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THE NEW MP3 FORMAT
What is it?
There are different ways in which sound is digitalized (information put in ones and zeros) so it can be used on the computer. The most common method uses wave files. Wave files can have very high fidelity and are used to master CDs. A more recent method of digitalizing sound is called MP3. The advantage of MP3 files is that they use much less storage space for the same amount of fidelity. Teenagers have been downloading music off the internet using MP3 for years. MP3 has been coming to audiobooks for the past two years or so.
What are the pros and cons?
The main advantage is cost. An MP3-CD (MP3 files on CD) will hold hours of spoken word at very high fidelity, whereas one CD is limited to a little more than one hour. We have put the entire Bible (84 hrs) on seven MP3-CDs, whereas it is 83 discs on CDs. The problem is most people don't have players that will recognize MP3-CDs. (Note that computers and most DVD players will play MP3-CDs.)
What type of player do you need?
The term "MP3 player" usually means a very small device that has storage (like a hard drive or a floppy disc) built-in and MP3 files are transferred from the computer to the player. Kids use them to play songs they downloaded from the internet. But the big move in audiobooks is to record them on MP3-CDs - they are the same physical discs as a CD and the neat thing is that the players also play CDs.
What is the best approach?
MP3 is a real answer to the expense and bulk of unabridged audiobooks and they reduce replacement costs. Schools can provide players and save a considerable amount of money. Players are becoming more common and less expensive. (Some new cars have them.) Librarians who have been buying MP3 have good reports. Buying CD titles from In Audio and getting free MP3 versions allows libraries and schools to start a small collection or to try MP3 without any additional cost.
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InAudio (formerly Commuters Library) 100 Weems Lane, Winchester, VA 22601 Ph 1-888-578-5797 | Fax 1-888-749-5722
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