MP3, standing for MPEG-1, Layer 3, is a codec for compressing the size of audio files for digital distribution. Much more than a definition, MP3 is nothing less than a cultural and economic revolution on the Internet. Every day, hundreds of thousands of MP3 music files are searched for, shared, recorded and listened to by computer and Internet users of all kinds. Either alone or collected into massive download sites, the MP3 revolution is seriously threatening the traditional ways people find, listen to and create music. MP3 players and encoders are available for all major computer platforms, including Windows, Macintosh, Linux and BeOS. MP3 hardware players include portable players you can take with you jogging or exercising from manufactures like Sony, Diamond and Philips to home stereo and car stereo players.
MP3: The Definitive Guide introduces the power-user to just about all aspects of MP3 technology. It delves into detail on obtaining, recording, and optimizing MP3 files using both commercial, and Open Source methods. Coverage is complete for four platforms: Windows, Macintosh, Linux and BeOS. In depth chapters describe all aspects of the MP3 experience from distributing, streaming, broadcasting, converting and playing to archiving your collection. Readers will learn how to test their equipment, optimize their encoding times, evaluate their playback options, control and organize a collection, even burn their own CD's or distribute their own music to a massive worldwide audience over the Internet. In addition, the author fills readers in on the complex legal issues surrounding MP3 files. Everything you need to know to enjoy MP3 today and tomorrow is contained in this single volume.
MP3 is here to stay, and the applications for this versatile compression format are expanding exponentially along with its user base. MP3: The Definitive Guide should appeal to a broad audience of users, from the those just getting into this exciting new technology, to those who want to fully immerse themselves in the complexities and possibilities that MP3 presents.
โฆ Table of Contents
MP3: the definitive guide......Page 1
Thanks......Page 2
Table of Contents......Page 4
Preface......Page 6
Acknowledgments......Page 8
1.1 MP3 Basics......Page 10
1.2 Rights, Piracy, and Politics......Page 18
2.1 A "Perceptual" Codec......Page 30
2.2 The Anatomy of an MP3 File......Page 48
3.1 Choosing and Using an MP3 Player......Page 53
3.2 Players by Platform......Page 58
3.3 Obtaining MP3 Files......Page 94
3.4 Organizing Your Collection......Page 101
3.5 Equipment Considerations......Page 106
4.1 MP3 Options and Considerations......Page 111
4.2 Equalization and Sound Quality......Page 112
4.3 ID3 Tags and Playlists: The Virtual Database......Page 122
4.4 Skins: Dressing Up MP3 Players......Page 141
4.5 Plug-ins: Extending Your Reach......Page 147
4.6 Listening to MP3 Streams......Page 156
4.7 Performance Considerations......Page 161
5.1 General Encoding Principles......Page 168
5.2 General Ripping Principles......Page 180
5.3 Ripping and Encoding Tools......Page 182
5.4 Ripping from Other Sources......Page 200
5.5 Roll Your Own Compact Discs......Page 208
6.1 Playing MP3 Through Your Home Stereo......Page 215
6.2 Portable Players......Page 219
6.3 Hand-Held Computers and Other Devices......Page 235
6.4 Home Stereo MP3 Players......Page 238
6.5 Car Players......Page 246
6.6 Kit Players......Page 254
7.1 The Rules of Engagement......Page 265
7.2 The Players......Page 271
8.1 The Fundamentals of Internet Distribution......Page 287
8.2 Offering Files for Download......Page 288
8.3 Webcasting: Real-Time MP3 Broadcasting......Page 303
8.4 An Interview with MP3.com's "High Geek"......Page 326
9.1 The Architectures......Page 332
9.2 The Codecs......Page 348
Appendix A. Appendix: ID3v1 Genres......Page 365
Glossary......Page 368
Colophon......Page 378