MP3 Players

2008 CBCJ Class ItemBy: Kasey Bozeman

What is a MP3 Player?

• An MP3 Player is a data-storage device with an embedded software application that allows users to transfer MP3 files to the player.

• They use solid-state memory. There are not any moving parts to read encoded data like tapes or CDs.

• They also have technology that enables them to copy music from radio, CDs, radio or web sites.

• Users can create custom playlists of songs in the order they want to hear them.

MP3 Player History

• MPEG Audio Layer III (MP3) is a method for compressing audio files by reducing the number of bytes in a song, while retaining sound that is near CD-quality.

• Anytime a song is compressed, a small portion of the quality is lost.

• The advantage of MP3 is that the songs are in a smaller format and can be transported easier.

MP3 Players and File Formats

• There are other file formats that can be played on MP3 players besides MP3.

• Here are a few of the file formats that can be played on different players :– Windows Media Audio (WMA)– Waveform Audio (WAV)– Music Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)– Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) – Ogg Vorbis - a free, open and un-patented music format– Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM)– Advanced Streaming Format (ASF)– Vector Quantization Format (VQF)– Sony's Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding 3 (ATRAC)

• While most MP3 players can support multiple formats, not all players support the same formats.

Parts of the MP3 Player

• Here are the basic parts of a typical MP3 player:– Data Port– Memory Microprocessor – Digital Signal Processor (DSP) – Display – Playback Controls – Audio Port Amplifier – Power Supply

Memory Types for MP3s• Most players plug into your computer’s USB port. Some

can plug into a FireWire port or a parallel port, but these are much slower in transferring data. The MP3 files are saved in the player's memory.

• Memory types include: – Solid-State

• Internal Flash Memory• Expansion Memory:

– Memory Stick– Compact Flash Cards – SmartMedia Cards

– Hard-Disk Drives• Internal Microdrive

• The advantage to solid-state memory is that there are no moving parts, which means better reliability and no skips in the music. However, MP3 players that contain tiny hard disk drives can store 10 to 150 times more than Flash memory devices can.

Batteries with MP3s

• All portable MP3 players are battery-powered.

• Most use a rechargeable internal lithium battery and last for approximately 10 to 28 hours on a single charge.

• Many of the players also have AC adapters so they can be plugged into a normal electrical outlet.

• Some even offer DC adapters for use in a car.

Types of MP3 Players

• Here’s an incomplete list of types of MP3 Players. There descriptions are on the slides that follow. – Flash Memory Players– Hard Drive and Mini-Hard Drive Players– MP3 CD Players and MiniDisc MP3 Players– The Hybrid Players

• Major brands of MP3 players include Apple, Archos, Cowon, Creatibe Labs, iRiver, Phillips, RCA, Samsung, Sandisk, Sony, and Toshiba.

Flash Memory Players

• The flash memory MP3 player is the smallest and lightest.

• They typically stores fewer songs than hard drive players.

• Because it's small and contains no moving parts, it's ideal for exercisers.

• They can store about 120 to 150 songs. • Some have expansion slots to add more

memory via card slots on the player. Other models offer video and photo capability.

• Its battery can last up to 28 hours.

Hard Drive & Mini-Hard Drive Players

• Hard-drive players are larger and heavier than flash memory players and more storage.

• Hard-drive player offer huge storage capacities - up to 40,000 songs.

• Hard-drive players can also store photographs, data, and video and allow podcast recordings.

• The hard-drive players consume more power because of all their special features.

• The players include moving parts, which may skip. However, some players have anti-shock buffers and or anti-skip protection.

• Miniature-hard drive players are lighter than traditional hard drive players, but contain less memory. They are smaller. They also contain moving parts.

MP3 CD Players & MiniDisc MP3 Players

• There is a type of CD player that plays MP3 and other digital files. These MP3 files are burned to CD-R/RW discs from an old CD collection and used in the MP3 CD player.

• A CD can hold about 10 hours of music. • A CD burner is necessary for those buying

an MP3 CD player. • The MP3 CD player is cheaper than the flash

memory and hard drive memory players.• It may “skip” while playing music.• They are also much larger in size than the

other models.

Hybrid MP3 Players

• Due to advances in technology, companies are now offering MP3 capability in other consumer products.

• Examples include satellite radios, personal digital assistants (PDAs), DVD players, sunglasses, running shoes, swim goggles, and even a combination Swiss Army Knife-MP3 player.

• A very popular hybrid MP3 Player is the iPhone from Apple. It crosses a cell phone with an iPod and Web browser, along with a variety of other features.

Music Services• Songs for MP3 Players can be downloaded from

various music services. Examples include iTunes, Rhapsody, Zune Marketplace, Amazon, WalMart and Best Buy Digital Music Store, etc.

• Most MP3 Players will play a variety of song file formats, such as MP3, WMA, WAV, AIFF and others.

• However, some song formats are encrypted, so that they will only play on MP3 players of their native brand. For example, while Apple iPods will play a variety of file formats, songs downloaded from Apple iTunes will not play on non-Apple players. iTunes songs are a proprietary, protected AAC file format.

• To ensure compatibility between your songs and your MP3 player, be sure to check the file format of the songs in your collection or of those you intend to purchase. Then check supported formats on the product page(s) of any player you are considering.  

Choosing a MP3 Player

• There are 3 main things to consider when buying an MP3 Player:– How you plan to use it– The amount of music you want to carry

in your MP3 player– How much you are willing to pay

• Other things to consider are if your computer can handle it, weight capacity, size, download choices, ripping music, upgrades, headphone quality, and battery type.

Computer Capabilities

• Make sure your computer can support the MP3 Player you purchase.

• Remember that some operating-system upgrades can exceed the price of a player.

• Your computer must have a USB port. • Also, if you plan on downloading

music from the internet, consider high-speed internet.

Weight Capacity & Size

• If you want a lower price, smaller size, less weight, and long playback time, choose a flash-memory model. It will hold up to 1,000 songs. You will want a flash model that can accept external memory cards.

• If you have a large music collection that you want to keep with you, a hard-disk player may make more sense. They can hold up to 15,000 songs. Hard-disk players can be more complicated to manage than a flash-memory player. Plus, they are more vulnerable to damage if dropped.

• Microdrive players are about the size of a credit card, and a 4-GB model can hold about 1,000 songs. Most models with 20-GB hard disks are about the size of a deck of cards and can hold about 5,000 songs.

Download Choices

• Some online music copy-protected sources are limited with some models. For example, Sony players only work with one online music store, while iPods are compatible with iTunes and Real.

• Players that support the copy-protected WMA formats, like those from Archos, Creative, RCA, and Samsung, allow access to the greatest number of online stores.

• Some players won't play music purchased from any online store.

• Downloading "free" music from such online sources as peer-to-peer Web sites is another option. But you risk a copyright-infringement lawsuit by the music industry. You'll also increase your exposure to a host of nasty computer viruses and spyware programs.

Ripping Music

• Most players will allow you to record (rip) music.

• You can use the software that comes with your computer or player, such as Apple iTunes, MusicMatch, Napster, or Windows Media Player, or download other freeware or shareware applications.

• If the program has the software plug-in for your player, you can transfer the music to your player directly; otherwise, you'll need to use the program that came with your player to perform the transfer.

Upgrade Ability

• You will want to look for a player with upgradable firmware for adding or enhancing player features.

• You will also want a player that can accommodate newer encoding schemes or variations of compression.

• One upgrade method executes the upgrade file on the computer while the player is still attached. This can cause permanent damage to the player if there's even a slight interruption during execution.

Headphones

• Headphone quality is something you will want to consider.

• Headphones that come with the player can degrade the quality.

• Check the packaging for the quality of headphones included. Most are acceptable.

Batteries• Batteries should be considered when purchasing a MP3

Player.• Depending on the player settings, some will run out of

power after only six hours of play, while others can play music for more than 50 hours before their batteries give out. Playing videos can run a battery down in just a few hours.

• Flash-memory players tend to have longer playback times than hard-disk players. They use AA or AAA batteries and can accept either standard or rechargeable batteries.

• Other players use a rechargeable nonstandard "block-" or "gumstick-" shaped nickel metal-hydride (Ni-MH) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) removable battery, which is both more expensive and harder to find.

• Many hard-drive players use a nonremovable rechargeable battery. When the battery can no longer hold a charge, the player has to be sent back to the manufacturer for service. This is a costly procedure if the product is no longer under warranty.

Personal Choices & Design

• Whichever type of MP3 player you choose, make sure you'll be comfortable using the device.

• Look for a display and controls that are easy to read and that can be worked with one hand.

• Because sizes and shapes vary widely, check to see that the player fits comfortably in your pockets, bookbag, purse, etc.

• Accessories are important, but some may not be included. Examples are AC charger, DC connector, protector cases, belt clips, etc.

• Colors are also a factor. Many MP3 Players come in colors besides black and white. You can choose a fun color, if you choose.

Technology Terms• Bytes: Hard disk capacities are measured in bytes

(measures how much data it can hold)• FireWire: a way to connect different pieces of

equipment so they can easily and quickly share information; also known as the Sony i.Link or as IEEE 1394

• Hard Disk: Store changing digital information in a relatively permanent form

• MPEG Audio Layer III (MP3): a method for compressing audio files by reducing the number of bytes in a song

• Solid-state: no moving parts; everything is electronic instead of mechanical

• USB (Universal Serial Bus) port: connectors that let you attach different items (mouse, printer, jumpdrive, MP3 player) to your computer quickly and easily