes streaming audio and media as well as a compressed digital audio format to compete with MP3. Real audio carries the .ra file extension and Real Media uses .rm.

Is Real Audio Better Than MP3?

Since Real Audio is a proprietary format like WMA, its uses are limited to only the Real One Player and a few supporting portable audio players. The quality is as good or slightly better than MP3. Only your own personal listening tests will show if you prefer Real Audio encoded files over MP3.

How Do I Make Real Audio Files?

Making Real Audio files requires the Real One Player with included Real Jukebox. After you download and install the program, you can find information on how to convert to .ra format. Real Jukebox includes a cd ripper and encoder.

What Is MP3PRO ?

mp3PRO is a file format developed by Coding Technologies to improve on the MP3 format. The company claims file sizes that have the same quality of MP3 at half the bitrate and file size.

Is mp3PRO Really That Good?

So far, mp3PRO has really disappointed MP3 fans. Complaints center around muddy sounding files and lack of compatability with most MP3 players. Coding Technologies have kept a tight handle on its proprietary format have really squelched development of software that handles the format.

My personal listening tests have given me mixed results. 64 kbps is the default (and currently only) option to encode files with the demo encoder. For 64kbps, it is superior to MP3 LAME encoded files at 64kbps. However, there was a substantial lack of clarity in the instruments especially background vocals, bass guitar, and drum cymbals. The quality is definitely better than what you would hear on your FM radio, but still has a ways to go before it supplants MP3 as the dominant file format.

How Do I Make mp3PRO Files?

A demo encoder and player is now available for download. The program does not rip from CD. You need to have WAV files available to convert to mp3PRO for this program.

Making Audio CD

Making your own audio CDs is a large part of MP3s popularity. Most store bought CDs contain many songs you don't end up listening to. Making your own CDs takes care of that.

To make your own CDs, you need:

• A CD burner drive on your computer
• CD burning software
• Blank CD-R or CD-RW discs
• Music tracks on your computer

If you don't have a cd burning drive, take a look at models from TDK, Plextor, Lite On, Cendyne, and TEAC at your local computer store or on the Internet. These companies usually produce high quality products. They will also include the necessary software for burning your own CDs. If you need CD burning software, see our CD burner download section.

For casual use, I would get inexpensive CD-R media (CD-RW is more expensive and not compatible with many CD players). I use Memorex, TDK, or any other name brand that is on sale at the local computer store. Ordering media over the Internet is usually much more expensive due to shipping charges. If you want the very best quality CD-R media and price is not an issue, try Kodak.

If you don't have music tracks on your computer to burn onto CD, see our guide to getting MP3s for a couple of ways to get music files. For use in most music players, it is easiest to have WAVE files for burning. If the WAVE files have not been converted to another format (i.e. MP3, WMA etc.) they will inherently have the highest sound quality and not need to be converted before burning. If all you have is MP3 files, many programs (like MP3 CD Burner) convert MP3 to WAVE during the burning process so your final CD will be ready for play in any CD player.

Once you have all the necessary equipment, the process is easy as following the burning directions in your software program. Many programs include a guide for burning files on your computer to CD. If you are having trouble with this, download and try MP3 CD Burner. The burning process is very easy and the help menu in the program provides a step by step guide to CD creation.

When making your own CDs, it is important to know that normal CD players in your stereo, car, or home theater system can only read WAV (.wav / WAVE) format unless otherwise specified. Therefore, if you burn an MP3, mp3PRO, WMA, or Real Audio format CD, a regular CD player cannot read it. Only players specified as MP3, mp3PRO, Real Audio and WMA compatible can play those formats.

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Internet Radio And Video Conference

How do I listen to internet radio?

If you want to listen to internet radio, all you'll need is 'streaming' software and the address of the internet radio site you want to listen to.

Internet radio is great because you can listen to radio stations from all over the world.

So, for instance, if you move from London to Wales but your favourite station is BBC London you'll still be able to listen to them in your new home!

What is Internet radio

Internet radio is when audio files are broadcast over the internet rather than air waves. It's often the same as you hear from your radio, only you get it via the web.

Some radio sites, such as the BBC's Radio site, also offer a selection of pre-recorded radio programmes for you to choose from.

That means you can play a repeat of a show you missed or choose to listen to a radio programme when you, not the radio station, choose.

Listening to Internet radio

Internet radio can be picked up by any PC which has 'streaming' software such as RealNetwork's Real Player or Microsoft's Windows MediaPlayer.

As long as you have the software on your machine, all you need to do is go to the radio site and click the link to play the radio broadcast.

Normal radios can tune in to any stations broadcasting near by. However, audio software on the web may well have 'proprietary' formats.

This means that you may need the right software for the particular radio station you are listening to.

So, for example, Microsoft's Window's Media Player cannot open .rm files which the BBC uses for its radio stations online. You need Real Player for those.

Getting the software

You can install all of the most popular media players on your machine but perhaps the easiest thing to do first is find a station you like and find out which software it uses.

Look for a link on the radio station's page to the site of the software manufacturer where you can download the latest player.

Be careful to look for the free version of the software. All the major companies have free versions but often don't make them very easy to find so you may have to surf around their site looking for a really small link to it!

After you download it, just install the software and you are ready to go. Look for a 'Listen live' or 'Listen' link.

Finding internet radio sites on the web

If you want to find a radio station, try using radio-locator which searches for radio stations all around the world. It's a bit UScentric though.

If you are using a PC then you'll already have Windows Media Player on your computer. Have a look at WindowsMedia.com's radio pages for a comprehensive list of stations available.

Finding stations in your player

To make things easy, you can find an updated list of radio stations inside your media player program.

For example, on Windows Media Player there is a media guide that opens inside the main program and Real Player has a similar page that you set up to appear in the main player window.

How do I videoconference?

To videoconference, you need a webcam, some video conferencing software, and someone to talk to.

Videoconferencing is becoming more popular in the workplace all the time, and it can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family who live far away too.

For instance, you could have a 'family reunion' at Christmas on the internet, with your whole family logging on to the conference from all different locations.

What is videoconferencing?

Internet videoconferencing is the linking up of two or more computers so you can see and listen to each other live.

You set up a camera and microphone on your computer and send pictures of yourself over the internet to friends.

You can also do things like write and draw in a window and everyone else will see exactly the same thing without delay (well almost!).

What do I need to videoconference?

Depending on the hardware people can usually talk to each other via their computers if they have access to webcams and can transmit live video.

All participants should at least be able to receive video, regardless of whether they have a webcam.

You'll often find that newer webcams have built-in microphones.

What to do

First, you make sure both you and the person you want to conference with are connected to the internet at the time of the conference.

You might arrange this by e-mail beforehand or instant messenger.

It doesn't matter where the other person is located physically - you can conference with anywhere in the world for the same price - the cost of the call to dial in to your ISP.

Make sure that both you and the person you are conferencing with have working webcams and the ability to transmit live video.

You'll both need the same video conferencing software installed on each of your machines, such as Microsoft NetMeeting (which comes with Internet Explorer) or Quicknet Technology's CU-SeeMe software.

Follow the directions that come with your videoconferencing software to start a conferencing session.

These instant messengers now support videoconferencing as well:
Yahoo! Messenger
AOL Instant Messenger
ICQ
Net Messenger

Good connections

It is possible you will occasionally hit a 'bottleneck' on the internet while you are conferencing.

That means that the picture or the voice could cut out momentarily or become briefly garbled.

If you plan to do a lot of videoconferencing, it is worthwhile thinking about getting broadband. That way the quality will be better and you won't worry about the length of the conference.

Videoconferencing over the net has improved a lot and you will find that the quality of the picture and sound, although not of television standard, is surprisingly good.

How can I make a phone call on the internet?

There are two ways to make a phone call over the internet - computer to computer and computer to phone.

Making calls over the internet is great because it's so much cheaper than calling using your regular phone and often free.

Now you can call that cousin in Germany and talk all day!

Phone calls over the internet use a system called 'VOIP' or Voice Over Internet Protocol.

To find out more about VOIP, check the VOIP website.

What you'll need to make a call

To make a phone call over the internet you'll need a microphone, speakers, a sound card and an internet connection, (preferably a fast one).

You'll also need the right software - but more on that later.

Most new computers will have a sound card already installed. Look at the back of your computer for small plugs labelled 'Mic' and 'Speakers' or 'Line out'. That's your sound card!

You may have to buy the speakers and microphone to plug in here.

Computer to computer calls

This is probably the easiest way to make a call over the net, and it's definitely the cheapest. Systems like Skype allow you to talk to anyone, anywhere for free.

Computer to computer calls are usually free, no matter where you are calling. The only thing you'll need will be the software.

There are several companies offering free software that you can use - try:
Skype
PhoneFree
NetMeeting
ICQ Phone
Yahoo! Messenger

Computer to telephone calls

You can also make calls from your computer to a regular telephone.

Like with computer to computer calling, you'll need some software. Often you can use the same software you use for computer to computer calls.

You'll need to sign up for the service and while the software is usually free you will be charged for the calls themselves.

This means you'll need to give your credit card details. Typically computer to telephone is much cheaper than a regular phone call, and charged on a per-minute basis.

To find out more about computer to phone software, and the various call rates that apply, here are some of the well known ones:
ICQ Phone
Dialpad
Net2Phone

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What is MP3

MPEG layer 3 is a type of audio codec where processed by significant compression from the original audio source with very little loss in sound quality. The compression up to 12:1 produces a very little degradation. Tighter compression can be achieved, but it will effect in sound degradation results.

To obtain certain compression, we must adjust the bit rates. The standart bit rates (near cd quality result) is 128 or 112 kbit/s. Many people claim that low-rate MPEG layer 3 files sound better than Real Audio files with similar bit rates.

The advantage of MP3 is that it can be broken up into pieces, and each piece is still playable. The feature that makes this possible (headerless file format) also means that MP3 files can be made to stream across the net real-time (assuming the playback bitrate and speed of the Internet connection are compatible).

What is MP3?

MP3 is a near-CD quality file format for sound files, and is very popular for music on the web.

It's becoming more popular as people use it to swap music online because of its powerful compression.

For example, you can get hundreds of songs on a single CD using the MP3 format.

MP3

MP3 is a digital music format which allows CD tracks to be reduced to around a tenth of their normal size without a significant loss of quality.

This means that for the first time it's become practical to make music available for download over the internet as download times have been drastically cut.

MP3 strips out a lot of the information recorded in a song that our ears aren't able to hear and uses complicated maths to reduce the file size.

How to play MP3s

MP3s can be played on your computer using programs like RealOne, WinAmp or Windows Media Player.

Lots of people download MP3s and then burn them onto CDs. They also sometimes load their CD collection onto their PC and convert the songs into MP3s before putting them back onto CD.

That's because new walkmans are also becoming available that can play MP3s as well as normal CDs.

Controversy over MP3s

The MP3 controversy comes from the fact that it is able to be downloaded over the net so easily.

This means that it could be great for the music industry, as MP3 files could be used to distribute music cheaply.

It also means that music piracy has become hugely popular - especially though file sharing programs.

A number of sites that have offered MP3 music files for free download over the internet have been sued for breaking copyright as a result.

As a result, some record companies are putting special software onto music CDs that you buy from stores to make it more difficult for people to copy them onto their PC.

The name of the file extension and also the name of the type of file for MPEG, audio layer 3. Layer 3 is one of three coding schemes (layer 1, layer 2 and layer 3) for the compression of audio signals. Layer 3 uses perceptual audio coding and psychoacoustic compression to remove all superfluous information (more specifically, the redundant and irrelevant parts of a sound signal. The stuff the human ear doesn't hear anyway). It also adds a MDCT (Modified Discrete Cosine Transform) that implements a filter bank, increasing the frequency resolution 18 times higher than that of layer 2.

The result in real terms is layer 3 shrinks the original sound data from a CD (with a bit rate of 1411.2 kilobits per one second of stereo music) by a factor of 12 (down to 112-128kbps) without sacrificing sound quality.

Because MP3 files are small, they can easily be transferred across the Internet.

MP3 is a revolutionary digital audio format developed by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Thompson Multimedia in the late 1980s and brought to the mainstream through the Internet in 1997. MP3 is short for MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) Layer - 1 , the group that help make MP3 an international standard.

MP3 is a compressed audio format that allows for smaller file sizes with similar sound quality to PCM WAV format, the format found on normal music CDs you would buy in a store. Thompson and Fraunhofer helped develop the coding algorithm, or system of rules and processes, that encoded audio to this incredible format. For more on exactly how this encoding technology works, see our section entitled Inside the MP3 Codec.

The popularity of MP3 comes from its practical uses. Music tracks in WAV format are extremely large in file size, averaging around 50MB in size. Since it is so large, it is not practical to send WAV files through email or offer them for download on the Internet. MP3, however, compresses WAV audio on average of 10 to 12 times smaller than the original size. The result is audio tracks around 3 to 4 MB in size, perfect for downloading and sending through the Internet. Thus, custom MP3 format CDs can be created with 10 to 12 times the amount of tracks of a normal 12-15 track audio CD, producing CDs with over 100 tracks easily. The format is also popular for turning your PC into a jukebox of hundreds or thousands of songs or loading them into a portable mp3 player and taking your music collection wherever you want.

As of now, you cannot buy MP3s in a store on a CD. Therefore, you can either make them yourself or get them from others who have made them.

Making MP3

To make your own MP3s, you need a CD with music, a computer with a CD ROM that supports digital audio extraction (also called ripping, most CD ROMs support this), space on your hard drive, and mp3 ripping software. The process than is simply putting your CD in your computer CD drive and then running the mp3 ripping software. Each software program has its own way of letting you do this and you will need to become familiar with each program. I recommend Easy CD Ripper as one of the easiest rippers to get started with and use.

Getting MP3s from Others

If you don't want to make your own MP3s, you can get them from someone else. The most popular ways include using file sharing software (similar to Napster) and downloading them from someone else over the Internet. Although this method is popular, there are some risks. Most music is copyrighted and if you don't own the CD of the songs you want to acquire, you will technically be breaking the law. Also, there is the risks that downloading files over the Internet will contain viruses or other unwanted material although the majority of files will probably be safe. Other ways of getting MP3s is from free MP3 sites like EMusic or by copying files from another person's MP3 format CD that they have created.

Since MP3 is a data format and not an audio format, you cannot listen to these files in a normal CD player. MP3 needs a player designated as an MP3 player to decode the audio and produce listenable music from the data.

There are many free mp3 players for download on the Internet. Winamp is the most popular and fairly easy to use. I personally like dbPowerAMP and the ability to rate your tracks so that the most popular get played more often. Take a look at our page with the above players and a couple more free mp3 players to choose from.

Other ways to play mp3 include portable mp3 players, newer home stereos and DVD players with denoted MP3 playback ability, and car mp3 players.

Is MP3 Legal?

Since there have been so many lawsuits like the high profile suit involving Napster, many people are not sure whether MP3 is legal or not.

The issue surrounding MP3 legality is copyright. The same premise behind the copyright laws governing books and other printed material are behind MP3. The law is trying to protect artists from not getting paid when people copy and distribute there music.

In and of itself, MP3 as a format is completely legal. MP3 is merely a technology that Thompson Multimedia and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft own a patent on. MP3 files become illegal when someone has taken copyrighted music, made copies of it, and distributed it to others without the rightful consent of the owners. Many argue that if they have bought the music they can do whatever they want with it as long as they are not making a profit. Under Digital Millenium Copyright Act, this is not true. Solid application of these laws however gets sketchy. What if you own the music and want to make copies on your computer or make your own custom CDs? Many believe, including myself, we have the right to do so. It is up to you to research the law and act according to your own ethical standards.

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