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To: Tenchusatsu who wrote (75581)	3/6/1999 9:41:00 AM
From: Jim McMannis	Respond to of 186894

MP4 is the latest MPEG format. Now encoders are in development stages. MP4 (AAC) allows smaller file sizes with good quality. MPEG 1, level 1, 2(MP2), and 3(MP3) these vary basically on the quality of sound at a certain bit rate. Some consider MP3 acceptable at 128kbs (12:1) where as MP2 needs at least 192kbs. At 192kbs MP2 and MP3 compression result in the same file size (6:1) but some will argue MP2 sounds a little better. At 256kbs MP2 and MP3 are transparent. Virtually indistiguishable from a CD. BTW, MP2 is used extensively by the Radio business along with ADPCM, usually Microsoft ADPCM rather than IMA ADPCM (that Quicktime 3 supports). Current rage is MP3 because of the smaller (acceptable quality) file size allowing faster file transfer and also streaming over the net. Two considerations when encoding, speed and the codec. Fast encoders typically give poor results. Some give better quality at lower bit rates while some give better quaity at higher bit rates. Some give better quality, regardless. This is why the encoder that Intel got to support KNI isn't nescessarily a great thing. Granted it may speed it up but if the CODEC isn't good, it doesn't matter. --- There is also MPEG 2, levels 1 and 2. Primarily used in the video industry and MPEG 3, which is basically the sound part of MPEG 4. MPEG4 BTW, will be the standard for QuickTime. Another compression format for is VQF, developed by Yamaha. --- Great thing about MP3s for cars is that you can get a couple hundred songs on a CD or thousands on a decent size HD. As for portable MP3 players, Diamond has the RIO but more are coming. However, because of the ability to illegally DL free music in the form of MP3s over the net, the music industry has freaked out over all this. Start here if you want to learn more. mp3.com If you want any recommendations on players, encoders, let me know.