All about MP3 players

The MP3 file format opens up a new generation of a format that can be compressed in to a small file size. In late 1990s the first MP3 player was introduced by Saehan's MPMan in Korea.

Actual size of an MP3 file is about 1/10th of the original audio file size. This is done by recording the mid-range bit rate setting of 128 kbit/s. Even though the file size is larger, MP3 files created with higher bit rates have better quality than lower bit rates. If you've ever come across with songs that have bit rates of 64 kbit/s and 128 kbit/s you would definitely realize about the significant change in the sound quality. The actual work behind the compression is by reducing the accuracy of the certain parts of sound that are beyond the threshold auditory resolution (ability of most people) which is called "perceptual coding".
The greatest advantage of this technique is its ability to download MP3 files faster from the internet to your MP3 player and its minimum storage space. Due to this handy feature MP3 players can store up to thousands of songs in a smaller storage capacity. This would clearly define why people like to carry an MP3 player with them rather than carrying 20 CDs for 250 songs.
The technology of the MP3 player permits to read not only MP3 file format but also many other formats. This depends on different brands and capability of the MP3 player. Common file types that most MP3 players support are:

• WAV - Wave form audio, If your MP3 player has a voice record option, all those
• voices are recorded in the WAV file format.
  
• WMA - Windows media Audio
  
• MIDI - Music Instrument Digital Interface.
  
• ASF - Advanced Streaming Format
  
• VQF - Vector Quantization Format
  
• ATRAC - Sony's Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding 3
  
• AAC - Advanced Audio Coding
  

So what is the technology behind this amazing tiny electronic gadget?

Once you press the play button after selecting a song, several steps must be followed by the MP3 integrated electronics before you actually hear the song.

• Locate the song from its memory location.
  
• Encoded MP3 file is decompressed through DPS, via an algorithm or formula pre stored.
  
• Feed the decompressed bytes through a digital-to-analog converter to produce sound waves.
  
• Amplifies the sound waves in order to hear it from your head phone set.

This process is illustrated schematically in the figure.

According to the specification of the storage device of the MP3 player there are three types of MP3 players.

Just like your flash memory stick it is very light in weight and no moving parts. But it can hold fewer songs than hard drive players. If you ever look for a light weight, no moving parts and about 1000 songs, this will fix to your plan. Recently introduced Apple iPod touch has about 4GB or 8BG flash drive option.

These types contain micro hard drive which is capable of storage up to 120 GB. Apple iPod classic 120 GB Black (6th Generation)up to 30,000 songs in 128 Kb/s AAC format, up to 25,000 iPod-viewable photos, 150 hours of video. Higher storage capacity will be beneficial specially for who needs to carry their entire audio, video, image collection in the wallet.
Hard drive players are larger and heavier than flash memory players, but still it is really worth for storing a huge number of files. These devices have moving parts associated with the hard drive. So need to pay a little attention than flash memory type players. The major challenge that the manufactures need to overcome with the hard drive devices is skipping problems. But thanks to the new technology "anti-shock buffers", monitor shocks during play back and correct them in a fraction of a second.

This type of players do not have a solid state memory. They are like ordinary miniature CD players, but they can play MP3 files that are burnt on to a CD. Therefore the storage capacity is restricted to a a single CD. Usually MP3 CD players are closely the same size of a CD which is much larger than all the other types of MP3 players. In order to reduce the size of the player, some MP3 CD players use mini disk technology.Sony MZ-DN430PSBLK Psyc MiniDisc Network Walkman (Black) can store and transfer a considerable amount of data (600 songs) and are re-recordable. This model has 30 hours of playtime from a single AA type battery. Check which is the best...

Apple's latest invention of ipod-nano is Apple iPod shuffle (3rd Generation)
This is the world's smallest music player and the first music player that talks to you. The new Voice over feature, 4GB memory which holds up to 1,000 songs and all the features is significantly compacted to a size smaller than an AA battery. Also it is easier to use with all of the controls located on the earphone cord. With a single press, you can play, pause, adjust volume, switch play lists and hear the title of the song and artist.

If you plan to buy an MP3 player, you might wonder which is to be picked. You might go for user reviews, low price, high capacity, design, brand and many other factors.

This buying guide will definitely be helpful for you to pick the right player for your choice. If you are just looking for an MP3 player for day to day use and for listening favorite music, any types of basic top branded products will do the job. But MP3 players can have many other specifications which make them more user friendly according to your necessities. This buying guide will be a great help for those who are looking for a more specific MP3 player.

Do you spend hours in the gym or cycling and still want to listen to music? For this option you need an MP3 player that is more compact and easy to operate. Flash drive players are more feasible as their ability to withstand for rough situations. It should have comfortable earphones that stay in place perfectly without falling off. Also it should be a sweat resistance model. Some handy MP3 players have other accessories such as calorimeters, heartbeat monitors etc. Following MP3 players will be the best options for you.

Some listeners like to listen to audio books, specially book readers and travelers. When you buy an MP3player for this specification, consider the formats available from audio book sites like "iTunes" or "audible.com". Also make sure to check options such as book marking and ability for fast forwarding through extra long audios.

Try an MP3 player that has a higher capacity to hold your entire music collection. Selecting a light weight player accessorized with noise canceling or sound isolating headphones will help you to yield the full performance while you are on the way. MP3 players that are powered by rechargeable batteries will not add an extra effort for changing batteries during your journey.

Many people appreciate that if there MP3 player can act as a music player and high capacity storage device for data traveling. Look for a hard drive MP3 player that has higher capacity. Most of these types of players contain data safe switch or write protected switch which add an extra safe for your data being erased. It shouldn't be difficult for you to find a hard-drive player with enough storage to suit your needs.

Some MP3 players offer built in tape players, line in facility and plug and play mic options. These players can record audios from tapes or from line in sources in MP3 or other types of digital formats. Usually if you need to do live recordings, look for an MP3 player that can record in MP3 file format which can hold extra length recording in a small space. If you all need to do voice recording selecting a model with built-in mic would be beneficial for you.

MP3 players that have video options is not the only criteria that you have to look for. The display of the player should be able to reflect whats your desire. It should have a wide viewing angle and high contrast screen. You can buy a portable video player or an MP3 player that plays videos. Since most of video files need more space consider about the storage capacity.

Some people like to listen to music with out the aid of their headphones. At this point you need to consider several key factors. Look for an MP3 player that has a line out or any other wireless connectivity with the system that you are going to incorporate with. This connectivity could be Infrared, Bluetooth or via an FM transmitter. Also you can simply connect it to a portable speaker system from line out. iPpod docking stations are the most common highly sophisticated systems that are fully integrated with external sound controlling ability.