Monday, September 17, 2007

Audio CD Changer - A Primer

The CD has become the format of choice for hard copy music distribution. The CD displaced the record, vinyl records and the audio cassette as the dominant form of listening to recorded music.

The CD Changer All you have to do is to load all the CD's you want to listen to. One after another it will play your CD's as many times as you want. The order of selection of CDs will be done randomly or automatically depending on which button you press.

CD changers are great for those long drives especially for those who insist on having music on the preferred format. That said, mp3 compatibility has taken CD changer functionality to another level.

If burning hundreds of mp3 files downloaded from the internet onto a disc is your thing, mp3 compatible changers will give you weeks of play time without repeating a song (A disc can hold up ten hours worth of music in mp3 format).

Note this, there are CD changers that are designed to work with your factory installed radios and there are those that are made for your aftermarket radio. So do check before you buy your next CD changer.

Factory fitted CD changers are Available for all models (Alfa Romeo to VW) and allows you to retain the integrated look and functionality of your dash and standard car radio.

Aftermarket CD Changers: All leading brands are available (Alpine to VDO Dayton) in good online stores. They are ideal if you have changed your car radio or have a branded or aftermarket radio fitted.

Following are a few the CD changers in the market...

1) Denon CD Changer

This is a CD player you really need to check out. This is Denon's latest generation. It is a 5-disc CD changer featuring Burr Brown 20-bit AD converters and HDCD decoding. Other features like MP3/CD and CD-R/RW compatibility, clockwise and counterclockwise tray rotation, and an incredible signal-to-noise make it a great changer.

2) Sony CD Changer with SACD

The five-disc CD - SACD changer supports features such as, SACD/CD/CDR/CDRW playback, SACD/CD Text compatibility, remote control, optical output for CD, and 5.1 channel analog output for multi-channel SACD.

3) JVC CD Changer

It is an excellent, but reasonably priced, 5-Disc Carousel CD changer from JVC. It uses unique 1-bit error correction technology; this changer not only sounds great, but overcomes scratches and minor CD defects that can plague other players. You can also change four CDs while one is playing.

4) Pioneer CD Changer

Pioneer is known for their "magazine" style car CD changers and has incorporated this design into the PD-M426 home 6-disc home CD changer. In fact, it enables you to buy the additional CD "magazine" cartridges to organize your CD library to play both in a Pioneer car CD changer or the M426 without taking the discs out of the magazine.

There are other great brands. Just know what you're looking for and you can't go wrong.

Visit car-audio-products-and-accessories.com to read more or visit AddACdChanger to get your CD changer. Chimezirim Odimba writes for CarAudioPlus.


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Audiobooks and Technology Converge- Finally!

Okay, raise your hand if you remember eight-track tapes (for those of you under 40, go ask your parents about them). How about LPs? Anyone? You know, those big black CDs? What, you may ask, does any of this have to do with the price of audiobooks in China? Actually, quite a bit!

It's about technology with regards to audio media. Audio media has gone through some major changes over the last 15 years. Everybody knows how great CDs are -- fabulous sound quality, minimal storage space, long lasting (if you take even reasonable care of them).

But when it comes to audiobooks, many people actually prefer to take a technological step backwards to the technology that ruled the world after eight-tracks and LPs -- audio cassettes! (C'mon, I KNOW you remember those :-)

I'm not sure anyone ever tried an audiobook on eight-track tape, and there may have been a few on LP, but they were certainly not a raging success. But when cassettes came into the picture, audio "books on tape" really started to take off. And that's been the prevailing format for audio books until very recently.

Now you can find many more audiobook titles coming out in today's media format champion: CDs. But there are a lot of people who still prefer good old audio cassettes to CDs. This is especially true when we're talking about listening to audiobooks. I happen to be one of those people. Let me explain why.

First of all, audiobooks in CD format can't hold any more than 75 minutes of content. On the other hand, cassettes can hold 90 minutes or more of narration. With cassettes, you're probably going to need two or three to hold a good sized audiobook. But you probably need many more CDs to hold that same audiobook.

Another problem with audiobooks on CD is that they tend to be more expensive than the same audiobooks on cassette. For example, an unabridged version of "Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire" on cassettes is just $31.96 on the Barnes and noble web site. The same audiobook on the same web site in CD format is $55.96 -- almost twice the price of the cassette version! Yikes!

Here's the biggest problem I have with audiobooks on CDs. In most cases, when you turn off your CD player while listening to an audiobook, you're not going to be able to start it up from exactly where you left off. But with a good old fashioned cassette, you can do exactly that. If you're listening to a CD full of songs it's not a real big problem. But within audiobooks which can have much longer chapters, you really want to have more precise stopping and starting capability. Listening to audio books on CDs can be frustrating when you're driving if you have to restart the audiobook or try to locate exactly where you stopped every time you shut off the car. Sure, there are more advanced CD players in cars these days that do restart where you stopped when you turned off the car. But it's certainly not a universal feature. And oh, by the way, if you take your CD out of the CD player, you definitely can't just put it back in and start where you left off. With a cassette you can.

Since audiobooks are mostly just narration, most people who buy them don't see the point in paying extra for CDs when the audio quality of cassettes is pretty close to that of CDs especially when we're talking about largely narrative content.

Ah, but wait! What's that I see riding in from the horizon on a white horse? Yes, it's an MP3 player! The newest in the battle for media market dominance may be exactly what the audiobook world has been waiting for! Small size, big capacity, SUPERB quality. PERFECT for audiobooks! And the great news is, there are audiobook stores popping up that specialize in downloadable audiobooks, taking their cue from the resounding success of the downloadable music phenomenon.

Downloadable audiobooks and MP3 players are the perfect convergence of technology. And I think it's fair to say that we will see the number and quality of downloadable audiobooks increasing significantly as major publishers recognize the potential. Many already have. But many more will, and very soon.

One word of caution as you scramble out to get yourself an MP3 player (if you don't have one already). Make sure it either has a "bookmark" feature (which allows you to "mark" where you've left off so you can restart there), OR (like my iPod Nano), make sure if you shut it off, it picks up exactly where you left off when you start it again!

Then, find yourself a great audiobook (or a dozen), and take advantage of what used to be "dead time". Your world will be a much better place for it. And you can hold your head up because you're using the latest audio technology out there :-)


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Sutherland

Audio Books - Why Recorded Books On Tape And MP3 Books Win Over Books On CD

Audio books come in many formats. Also called recorded books, they come on tapes, CD’s, and now, as MP3 books. Surprisingly, people prefer the old technology of recorded books on tape over books on CD. You may be somewhat amazed to learn why.

Although CDs are great, but when it comes to listening to recorded books, books on tape are the long-term consumer’s favorite.

As a sideline, MP3 books are the new kids on the block. They offer even more flexibility and convenience. Above all formats, MP3 books cut out the fancy packaging, the mail carrier or extra shopping trips. How would an instant download at home suit your busy schedule? Overall, their superior storage, unnoticeable portability and better price make them superior above other formats so far.

But what’s with recorded books on tape being superior to books on CD?

1. Most audio books on CD are incapable of holding more than 75 minutes of content. On the other hand, books on tape cram 90 plus minutes of voice-over.

Sure, you can have the complete audio book copied out over several CDs. But who wants to haul around a heavyweight case with CDs, right?

So, a few tape cassettes will do you for a particular audio book. In contrast, you will need many more CDs for that same audio book.

2. Would you spend extra money for audio books on CD when you can get the same book on tape (or in MP3 format) for less?

Here’s a quick example to explain:

An unabridged version of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" slims down to nest in 12 audiotapes. It sells for a mere $31.96 on the Barnes & Noble. Ready for the CD numbers now? The same version there, on CDs, costs roughly double the amount - $55.96. And you’ll have 5 more items to handle ‘cause there are 17 sets of CDs.

Now, you are thinking … “What a rip off!” Whoa!

It’s far from being fleeced. CDs simply cost much more time and money to produce. Because of the extra outlays, the price tag is higher than the one for the tapes.

3. This one’s clear. When you turn off your CD player while listening to an audio book, often, you won't be able to carry on from the exact spot you left off. With a tape, you can continue from the exact track location you left off.

Imagine how annoying this can be if you are driving and you turn off your car. You’d need to kick-start the audio book CD and patiently locate the spot where you stopped at.

If you have a more advanced CD player that saves your location when you turn off your car, then it’s no problem until … You shut off the car and pull out the CD. Oops.

If you do the same with an audiocassette, the spot where you left off is waiting for you when you push the tape back into the player.

4. You may or may not agree with me here. Audio books, after all, are narrations. Many recorded books enthusiasts are smart. They say …”Why would I spend the extra cash to buy CDs because of recording quality level when I can snatch near enough the same quality on audiotapes for much less?”

It boils down to the reality that a human voice recording has little to gain in depth and clarity when recorded on a CD as an alternative of a tape cassette.

Recorded books are here to stay. You, too, may prefer books on tape over books on CD. The tape benefits clearly outweigh the ones of CDs. Have they surprised you at all?

And, when you are ready to discover the most convenient technology in recorded books and audio books in general, look for MP3 books. With the arrival of MP3 players and MP3-enabled cellular phones, you can be in good company of audio books of your choice wherever you go.

Lou Smith invites you to check out Audio Books in many attractive and popular categories of Recorded Books. As our guest, you can download free MP3 Books right now.


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Car Stereo Systems

You can customize your car stereo system by adding more features to what was originally installed by the manufacturer.

The main part of the car stereo is called the head unit, which may be a CD player, a radio or a tape player. In the olden days, there were tapedecks that were used as the head unit.

Advancements in acoustic technology have led to more improvements in the head unit, such as MP3, AAC and WMA, to support to the CD players. Most cars are designed with a CD changer, wherein multiple disks are held in the head unit.

There is a growing demand for high-end car stereo systems with component speakers, which are available in a combination of 2 or 3 speakers.

You need to be sure that you select the correct system, and for this it is always rewarding if you consult an expert. Selecting a good stereo system will go a long way in attaining your goal–listening to good music at all times, whether on the move or in the parking slot. The head unit or the CD player should have sound adjustments. The amplifier can be fixed under the seat with connections to the player.

Good quality cabling, wiring, and gold-plated terminals are a must in maintaining good-quality sound. Talking of crossovers, it is enough if you have passive ones. They help in listening to music so smoothly and correctly that you can hear even small sounds like a hiss.

Of late, there is a growing demand for quality in-car entertainment systems. The focal point of technologies in the automobile industry has been the car stereo systems. Before installing an audio system, check your vehicle’s electrical capability to handle the audio system.

In general, car stereo systems are much different from home audio systems. The limited space available in cars forces one to select a much smaller Head Unit size, say 1 DIN or 2 DIN. DIN represents the size of 50 mm * 178 mm. Within this space, automakers squeeze in as many features as possible, like DVD, navigation systems and CD or cassette players. This makes the designing of a Car Stereo system a complex task. However, you have a wide range of options in having audio in compressed format, such as MP3 and WMA.

Car Stereos provides detailed information on Car Stereos, Car Stereo Systems, Car Stereo Installations, Car Stereo Speakers and more. Car Stereos is affiliated with Wholesale Car Audio.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman

Downloading MP3's Made Easy

The MP3 movement started out with a huge audience of music enthusiasts on the internet. The MP3 digital music format has had, and will continue to have, a huge impart on how people, gather, listen to and share music.

The MP3 format is a compression system for digital music that helps reduce the size of a digitized song without disturbing the sound quality. Digital music is converted to MP3 format and made available for use, usually via the web. MP3 files can be downloaded onto your computer from the internet and special software, either commercial or freeware. Using your computer and software you can convert digital music from a CD into MP3 format.

MP3 files can be played in three different ways:

1. They can be played directly onto your computer.

2. They can be decompressed and recorded onto a CD.

3. These files can be played on a portable MP3 player.

The advantage of MP3 players is that they are small, lightweight and rugged. They are a great way to carry your MP3 files with you!

With a portable MP3 player, a personal computer, and the appropriate software, you can do the following:

1. Obtain free or low-cost music from the web.

2. Create your own mix of music by downloading MP3 files from the web and converting the tracks from CDs.

3. Listen to near-CD quality music wherever you go.

4. Listen to more music (up to 10 hours' worth).

If you want to convert your songs from your CDs into MP3 files, you can use ripper and encoder software. A ripper copies a song's file from the CD onto your hard disk. The encoder compresses the song into the MP3 format. By encoding songs, you can play them on your computer or take them with you on your MP3 player. The ripper and encoder software may come with your MP3 player.

The specific instructions will vary with the individual software programs, but the following steps will definitely take place:

1. Place the CD from which you want to convert songs into your drive.

2. Select the track(s) that you want to convert to MP3 format.

3. Convert the selected track(s).

4. Copy the new MP3 files on to your computer's hard disk.

Now you are ready to download these MP3 files into your portable MP3 player.

Once you have MP3 files on your computer, you can use the software that came with your MP3 player to download the files into your MP3 player. Again, the specific instructions will vary depending upon your software program and player, but you will:

1. Create a playlist from your MP3 files.

2. Plug the player into your computer's parallel of USB port.

3. Transfer the MP3 files according to the instructions.

Once you have downloaded the MP3 files into your portable MP3 player, you are ready to take your music anywhere. Most MP3 players are small, lightweight, and solid-state. Because most players are solid-state, there are no moving parts to break down or skip, so the sound quality is uninterrupted regardless of your physical activity. MP3 players are equipped with various types of headphones or earpieces.

Portable MP3 players can play music longer than a portable CD player. The length of play for a CD player is about 74 minutes, the length of one CD. However, the length of play for an MP3 player depends upon its memory capacity, which can be upgraded on some models. A standard MP3 player can play for about half an hour (32 MB) to a few weeks (40 GB)! Some models can be upgraded with additional memory devices.

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher, offering information on downloading mp3's such as Eminem MP3 and finding free internet radio stations


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How To Select The Right Car Audio System

It is certainly difficult to imagine a car without an audio system in it. Certainly a car audio system is as important to any owner and the range available to choose from is just gigantic. Many car audio systems are comprised of many parts for example head units, amplifiers, speakers and an auxiliary input device and they all work together to complement each other and will not work on a stand alone basis.

The head unit is like the brain or central processing unit of a computer and through this unit it controls such things as tuning, volume, bass and equalizer etc. There are various types of head units out there, some which only allow you to play tapes, CDs or the radio, whilst others will provide you with a choice. There are some devices which can hold numerous CDs (a CD changer (usually held in the boot area of the vehicle)) and gives you the option to move between the CDs without having to take the CD out.

As for the speakers, which certainly a very important part of any car audio system as you do want to hear what is playing. Yet again there are many styles out there from say the cone version through the ribbon version, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages (this is something you will need to look at more closely). At a later stage I will write an article relating to this area of the car audio system. Also where you place the speakers within your vehicle can make all the difference as well.

Next we come onto the amplifier, which allows the system to amplify or increase the signals from the unit to make them audible. You will find that there are various models of these also available from the mono, to the stereo right through to the multi-channel version.

When looking at purchasing a car audio system the ranges available start from the more basic style through to the very high end quality systems or if you want something a little more funky you can get that also. Although a basic system will not normally be too expensive and the sound quality is usually quite good, the components it is made of are only of a standard quality. Also when looking at a car audio system you need to decide on what it will be used for, say for example you decide you do not require a tape player but are after a CD player then it is better to spend your money investing in a good quality CD player rather than a cheap combination model (tape & CD player).

If you decide to purchase a basic system then only allow for front speakers and avoid getting rear ones.

The more advanced models that are now on the market are not only more compact in size, but may come with or without a remote control and various other features that you can not begin to comprehend.

However, you purchase at the end of the day will all depend on your budget and personal choice and whether you which to build your own unit or buy an system already for installation. You may find that many of the brandied name versions are more expensive, although they do come with a guarantee and are usually much easier to service. For such things as speakers it is always advisable to purchase speakers a reliable and tested manufacturer (don’t forget if the sound quality is bad, you’ve wasted money which can have easily been put forward to purchase a better set of speakers).

Allison Thompson a work from home mum living in Spain who has set up a number of site with her husband Mark to provide you with all the latest information on in car entertainment. If you would like to learn more please visit www.ideabase.info/caraudio


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Car Stereo Cd Changers - Stereo Is The Way To Go

Car audio' is a general term describing the sound system fitted inside an automobile. Similarly, the term 'stock car audio system' refers to the sound system specified by the manufacturer when the car was built. A custom car audio installation, on the other hand, can involve anything from upgrading of the radio head-unit to a full-scale modification of the car based around its audio equipment - such as subwoofers, stereo CD changers, etc..

A head unit usually consists of a combination of a radio, tape player, or CD/DVD player. Newer head units are now emphasizing on digital music support (MP3, WMA, and AAC formats) and USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Most modern cars include at least a CD player/ CD recorder, and some have the option for car stereo CD changers, which hold multiple disks either in the head unit itself or in a separate unit usually located in a trunk or console. The main types of CD changers are External Cartridge, Internal Cartridge and Carousel CD changers.

The stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the independent reproduction of the sound using two or more channels audio in way to create a natural impression of the heard sound from several directions, similar to that one in the natural hearing. In popular use, stereo audio of the car means generally the recording of 2 sounds on 2 channels and the reproduction of the sound using the data for more than a loudspeaker simultaneously.

Before stereo radio, speakers were often located in the middle of the dashboard through perforations pointed at the front windshield. When stereo systems became available, car audio speakers came to be located in doors and in the rear of the vehicle in parcel shelves. In modern cars, kick panel enclosures are used for high-end and competition stereo systems and allow for larger drivers and better driver placement.

The amplifiers are used to drive the speakers. These provide the necessary music power, which is measured in watts. An amplifier is a very important component of good car audio speakers system. One should always ensure that the total power handling capacity of the speakers connected to the amplifier or head unit is greater than the power of the amplifier or head unit.

Custom car audio installation can involve anything from upgrading the radio to a full-blown customization. CD players/ CD recorders are standard in most vehicles. The most common types of car stereo CD changers are External Cartridge, Internal Cartridge and Carousel CD changers. Stereo uses two or more audio channels so that the sound appears to come from various directions. Car audio stereos typically use two channels, each providing data for several speakers at the same time. To drive car audio speakers you have that have an amplifier. Be sure that the total handling capacity of the speaker which is connected to the amplifier is greater than the power amplifier.


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CD Car Stereos

CD Car stereos have now become an indispensable accessory in cars. CD car stereos can play your favorite CDs, and these players are provided with a radio. Some of the CD car stereos are capable of playing MP3s. A CD car stereo system may consist of a stereo, a pair of speakers, satellite radios, subwoofers, amplifiers and navigation units. CD car stereos have many advantages. They allow you to access travel information such as congested areas easily and offer latest news and favorite sporting events.

There are several aspects to consider while buying a CD car stereo. One of the important features one should look for is the power of the stereo. The power output of the stereo is stated in watts, which decides the number of speakers it can run. For example, a car stereo listed as 4 x 52W can produce 52 watts of power and drive four speakers. Another important feature one should look for is a detachable front panel. This is an anti-theft device provided to ensure the security of your CD player. Nowadays, the detachable front panels come in stunning designs.

The main part of a CD Car stereo is the CD player. CD players should be compatible with both CD-R and CD-RW discs. CD changers are also important. They facilitate the user to hear up to 120 discs or more in whatever order they wish to program them or to skip from one track to another, or from one disc to another. The other audio products that you can buy to support your car stereo are in-built radio, speakers and subwoofer.

Car Stereos provides detailed information on Car Stereos, Car Stereo Systems, Car Stereo Installations, Car Stereo Speakers and more. Car Stereos is affiliated with Wholesale Car Audio.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman

Do You Really Need A Portable DVD Player?

Have you ever been on a long boring bus or train raid just looking out through the window with out anything to do? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to watch your favourite's movies on your way to your destination instead? A portable DVD player allows you do just that. A portable DVD player is a small DVD player with a small screen attached to it allowing you to watch movies where ever you. Now you might be thinking so what, Portable DVD players are nothing new. That’s true but it's only in recent time that they have become inexpensive. Today almost everyone can afford a portable DVD player.

A portable DVD player plays regular DVD discs or "Digital Video Discs". A DVD disc is 4.72 inches (120 mm) in diameter and can store 4.7 GB of data. They work in the same way as CD discs but utilize a shorter wavelength laser and can therefore store a lot more information on a disc than your standard CD.

Most Portable DVD players can read regular CDs as well but is still not suitable to replace your portable CD player. This is due to the fact that even if DVD players can read CDs they are specialised to handle video media and will as such not handle music as well as a unit specialised for musics. This does not need to be a problem and you might very well feel that the sound quality in a portable DVD player is good enough to use it as a CD player. You will however feel differently if you are a "Sound snob". CD players can't play DVD discs since reading a DVD requires more advanced and sophisticated technique than the technique in a CD player.

One my wonder why portable DVD players hasn't been available at low prices for a long time when the technique used is similar to the technique used in CD players and portable CD players have been around forever. The answer is simple. A portable DVD player requires a large amount of miniaturization of technology to make it possible to fit so much into a small container. A portable DVD player does after all not only contain a DVD player but also a flat screen, all of which should fit into something that you can easily hold in one hand.

I mentioned earlier that portable DVD players today have become cheap enough to allow the average Joe to get one but does one actually need one. The simple answer is no. You could just bring a book or a deck of cards along with you on your trips which both would give you something to do on your trip and are considerable cheaper than a portable DVD player. A portable DVD player could however give you a lot of fun and a cheaper model could very well be worth considering since they can bring you some fun even though you don't actually need one. And sometimes one just feels like spoiling oneself with something one don't actually need. I know I do.

Read more information about portable DVD players. An alternative to a portable DVD player can be a DVD player software for your laptop.


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