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car MP3 players
For several years, computer users have been using the MP3 compression format (short for MPEG1, Audio Layer 3) to transform music into relatively small files than can be stored on a computer. Its popularity comes from the convenience of quicker transfer over the Internet or to a CD, and the ability to "burn" hours of music onto a single 80-minute CD or MiniDisc.
To create car MP3 players CD, you'll need a computer with a CD-R/RW drive (popularly called a "burner"), and appropriate software (usually available as freeware or shareware on the Internet). You can choose to transfer files that you found on different web sites, or create
car MP3 players MP3 files from tracks on your favorite CDs. That way, you can design your own music mixes using inexpensive CD-Rs or CD-RWs. A single CD-R/CD-RW disc can hold approximately 10 hours of
car MP3 players music, so you can stop fumbling with regular CDs to find particular songs.
MP3s can be encoded at different bitrates for files of varying size and sound quality. Generally, the lower the bitrate, the smaller the file, and the lower the sound quality. MP3 files encoded at higher bitrates (192 kpbs) manage to deliver near-CD sound quality.
Windows Media Audio (WMA)
Windows Media Audio (WMA) has emerged as another favorite compression format among computer users, and WMA compatibility can be found in some of the newest car audio products. This newer format is rapidly gaining acceptance, thanks to its ability to offer higher fidelity in a smaller file size. Most users agree that a 96kbps WMA file is roughly the same quality as a 128kbps MP3 file, so you can store more music in less space with WMA. WMA files are compatible with a growing number of music management programs, in-dash CD receivers, and portable media players.
ATRAC3™ files
Another form of digital compression is the ATRAC3™ format, which was first developed by Sony engineers for MiniDisc applications, but is now also used in certain mobile digital music players. Unlike MP3 and WMA files, ATRAC3 files cannot be burned onto a CD-R/RW. Instead, ATRAC3 files are stored and transported on MiniDiscs and MagicGate™ Memory Sticks®.
ATRAC3 files may be encoded at bitrates between 292 Kpbs and 66 Kpbs — again, the higher the bitrate, the closer to CD-quality sound you'll get.
WAV files
A WAV file is the digital audio format used for storing high-quality, uncompressed sound. WAV files can contain CD-quality (44.1Khz/16-bit) audio signals. However, CD-quality WAV files require large amounts of disk space — roughly 10 megabytes per minute of music.
Digital music playback in your car
There are many ways to listen to digital music files in your vehicle. MP3 files are by far the most popular format and there are a correspondingly large number of options for adding MP3 playback to your system. There are also several products that will play WMA files in addition to MP3s, and a few products that use the ATRAC compression format as well. You should consider which products work best with your vehicle, your system, and your budget. Here are your options:
- Many in-dash receivers are equipped with an auxiliary input, or have the option to add one. The auxiliary input lets you plug in your
portable memory player with an optional adapter cable (it might have RCA and/or
mini plug terminals) and listen to your MP3s through
your car's speakers.
- In-dash MP3-compatible receivers can read MP3-encoded CD-Rs and CD-RWs, so you'll be able to enjoy your homemade discs as
well as the standard CDs that you've listened to for years. Keep in mind that a standard car CD player will not play an MP3 disc, even
though the discs look similar, because a traditional CD receiver can't read the compressed MP3 format. A growing number of
WMA-compatible receivers will play MP3 and WMA files.
- If you have an aftermarket receiver with built-in changer controls, hook up a CD/MP3 changer that reads MP3-encoded discs. At 10
hours of music per disc, a 6-disc changer would be able to play over 60 hours of music!
- Some manufacturers offer digital music players — external hard drive units that are controlled by your receiver much like a CD changer.
These versatile players will play back MP3, WMA, and uncompressed WAV (standard audio) files, or ATRAC3 files, depending on the
manufacturer. With hard drives as large as 20-gigabytes, the scope and volume of music you can now take with you on the road is truly
amazing, and bound to increase.
Computer in your dash
Another option for the digital music enthusiast is the Hard Disk Drive receiver — a CD receiver with a built-in hard disk drive that can store well over 160 hours of music. When you play a CD in the receiver, simply press the record button and the music is stored away as the disc plays (some units can even record at 8x speed). The built-in hard drive can also accommodate playlists and disc/track titling, so it's easy to locate and play your favorite tunes.
Finding that file
As you build your digital music library, it's important to be able to locate a file quickly and easily. Here are a couple of key features to look for:
1. Text information: When you create your MP3 disc, the software will probably let you add disc names, folder names, plus artist and file names. To select your tracks by the titles you've assigned, look for a receiver that decodes and displays "ID-3" tag information.
2. Search functions: Determine how the receiver allows you to search for particular files. Some will skip only from file to file, while others allow fast forward or fast reverse search through MP3 files or files/folders. The search function could be important if you're looking for a single file contained in hours of music.
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