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1. About MP3·What Exactly Is An MP3?
·Are MP3's Legal?
·How Do I Get MP3's?
·How Do I Play An MP3?
| | | MPEG layer 3 is a type of audio codec where processed by significant compression from the original audio source, very little loss in sound quality occurs. The compression, up to 12:1, produces very little degradation. Tighter compression can be achieved, but the possibility of audio quality degradation increases.
To obtain certain compression, we must adjust the bit rates. The standard bit rates (near CD quality results) 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).
The disadvantage of MP3 compression is that lots of processor power is required to encode and play files, also a sound-card is required (16-bit sound card).
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by snapcase$  edited by KeysCapt
last modified: 2002-12-03 15:43:40 | | | MP3 as a file format is probably legal, or at least tolerated, when used to encode music from your own CDs — if you keep that music to yourself. It is illegal to encode MP3s and trade, sell or otherwise make them available to others unless you have the permission of the music’s copyright holder. In other words, if a record company or band makes MP3 files available for download, they are yours for the taking (but not to give or sell to others). However, converting your new CD to MP3 and then offering that as a way for people to get the music without buying the actual CD is illegal.
There is a great deal of debate and discussion on these matters, some of it frequently on our own front page: »RIAA Says You Can’t Copy Music To Your Computer
One member offers this commentary:
MP3 format is not legal without a license. It is a patent encumbered format which requires royalties to be payed [sic] both to create and listen to the format. People that use "Lame" to encode mp3 may have infringed on patents. If you have used a software which encodes or decodes mp3 files, and that software does not have the necessary license(s) from Thomson (»www.mp3licensing.com/) you [may] have committed a patent crime. A license is required to create, play, and one for hardware + one for software. If you only use iTunes, you're in the clear. If you're using EAC to rip/encode to mp3 with LAME, then playback with foobar, you [may have] broken the law as those 3 companies do not have a license to create nor play mp3 files. Which is why LAME is only distributed as source tar balls for the main site. Much in the way as the Xvid codec.
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by snapcase$ edited by KeysCapt
last modified: 2008-01-07 07:08:43 | | | Many websites offer allegedly legal MP3's such as MP3.com. There are also numerous allegedly legal, search-able online MP3 libraries and directories that you can find. Though, by far the most popular ways of getting MP3's are through separate programs, often called person-to-person file sharers such as the traditional Napster or some of the alternatives that have sprouted up since Napster's arrival, one of which is WinMX. These programs not only let you download MP3's, but they also let you share your current library with everyone on that particular server or network. The many file sharing programs can be found here and if you want to see what many of us here prefer, feel free to take a look at my file sharing poll.
Unfortunately, the amount of illegal copies being distributed on these file sharing networks is quite large and that is one of the major disadvantages to using a peer-to-peer program. As with any new technology, there are drawbacks that still have yet to be dealt with.
 Always remember that it's completely the user's responsibility to decide which MP3s he/she will obtain, share, and distribute! DSLReports in no way condones any engagement in illegal activities!
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by snapcase$ edited by KeysCapt
last modified: 2008-01-07 08:32:59 | | | Minimum Requirements: A 486 based computer is a minimum requirement, but Pentium is recommended.
Once you've verified that your system meets the minimum requirement, grab an MP3 player such as Winamp (Winamp review here), or MusicMatch JukeBox (now called Yahoo Music). A rather large list of various media players can be found here or here.
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by snapcase$ edited by KeysCapt
last modified: 2008-01-07 08:37:42 |
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