Jayson Pablo asked:


The Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio or MP3 is a digital audio encoding format which is used to store songs and other audio files. The format uses a psychoacoustic model that discards less audible sounds and records more audible sound in an efficient manner. The format is successor of Perceptual Transform Coding (PXFM) and Optimum Coding in the Frequency Domain (OCF) codecs. MPEG1 codec was first published in 1994 while MP2 codec was published in 1995.

The ease of sharing music files popularized the use of MP3 format among the users. This ease created problems related to copyright infringements. Therefore, many online music retailers use their proprietary formats to counter this problem. They use an encrypted digital rights management format that prevents the users from using the music in a way that has not been authorized by music record companies. The quality of sound of a digital audio format depends upon its bit rate to a greater extent. A lower bit rate results in low quality sound. A much lower bit rate may result in compression artifacts. Such artifacts may make those sounds audible which were not present in original music or production.

An MP3 player is a portable digital audio player that stores and plays audio files. Most of these devices use rechargeable batteries and support video playback functions. The players have been categorised on the basis of their storage media. Flash based players hold digital audio files on their internal flash memory. The players consume less battery power as they do not have any moving parts. Some commercial flash based players may have up to 32 GB of flash memory. Hard drive based players read audio files from a hard disk drive. These players come with massive memories. Some of these players may have up to 250 GB of memory, which is large enough to record an entire music collection on a single player.

The third variety of MP3 players is known as CD MP3 players. These players have the capability to decode and play MP3 files that have been stored on a compact disc (CD). The immediate predecessors of these players were MiniDisc players. These earlier players have no support for digital file formats. SeeHan Information Systems produced the first digital audio player on commercial basis in 1997. The player was sold under brand name MPMan in South Korea during 1998. The player was later licensed to Eiger Labs by SeeHan.

Car MP3 players are specially designed to work in a car. These players allow people to enjoy quality music during their travels by road. The players perform many useful functions for the users. They provide the users with a list of their favourite play list and also keep track of their calendar events. These players are made compact so that they can easily be fitted into the available limited free space of a car. The iPods specially use MP3 format as it allows the device to play hundreds of songs at a stretch. Most of these players have USB, SD and iPod connections that add to the versatility of these devices.

Most of the current portable MP3 player come with programmable track memory that allows the users to keep track of their songs. Most of these devices also feature AM/FM tuners and digital anti skips memory. Samsung has launched some of the best selling digital audio players in recent years. Some of the best selling Samsung MP3 players include Samsung YP-P2 Touch Screen 4GB Multimedia Player, Samsung YP-U3 Stick 1GB player and Samsung YP-K5 2GB player. All these players feature TFT LCD display, FM radio and support Multi Language options. The devices come packaged with genuine accessories like an ear phone, a USB cable, CD and stand. The players come with Samsung’s standard 6 months warranty.

Sony, Blaupunkt, Kenwood and Sanyo are the leading manufacturers of digital music players. These companies have rolled many new models of best MP3 players. The devices produce high quality sound by eliminating unwanted sound. These portable digital audio players have redefined the ways people entertain these days.

Roberto Sedycias asked:


The MP3 Player is part of the revolution in this age of ever changing technology. It is the most recent entry in the music world. None of the previous models come near to the amenities provided by this MP3 Player. The bonus point is that you can hold it in your hand or slip it into your pocket carrying more than thousand songs as you move about. The whole contraption weighs less than an ounce. This point about portability has appealed most to consumers.

The revolution came about in the latter half of the 90`s. MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group. The target was to compress into one device innumerable data – either audio or video. A person who is using an MP3 device with 1 GB storage capacity can carry 240 tunes that is the same as the amount contained in 20 CD`s.

The story of capturing music began in 1877 with Edison inventing the first phonograph. In 1887 flat zinc discs came to be incorporated. In 1896 the radio made its debut. Sony and Philips now took up the gauntlet and introduced one marvel after another – Walkman compact disc, 8-track magnetic tape etc. In 1989 the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany patented the MP3 format. The idea was to take off where audiocassettes left off. Philips and Sony came up with their version and the first MP3 players were introduced and sold in Korea.

The previous models of music players required mobile parts but a MP3 player uses only solid-state memory. It is a storage tool that has software embedded in it. It allows transfer of MP3 files to the player. The MP3 can also copy music not only from the radio but also from CD`s and Internet web sites. The list is organized for the convenience of the user. An MP3 is an amalgam of many technologies. The basics consist of data port, memory, micro and digital signal processors, display, playback controls, audio port, amplifier and power supply point.

The files of the MP3 are stored in the memory of the player. The types of memory are internal-flash, compact-flash, smart-media, memory stick and internal micro-drive. Except for internal micro-drive all the types are solid state. It means there are no moving parts and therefore more reliable with no hopping in the music.

The brain of the MP3 player consists of the microprocessor. Through playback controls the input is monitored. Information is displayed and directions given to the chip regarding the storage and playing of music.

Rechargeable batteries power all the MP3 players. It lasts for 10 to 28 hours. There are also AC adapters that can be plugged in to an electric point. Others have DC adapters that can be used in cars.

There are innumerable types of MP3 players. The choice depends on the load of music you want to store and how much you are willing to pay for it. Basically there are four types. A flash memory player is the tiniest and holds fewer songs. The hard-drive and mini- hard models are bigger and offer more storage capacity. The MP3 CD player and mini-disc models can contain 10 hours of melody. For this model a CD burner is required. The MP3 has not stopped in its tracks but with each passing day new amenities are being listed. It comes with satellite radios, DVD players, sunglasses, and even with an army knife! It is a hybrid culture within your budget.

George Wood asked:


The problem with too many options is that it’s hard to make an ultimate pick. If you’re planning to buy an MP3player, you’re surely faced with this dilemma. Try walking into a store and see if you aren’t dazzled with the choices before you. You know you want an MP3 player, but you don’t know what specific type you’re looking for.

You better get started somewhere, though, and the best place to begin is identifying your wants and needs. Are you looking for a durable and portable storage for all of your music files, or do you just want to have something to entertain you with your latest favorite hits while you’re working out in the gym or driving in your car? If you’re after storage, go for hard drive digital audio players. They may be physically large in size and rather bulky to carry around, but that’s just the tradeoff for the massive disk space they offer. If you’re just after quick entertainment, flash drive digital audio players are the best choice for you. They offer a much smaller memory, but they’re compact and light, making them easy to carry around anywhere.

What format do your current music files come in? If most of the songs you have are copied from CDs, transferring them to most types of MP3 players will not be a problem. However, if the songs are downloaded from the internet, they may come in a variety of formats. Make sure that the MP3 player you buy is compatible with the formats of those songs. Remember, nothing is more frustrating than buying something you can’t use!

How long do you plan to use your MP3 player at a given time? Can you see yourself letting it play for hours? On full charge, battery life can range from 10 to 50 hours, depending on the player. Even the rates of charging differ from one player to another-some charge pretty fast in comparison with the others. Determine how often you plan to use your MP3 player, and from there you can make a choice that best suits your needs.

Lastly, what extra features do you want your MP3 player to have? Sure, you’re buying one so you can play your music, but additional features are great to have as well. You can get an MP3 player with FM tuner, video/voice recorder, flash disk, or even a camera. After all, if you can get more bang for your buck, then why not go for it?

i hate yanks! asked:


ive bought a cable off ebay that allows me to play my ipod through the stereo in the car, i have a 2003 ford focus mp3 with the standard cd/mp3 player in. i havent lookes at the back of the stereo yet, just wanted confirmation of the location of the socket before i started messing about!
cheers!
wow thats jason, your help was about as much use as a gore tex tea bag! i am aware that it is only designed to play mp3 cd’s.
this is the cable

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-iPod-mp3-Car-AUX-IN-Lead-Cable-Focus-more_W0QQitemZ330196972569QQihZ014QQcategoryZ58350QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Christine Peppler asked:


The market for MP3 Players can be a confusing one, just as it is for many home and portable electronics. Some of the most important things to consider when shopping for an MP3 player are how you personally wish to use the player, its weight/size, and storage capacity. In addition, you will need to become somewhat knowledgeable about file formats and compatibility with your PC.

First, think about the type of device you really want.

• Hard drive-based MP3 player:

These offer the most storage; from 10 GB and higher (up to 80GB) allowing you to put huge amounts of music on one device. They also have larger display screens and are easy to use. For these reasons, they are an excellent choice for use when commuting in your car. A hard drive-based MP3 player is larger and heavier however. They have movable parts which can be jarred during motion which makes them a poor choice for use during fitness activities. A hard drive-based MP3 player usually has rechargeable batteries which can be a cost saver but many are not removable and must be replaced after 4 or 5 years. There are also some “micro” hard drive-based players with a capacity that tops out around 12GB. Although smaller/lighter than a regular hard drive-based player their moving parts still make them a poor choice for activity.

• Flash-based MP3 players:

A flash-based MP3 player is an excellent choice for use during exercise/activity. They have no moving parts, are extremely compact, and have a 32 MB-8GB capacity. Due to the lack of moving parts their batteries tend to last longer. With all of this convenience however they actually have a much higher per megabyte cost than the hard drive devices.

• MP3 CD Players:

These devices can play standard CDs and can store up to 650 MB. They are the least expensive MP3 Player but they are large and can skip when moved thus are not a good choice for use during activity.

Once you have determined which type of MP3 player is best suited to you based on how you wish to use it and how much storage is desire, you will want to consider issues related to downloading music.

• What format is used?

MP3 is the most common but some of the others include .aac, .wma, .wav, and atrac. These are all formats used to compress music files so that they can be downloaded quickly and take up less memory. WMA formats for instance, allow the user to store nearly twice as much per megabyte but are a less common file type that MP3. This is important to consider since any particular file type can not be used if your MP3 player does not support it.

• Connecting to your computer and downloading:

If you want to download music from your PC a USB 2.0 standard interface is much faster than USB 1.0. A FireWire Port or FireWire PCI card is also fast but only supported on some computers.

Finally, be sure to check for other features such as the following:

• The display:

Can you read it? This is important as it allows you to use the functions on the device and provides information you want such as the title, artist and other playlist information.

• Other functions and features:

FM radio reception, a remote, a clip to attach to your bag or possibly an armband if you’re active, the ability to record music live or from stereo components, voice recording, or advanced playback features. Some flash MP3 players offer a stopwatch function or other fitness related features. Newer MP3 players now offer color screens, photo viewing, and video playback for those who want all the bells and whistles.

There are a large number of MP3 player products on the market, finding the right one requires buyers to carefully consider which functions and features are most desirable for them. Using a simple buying guide can get a shopper thinking in the right direction and simplify the selection process.

EDWARD S asked:


what kind of cd/mp3 player can i get so i can hhok up my ipod to my car stero. right now all i have is the casset adapter but when i use that i have to mess with the wiring because the right speakers play.

what kind of head unit can i get so i can hook my ipod up through the USB port. where can i get one and how much?

JP Mendez asked:


We have come a long way since the dawn of portable audio devices. I can still remember when my father used to bring his transistor radio wherever he is at our house, while I, listen to those cabinet type components complete with turntables for those big discs that I dont even know what they are called anymore.

Then came the walkman, It was the coolest thing on earth! Everybody started having one, you will also start having problems communicating with your friends because all of them are wearing earphones! I had to have one, so with all my might I asked my father to buy me one, and he did, he bought me this cool very thin walkman just about the size of a cassette tape, beautifully black in color and it has auto reverse! It was the envy of all my friends. But just as I was feeling to be the coolest guy, then came the discmans! again, suddenly people are walking around with their bagful of cds and the rectangular portable audio has now become round, I am starting to be out of the loop again! Suddenly I felt ashamed to be bringing my walkman, they were out there exchanging cds while I, pray that my walkman does not eat my tapes. So I went to the mall and checked them out and man! they were expensive, it took me a while before I got to have one.

Then after that things got really fast. It was like a revolution! The MP3s came eliminating all the carrying of discs, all you needed was that small device that stores 200 songs, it made say WOW! that is more songs that I can sing in a day! Then the capacity got BIGGER and BIGGER, these days you can now store thousands of songs and even movies and lots of variations came out, you can now store songs in your cellphone, you can see headsets with built in MP3 players, sunglasses with MP3s and bluetooth, and mind you it produces great sound, the sunglasses even has UV protection! and there is even a watch now that can pack thousands of songs and you can even have it communicate with your car stereo! Amazing!

I gave up trying to keep up with technology, you just cant, It is advancing so rapidly. You will burn you pocket if you try.

One good thing about it though is it created alot of competition amongst the players in the industry, and in the end the winner will always be “US” the consumers. All of them will be be trying to give us the best quality at the best price!

http://www.eshop.vstore.ca

Go ahead and treat yourself. I Did

Alden Jerry asked:


It can be availed for many purposes like: MP3 with recorder, car MP3 players and portable MP3′s etc. These players come in all your famous brands like: Sony, Samsung, Archos and eBay. So, visit these places and buy a right MP3 player for yourself. It can also become a perfect gift for your family or friends. This device comes in so many styles and varieties to provide you full entertainment options. MP3 players have many advantages like: light weight, the memory capacity, which can store a lot of songs. Expandable memory can also allow the users download songs through the Internet. You can enjoy your favourite music at your fingertips. Basically, they are available in four types: Hard drive based players, Micro Hard Drive Players, Flash Based Players and MP3 CD Players.

Hard Drive Based MP3 players generally have large screen with some easy to use features. These type of MP3s contain their own hard drive. These highest capacity devices are the first main type in MP3 player. It has 20GB of memory, where you can listen every song of your choice. These models are available in less or high price range in the market. Another type is Micro Hard Drive Players, they are low in price but high in quality. This portable device is quite similar to hard drive MP3 player. This good model offers lots of features in your price range.

Flash Based Mp3 Players are easy to access and small in size. This player is based on high advanced technology with high memory storage. This flash based MP3 player has no moving type and can be perfectly carried while jogging, cycling, hiking, driving or anywhere. This player is rich in features and its music allows many options to play. MP3 CD Players are consider as the analog form of technology and rarely used these days; but old is gold. They are still in trend and in use to play some romantic songs for their loved ones. You can put some selected songs from the list on a 650 MB disk. It can play around 10 songs in one round.

If you want the MP3 player in your budget, then Sandisk Sansa Shaker is one of the cheapest MP3 player available in the market. It has 512MB storage memory, which is available in vibrant pink or blue colours in the market. Its vibrant and charming colours mostly attract kids and teens. This shaking device makes you dance. You just need to put the ear buds and enjoy the rocking music. It also has one of the most exciting feature which helps to jump to the song by shaking the player. With the help of built-in speakers, you can enjoy the loud music with or without your friends.

Creative Muvo Mix is also the another type of cheap mp3 player. It can also become the perfect gift at affordable price. It is filled with 256 MB storage memory. This multi tasking device is light in weight and completely portable to carry anywhere. This pocket-able digital audio player also has USB flash drive, which allows you to store or share your data. This creative device is a perfect music player for yourself as well as for the kids. Now the the decision is totally yours. Which one you want to buy and for whom? There are numerous types and categories available in the market, which makes your search easier.

Mike Singh asked:


Listening to music is everybody’s favorite past-time anymore – no matter where you go, people have headphones attached and are either listening to the cell phone or music. But what about when we are driving? Some of the more popular ways to listen to music in the automobile is through the car’s FM/AM radio with a CD player. The cassette is pretty well on its way out, and with the new MP3 players – the CD is almost on its way out also, slowly being replaced by DVDs. But how does the MP3 player – say, the iPod – hook into the car for listening?

With most of the online reviews about MP3 players referring to iPods, it would be good to look at the Neo iON, the nano iPod and Apple iPod car adapters, which provide a direct connection to the car stereos – both factory and aftermarket. The Neo iON is considered the best iPod car adapter kit that is available to the public because when it is connected, the auto’s stereo buttons will control the iPod – the iPod batter will charge – and the sound will play from the auto’s stereo speakers. Pretty simple. They can be purchased at Mp3YourCar.com for about $100, depending on the car, the make, the iPod, etc. which is filled out online.

This kit is compatible with the Apple iPod 3rd and 4th generation, iPod Photo, iPod Mini, and the nano iPod MP3 players. The kit is supposed to work with all vehicles – OR – most vehicles as it plugs directly into the CD changer port. The requirement for the car is to have a CD player in it, for the Video iPod car kit to attach its 11.5″ cable directly into the iPod or nano. The cable’s other end will plug into the CD changer port on the back of the car stereo, with no FM modulation. The BMW offers a similar car kit, for about $149 plus $150 installation, at their local dealership. This can be found at their website.

There are a few other options for playing your MP3 player in your car. First, if the car is old enough to still have a cassette player, then we have the best option right there. In almost every retail store that sells electronics goods, there will be a cassette adapter. The adapter plugs into the player and a mock cassette goes into the player, giving a great sound and music selection received from the digital audio player.

Next, a person could go with an FM transmitter that wirelessly plays the MP3 player through a local FM station. There are a few very important things to remember when considering an FM transmitter. Most FM transmitters transmit the signal through a few specific frequencies. The less expensive ones deal exclusively with the 88 to 89 frequencies. If there is a major station in a local area on one of these frequencies, another transmitter should be considered as the signal will no doubt have interference. Other transmitters offer the freedom to choose what frequency is the clearest. Another option would be to go the route of having a factory radio adapter installed, using the audio to its fullest extent. These adaptors tend to be much more expensive and could require some installation that may need to be done professionally. They can be found at most of the major electronics retail outlets, but they may need to be ordered online, where they are more readily available.

Michelle Bery asked:


For music enthusiasts everywhere, the most modern version of portable music enjoyment is the MP3 player. A small and comprehensive system that holds your personal play lists, keeps track of your calendar, and even allows video function has revolutionized the way in which we are entertained. The MP3 player was designed for a modern society on the go; such technology allows us to enjoy music no matter where we are or what we are doing. The most popular system on the market today is the Apple iPod. The iPod’s infinite success has prompted a variety of companies to get into the game of MP3 technology – including Sonic Blue’s Rio MP3 player.

The MP3 player technology works to compress audio files to such a size that they can be contained in a much smaller physical space than traditional vinyl records or CDs. Users are able to download their favorite music – sometimes up to thousands of songs depending on the unit – and construct their own personal play lists that remain on their portable MP3 player. The Rio MP3 player is no different in this technology.

The Rio MP3 player is available in a number of different models offered at different price points. They include the Rio Karma, Rio Cali, Rio Chiba, CE2100, Forge Sport, Rio One, Carbon, Fuse Street, and the Nitrus – the first MP3 player to include a one-inch hard drive.

The Rio MP3 player has been marketed to people who have different needs from their MP3 player. Whether you listen to your MP3 player in your car, while working out, or at home, there is a Rio MP3 player that is right for you.

Consumers have responded to the Rio MP3 player for its affordable technology. While it does not provide all of the features popular to iPod or Microsoft Zune, it is an affordable option for those interested in having a MP3