What is an MP3, and how does it work with MP3 players?
MP3 stands for Moving Pictures Experts Group, Standard One, Audio Layer 3; it was developed to compress audio for storage and playback on digital devices.
MP3 players work by decoding the MP3 file's information into an analog signal that can be transmitted to speakers or an amplifier. Overall sound quality depends on several factors, however, the most important of which is the bit-rate of the MP3 file. This can range from 32 kbit/s all the way up to 320 kbit/s. Higher bit-rates offer better sound fidelity; however, these files take more disc space.
Can I watch videos on an MP3 player?
"MP3 player" is generally used as a catch-all term that also includes portable media player devices. While all portable media players have the ability to play MP3 files, not all MP3 players can play video. Dedicated MP3 players, such as the iPod shuffle, SanDisk Sansa Clip, and Creative Zen Stone, do not play video files because they lack the larger screen that portable media players have.
What types of MP3 players are there?
MP3 and portable media players are generally categorized by how they store data. Manufacturers use one of three mediums to store data; each impacts the physical size, disc capacity, and price of the device, as well as its overall durability.
1. Hard-Drive Based Players;
These media players store information on small hard-drives, much like the ones used in laptops or personal computers. Inside the hard-drive, a set of magnetic discs spin very fast while a magnetic "head" whips back and forth to read and write data. Hard-drive-based MP3 players continue to have the highest capacity of all storage types; however, they tend to be larger and heavier because of the hard drive and battery size. Due to tiny, high-speed moving parts, these players can malfunction if they are dropped or exposed to very hot temperatures. If you are looking for a high-capacity MP3 player and don't plan on subjecting it to regular abuse, a hard-drive based player is right for you.
2. Flash Memory-Based Players;
Unlike hard-drive based players, flash memory players have no internal moving parts that can malfunction. Data is stored on a solid-state chip covered in transistors. These players are smaller and much more durable than those that incorporate other technologies. These advantages do come at a very tangible price, though. Flash memory is the most expensive way to store data on MP3 players. Flash memory MP3 players are usually most expensive of These players are suited for active, on-the-go users, or for those who want a tiny MP3 player that can unobtrusively fit in any pocket.
3. CD MP3 Players;
Most people don't think of CDs when they think of MP3 players, but many car stereos, home theater systems and portable CD players can read discs that have been written in MP3 format. CD MP3 players look and operate just like the old generation CD players, and are usually the least expensive of the three types of MP3 players. They operate fundamentally different from the hard-drive and flash memory based MP3 players, since you must purchase blank CDs and record your own MP3-encoded music onto them. CD MP3 players are therefore suited for those looking for an inexpensive MP3 player and aren't bothered by buying, burning, and carrying additional CDs.
