When I first started working on this project, I thought that I would build a basic cd player. I reviewed the code of many wonderful cd players that had been written in VB6. As the work progressed, however, I realized that this article could be a great tutorial to show the power of VB.NET. I developed 4 goals for the project: 1. to demonstrate how to use the Windows API function mciSendString in VB.NET, 2. to build a library of CD audio functions that could be expanded to handle other media types, 3. to build a cd player that would demonstrate most of the mciSendString capabilities, and 4. to build a button array class to use within the application. I used Visual Studio.NET to build the various parts of this application.
mciSendString
The workhorse Windows API function for cd audios is mciSendString (mci = media control interface). This function consists of 4 parameters a 'command string', a 'return string', a 'return length', and a 'handle'. The 'command string' specifies an MCI command string. This string will contain different commands depending upon what it is that you are trying to accomplish. Our CDAudio class will make use of many of the possible command string combinations. The 'return string' is a buffer that receives return information. The string is null terminated. If no return information is needed, this parameter can be NULL or 0. The 'return length' parameter is the size, in characters, of the return buffer specified by the 'return string' parameter. The 'handle' points to a callback window if the "notify" flag was specified in the command string.
mciSendString returns a zero if the action requested was successful or an error otherwise. The low-order word of the returned DWORD value contains the error return value. If the error is device-specific, the high-order word of the return value is the driver identifier; otherwise, the high-order word is zero. For a list of possible error values, see MCIERR Return Values. To retrieve a text description of mciSendString return values, pass the return value to the mciGetErrorString function. I did not add error checking to this tutorial and I leave it for you as a further enhancement.
mciSendString can be used in VB.NET with a few caveats. Data types have changed between VB6 and VB.NET and need to be coded accordingly. I replaced the long data type found in VB6 with an integer data type in VB.NET. In addition, VB.NET does not support fixed length strings which are required by the function. In order to get around this, Microsoft suggests creating a string and then filling it with spaces (see the sample below).
http://www.dotnetjunkies.com/Tutorial/C1665105-415A-4B15-839F-3F0812902B10.dcik
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Guide How to Upload Music Files to Your MP3 Player
The people ask me one question frequently: How can I upload music to my brand new mp3 player?
Well, for some of you guys and galls this is easy question. But out there are peoples, for which it is difficult to progress. Here I will try to explain this process - concisely.
Ok, so, if you buy your mp3 players from the store or online and the device is brand new, you must have a box. Where is your new player, of course and some other important things. Those things are:
Installation CD, USB cable, earphones, recharger and maybe one or two more extras.
Installation CD - this is important, because its necessary for connection between MP3 player and Computer. This CD will help your Operating System to recognize the device. If you have Windows 2003 and above, maybe there is no need to install anything, but you still must have a CD in the box - in any case. For Example, Windows XP in 90% of cases will recognize your player automatically, when you have connected it with USB cable. This CD is also known as Driver CD or User Manual CD.
You must turn on your mp3 player and plug the cable with it. Then plug the other jack in to the computer. Now your device is connected to your PC. Now, if Windows recognizes the player automatically, messages will appear, like - "New Hardware Device Found" and "Hardware Installed and Ready to Use". In this case, when your mp3 player is installed, go to My Computer and look for the new icon, called "Removable Storage Device", or the icon may also be named with the name of you player. For Example: SciFlux Mp3 Player Device or something like that.
If windows cant recognize your player, then you must to use the Driver CD. Put it in the CD or DVD Drive. Usually this CD`s are with "autorun" feature. Just wait, do nothing and after few seconds the installing application will appear. Look at the possibilities. You must see something like "Install" or "Install Drivers" or something different, but very similar to "Install" or "Drivers". Follow the setup. Usually this process is short and easy, all you have to do is to click "Next" and "Finish" on the end. When you do this ... your player is now installed. And again - go to My Computer and look for the new icon - this is your mp3 player.
So, you have installed you mp3 player already. Your Player Storage device will be located in My Computer, like I say before. All you have to do now is to click on it twice. When the digital player is brand new, there will be nothing - empty. So, go to your hard drives, locate your music files. When you choose the music files you like to upload to the mp3 player, just copy them. Select -> Copy. Then go to Your mp3 player icon in My Computer ( the new icon, remember?), double click it ... and PASTE. Wait the copying process to complete and you are done. Now, switch OFF the USB cable and enjoy your music.
So, its ease, right? I hope this article, will be helpful for some of you guys and galls.
Well, for some of you guys and galls this is easy question. But out there are peoples, for which it is difficult to progress. Here I will try to explain this process - concisely.
Ok, so, if you buy your mp3 players from the store or online and the device is brand new, you must have a box. Where is your new player, of course and some other important things. Those things are:
Installation CD, USB cable, earphones, recharger and maybe one or two more extras.
Installation CD - this is important, because its necessary for connection between MP3 player and Computer. This CD will help your Operating System to recognize the device. If you have Windows 2003 and above, maybe there is no need to install anything, but you still must have a CD in the box - in any case. For Example, Windows XP in 90% of cases will recognize your player automatically, when you have connected it with USB cable. This CD is also known as Driver CD or User Manual CD.
You must turn on your mp3 player and plug the cable with it. Then plug the other jack in to the computer. Now your device is connected to your PC. Now, if Windows recognizes the player automatically, messages will appear, like - "New Hardware Device Found" and "Hardware Installed and Ready to Use". In this case, when your mp3 player is installed, go to My Computer and look for the new icon, called "Removable Storage Device", or the icon may also be named with the name of you player. For Example: SciFlux Mp3 Player Device or something like that.
If windows cant recognize your player, then you must to use the Driver CD. Put it in the CD or DVD Drive. Usually this CD`s are with "autorun" feature. Just wait, do nothing and after few seconds the installing application will appear. Look at the possibilities. You must see something like "Install" or "Install Drivers" or something different, but very similar to "Install" or "Drivers". Follow the setup. Usually this process is short and easy, all you have to do is to click "Next" and "Finish" on the end. When you do this ... your player is now installed. And again - go to My Computer and look for the new icon - this is your mp3 player.
So, you have installed you mp3 player already. Your Player Storage device will be located in My Computer, like I say before. All you have to do now is to click on it twice. When the digital player is brand new, there will be nothing - empty. So, go to your hard drives, locate your music files. When you choose the music files you like to upload to the mp3 player, just copy them. Select -> Copy. Then go to Your mp3 player icon in My Computer ( the new icon, remember?), double click it ... and PASTE. Wait the copying process to complete and you are done. Now, switch OFF the USB cable and enjoy your music.
So, its ease, right? I hope this article, will be helpful for some of you guys and galls.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Galio_Kyuchukov
MP3 Players - Different Types
A MP3 player is becoming one of the inevitable accessory to a music Lover’s life and many of the youngsters of today cannot live without one. We have many varieties of MP3 Players in various ranges and prices to suit everyone’s specific requirements. The types of MP3 Players basically depends upon the capacity of your Player, the amount of music you can store on it and how much you’re ready to pay for it, and the type of storage used in it etc. Some of the types of mp3 players are Flash Memory Players, Hard Drive Players, MP3 CD Players, Minidisk MP3 players, Hybrid Players.
When compared to other types of MP3 players, the flash memory MP3 player is the smallest and lightest of all. It has a flash type memory card as its storage media and has no moving parts. The capacity of the flash memory is limited compared to today’s standards and hence it can only store fewer songs. It is lightest and it is ideal for casual digital music fans who would like to have small amount of music. Because of its size, and the type memory element being a flash memory card it consumes very less power and so its battery can last much longer.
When compared to flash memory players, hard drive players are big in size. But the storage capacity is more. These types of Players have a mini hard disk in them as the main storage media and have relatively more capacity when compared to Flash Memory MP3 players. This is ideal for one who looks out for a player for their entire music collection. It does include some moving parts and as such there is some skipping when the player moves around and it has to be handled very carefully. Hard drive players often have more in-built features because of the size. These usually consume more power and hence frequent battery changes are required.
MP3 CD Players is a new variety of CD players available that could play MP3 and other digital sound files. These players burn the CD R/RW discs to your old CD collection. MP3 CD player is cheaper than the flash memory and hard drive memory players. But they are much larger in size and may skip when jostled.
If you are the one who would appreciate Minidisk Technology, then there is an improved new line of technology also known as Minidisk Walkman digital music players. The technology companies have started offering MP3 capability in other consumer products such as personal assistants, DVD players and other accessories and we will have MP3 capability in many more Gadgets in the near future.
John Gibb is the owner of MP3 Player guidance
For more information on MP3 Players check out http://www.MP3-Players-guidance.Info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb
When compared to other types of MP3 players, the flash memory MP3 player is the smallest and lightest of all. It has a flash type memory card as its storage media and has no moving parts. The capacity of the flash memory is limited compared to today’s standards and hence it can only store fewer songs. It is lightest and it is ideal for casual digital music fans who would like to have small amount of music. Because of its size, and the type memory element being a flash memory card it consumes very less power and so its battery can last much longer.
When compared to flash memory players, hard drive players are big in size. But the storage capacity is more. These types of Players have a mini hard disk in them as the main storage media and have relatively more capacity when compared to Flash Memory MP3 players. This is ideal for one who looks out for a player for their entire music collection. It does include some moving parts and as such there is some skipping when the player moves around and it has to be handled very carefully. Hard drive players often have more in-built features because of the size. These usually consume more power and hence frequent battery changes are required.
MP3 CD Players is a new variety of CD players available that could play MP3 and other digital sound files. These players burn the CD R/RW discs to your old CD collection. MP3 CD player is cheaper than the flash memory and hard drive memory players. But they are much larger in size and may skip when jostled.
If you are the one who would appreciate Minidisk Technology, then there is an improved new line of technology also known as Minidisk Walkman digital music players. The technology companies have started offering MP3 capability in other consumer products such as personal assistants, DVD players and other accessories and we will have MP3 capability in many more Gadgets in the near future.
John Gibb is the owner of MP3 Player guidance
For more information on MP3 Players check out http://www.MP3-Players-guidance.Info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb
What's the Way You MP3?
As varied as the tastes and preferences of the people, is the variety of MP3 players available in the market. Which one you choose depends on a number of factors, such as how you plan to make use of the device, the number of songs you would like to carry in the instrument and of course if the price of the instrument suits you or not. MP3 players are generally based on their memory type. In a Flash Memory MP3 player, which is also the smallest and lightest of the three types of players available, only few songs are stored and since it does not have any moving parts, the flash player is ideal for a patron who is not so particular about the kind of music one hears. It is ideally suited for those who want music as just an accompaniment to their morning jog or golf game. Because the flash memory player is smallest, it offers the advantage of the batteries lasting longer.
In Hard Drive MP3 players there is a considerably larger storage capacity since they are bigger and heavier. Those looking for a player that can store their entire music collection would find the hard drive ideally suited for the purpose. But since the hard drive includes some moving parts, sometimes the music skips a beat or two when the player is being moved around. On the flip side, because of the sheer size of hard drive players, they include more in-built features, though consumes more battery. A charged battery could last for about 8-20 hours.
Although cheaper than flash memory and hard drive memory players, MP3 CD players give users a reason to complaint when music skips due to jostling of CDs. Also, such music players are much larger in size than their digital counterparts. Music patrons who still long for old-fashioned CD players could go for a new breed of CD players which are capable of playing MP3 and other digital files. MP3 CD players are capable of playing MP3 files that have been burned to CD-R/RW discs and even albums from your old collection of CDs. Each CD could hold about 10 hours of music. A CD burner becomes necessary for buyers of an MP3 CD player.
Copyrights protected article written by Andrew Stratton for http://www.surveillancetechnology.com. More articles and information about the Music and Entertainment can be viewed easily altogether at this location http://www.surveillancetechnology.com/entertainment-system.htm. Please be free to explore the website for more information on every surveillance products and their features.
Please be free to copy and paste the article in your website with resource box.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Whats-the-Way-You-MP3?&id=565365
In Hard Drive MP3 players there is a considerably larger storage capacity since they are bigger and heavier. Those looking for a player that can store their entire music collection would find the hard drive ideally suited for the purpose. But since the hard drive includes some moving parts, sometimes the music skips a beat or two when the player is being moved around. On the flip side, because of the sheer size of hard drive players, they include more in-built features, though consumes more battery. A charged battery could last for about 8-20 hours.
Although cheaper than flash memory and hard drive memory players, MP3 CD players give users a reason to complaint when music skips due to jostling of CDs. Also, such music players are much larger in size than their digital counterparts. Music patrons who still long for old-fashioned CD players could go for a new breed of CD players which are capable of playing MP3 and other digital files. MP3 CD players are capable of playing MP3 files that have been burned to CD-R/RW discs and even albums from your old collection of CDs. Each CD could hold about 10 hours of music. A CD burner becomes necessary for buyers of an MP3 CD player.
Copyrights protected article written by Andrew Stratton for http://www.surveillancetechnology.com. More articles and information about the Music and Entertainment can be viewed easily altogether at this location http://www.surveillancetechnology.com/entertainment-system.htm. Please be free to explore the website for more information on every surveillance products and their features.
Please be free to copy and paste the article in your website with resource box.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Whats-the-Way-You-MP3?&id=565365
New Music: Stateless
Let me tell you about my dad. He's a farmer in a small town in Nebraska, where I grew up, and while in many ways he conforms to rural Midwestern stereotypes—no-nonsense, hard-working, libertarian—in musical taste, he's completely off the map. I'll get him some CDs for birthdays or whatever, and it's been both amusing and heartening to see what makes his "playlist." Let's just say there is no bigger Coldplay or Zero 7 fan in the whole Central Time Zone than my dad. This is a guy who wears the Coldplay T-shirt I got him to church (much to the amusement of our young pastor), and wore out his copy of Zero 7's Simple Things so badly I had to get him a new one. So now I'm always on the lookout for good stuff my dad might like: not too crazy, soulful, maybe with some piano. UK's Stateless will be the next CD I grab for him, and I think he'll like about 2/3 of it.
Hailing from Leeds, England, Stateless fit into the Mo' Wax/DJ Shadow trip-hop world, but with the spirit of Radiohead, if not the grandiosity. I included the Portishead-reminscent "Inscape" in my Top Ten back in June, and that track's chilly, underwater feel only offers a glimpse of the variety on their self-titled album on K7. New single "Bloodstream" (featuring Lateef the Truthseeker) leads off with a simple piano melody, then adds a jazzy beat, but lead singer Chris James takes the spotlight with a voice that's both emotive and restrained: "I think I might have inhaled you/I can feel you behind my eyes," he sings, in as straightforward a definition of "lovesick" as you'll hear. Tracks like "Bloodstream" and "Down Here," with their hypnotic piano refrains, will be my dad's favorites, but "Radiokiller," with its syncopated dance beat and electronic flourishes, proves they're not worried about alienating the AARP set, and "Crash" echoes Boards of Canada's vaguely menacing minimalism. While I'm not a lyrics guy, some lines do seem to revert to cliché, and not every melody line is as inspiringly fresh as "Bloodstream." But overall, it's a highly enjoyable debut. I'll let you know what Dad says.
Listen to the whole album (after providing your e-mail address) at the elaborate K7 home page, or at their MySpace, or grab a couple mp3s on the blogs: MonoCrave features "Bloodstream" and "Blue Trace," and Cellmates hosts "Radiokiller." Of course you can pay for the album at iTunes. Video for a live performance of "Bloodstream" after the jump.
http://www.motherjones.com/riff_blog/
Hailing from Leeds, England, Stateless fit into the Mo' Wax/DJ Shadow trip-hop world, but with the spirit of Radiohead, if not the grandiosity. I included the Portishead-reminscent "Inscape" in my Top Ten back in June, and that track's chilly, underwater feel only offers a glimpse of the variety on their self-titled album on K7. New single "Bloodstream" (featuring Lateef the Truthseeker) leads off with a simple piano melody, then adds a jazzy beat, but lead singer Chris James takes the spotlight with a voice that's both emotive and restrained: "I think I might have inhaled you/I can feel you behind my eyes," he sings, in as straightforward a definition of "lovesick" as you'll hear. Tracks like "Bloodstream" and "Down Here," with their hypnotic piano refrains, will be my dad's favorites, but "Radiokiller," with its syncopated dance beat and electronic flourishes, proves they're not worried about alienating the AARP set, and "Crash" echoes Boards of Canada's vaguely menacing minimalism. While I'm not a lyrics guy, some lines do seem to revert to cliché, and not every melody line is as inspiringly fresh as "Bloodstream." But overall, it's a highly enjoyable debut. I'll let you know what Dad says.
Listen to the whole album (after providing your e-mail address) at the elaborate K7 home page, or at their MySpace, or grab a couple mp3s on the blogs: MonoCrave features "Bloodstream" and "Blue Trace," and Cellmates hosts "Radiokiller." Of course you can pay for the album at iTunes. Video for a live performance of "Bloodstream" after the jump.
http://www.motherjones.com/riff_blog/
Thursday, September 6, 2007
A gift for your Child
Around Christmas and the New Year is the time when nice and kind fairy-tales comes to every house as is normal at the end of the year. These fairy tales bring many presents and gifts; with children waiting with anticipation for such presents. They believe that Santa Claus does exist and he will give them the most long-awaited gifts they crave for. Christmas - is the time when all our cherished wishes, desires and dreams can come true. Let us create a fairy-tale for our children and give them our warmth, love and care!
Very often we have to choose what to give our children and this choice is not an easy one at all. On the one hand: children and parents must like the present, but, on the other hand- it must be at a reasonable price and value for money. We are here to try and help you in this difficult matter.
We suggest we divide children into three categories and then help to find a suitable gift for them:
* Under 3 years old. The child does not have any requirements at this age as yet.
* From 3 to 12 years old. The child at this age understands many things, he /she has her own material and spiritual values as well as interests.
* Upwards 12 years. The most difficult age, but not impossible.
A gift for a child under 3 years old:
1. The gift predominantly must be safety. It should not contain any tiny parts and components, or have any sharp angles. It must not be frightening or ugly. Please remember the child at this age is often still very clumsy and may hurt themselves with the sharp details or swallow small parts.
2. A present should correlate the intellectual development of the child. If it is a baby - better give him or her nice brightly coloured and imaginative rattle.
3. A gift must help a child to develop mentally and physically. Nowadays there are a lot of toys that develop movement coordination, dexterity, logic etc.
Toys. Rattles and mobiles and all similar articles are right for babies under 1 year. You may wish to give wooden toys, cars and dolls to children that are elder than 1 year.
Book. A book is suitable present for the children upwards 2 years old. Bright and colourful pictures help a little one to open the rich world of colours, educate them towards animals and external worldly objects such as trains cars, planes ...A book is the best gift for all ages.
Meccano. They develop logic and spatial thinking. Various wood and plastic bricks will bring a lot of joy for your little one.
Playing Set. There are a great number of playing sets for home, sand-boxes...are one and need careful deployment but bring hours of fascinating discovery.
A gift for a child from 3 to 12 years old:
At this age a child has his own interests and preferences. It would be better to get to know his or her interests: whether he or she has his favourite film or goes in for particular sport...You have to take into account his or her interests, let look at some ideas:
Toys. They are still relevant, only now you may give more complex and comprehensive toys.
Book. Must be chosen with the regard for the age and understanding with learning still well in the frame.
Table or computer games. Here you may find any game for any age, just read the inscriptions on the game box; the age is always indicated there.
A gift for an energetic child. In this case you may give all that is connected with the moving games: ball, bicycle, push-cycle, hockey stick, tennis set or badminton set etc.
Computer or add-on device. Only do not forget to control the pastime of your child in front of computer, because the long sitting in front of it harms the health.
Video cassette or DVD. You may give cartoons, movies as well as popular science films.
A gift for a child upwards 12.
When a child goes through the stage is more complicated to please them. There interests sharply change; toys are of little importance now. We thoroughly recommend you to take his interests into consideration, because teenagers are very sensitive.
Book. It is suitable for that category of children that like to read.
A gift for an energetic child. Here is more fitting to recommend such things as sports equipment and accessories to it like: dumb-bells, weights, tennis rackets, roller skates, skateboard, skates...
Jewelry for girls. Girls began to devote more time to their appearance. Earrings, bracelets or a chain will give great pleasure.
A gift for a music lover. Almost all young people are keen on music! CD of his/her favourite performer, new head-set, mp3 player will cater for their tastes.
A gift for a computer beginner. If your child goes mad on computer, then any computer device will be perfect as a present: a new ergonomic keyboard, modern wireless mouse, modem, a new video display card, flesh, handbag for CDs...
A personal vehicle. Teenagers dream of a mountain bicycle as it gives a great feeling of independence and freedom.
A mobile phone. Very useful thing and parents can contact any time with their children.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a great Christmas shopping Experience!
About the Author
First Baby Shop is a family run business, we strive to offer the best possible prices and quality of service. We sell baby clothes, products and equipment at excellent prices. If you find the same product cheaper elsewhere we will endeavour to beat it!
Very often we have to choose what to give our children and this choice is not an easy one at all. On the one hand: children and parents must like the present, but, on the other hand- it must be at a reasonable price and value for money. We are here to try and help you in this difficult matter.
We suggest we divide children into three categories and then help to find a suitable gift for them:
* Under 3 years old. The child does not have any requirements at this age as yet.
* From 3 to 12 years old. The child at this age understands many things, he /she has her own material and spiritual values as well as interests.
* Upwards 12 years. The most difficult age, but not impossible.
A gift for a child under 3 years old:
1. The gift predominantly must be safety. It should not contain any tiny parts and components, or have any sharp angles. It must not be frightening or ugly. Please remember the child at this age is often still very clumsy and may hurt themselves with the sharp details or swallow small parts.
2. A present should correlate the intellectual development of the child. If it is a baby - better give him or her nice brightly coloured and imaginative rattle.
3. A gift must help a child to develop mentally and physically. Nowadays there are a lot of toys that develop movement coordination, dexterity, logic etc.
Toys. Rattles and mobiles and all similar articles are right for babies under 1 year. You may wish to give wooden toys, cars and dolls to children that are elder than 1 year.
Book. A book is suitable present for the children upwards 2 years old. Bright and colourful pictures help a little one to open the rich world of colours, educate them towards animals and external worldly objects such as trains cars, planes ...A book is the best gift for all ages.
Meccano. They develop logic and spatial thinking. Various wood and plastic bricks will bring a lot of joy for your little one.
Playing Set. There are a great number of playing sets for home, sand-boxes...are one and need careful deployment but bring hours of fascinating discovery.
A gift for a child from 3 to 12 years old:
At this age a child has his own interests and preferences. It would be better to get to know his or her interests: whether he or she has his favourite film or goes in for particular sport...You have to take into account his or her interests, let look at some ideas:
Toys. They are still relevant, only now you may give more complex and comprehensive toys.
Book. Must be chosen with the regard for the age and understanding with learning still well in the frame.
Table or computer games. Here you may find any game for any age, just read the inscriptions on the game box; the age is always indicated there.
A gift for an energetic child. In this case you may give all that is connected with the moving games: ball, bicycle, push-cycle, hockey stick, tennis set or badminton set etc.
Computer or add-on device. Only do not forget to control the pastime of your child in front of computer, because the long sitting in front of it harms the health.
Video cassette or DVD. You may give cartoons, movies as well as popular science films.
A gift for a child upwards 12.
When a child goes through the stage is more complicated to please them. There interests sharply change; toys are of little importance now. We thoroughly recommend you to take his interests into consideration, because teenagers are very sensitive.
Book. It is suitable for that category of children that like to read.
A gift for an energetic child. Here is more fitting to recommend such things as sports equipment and accessories to it like: dumb-bells, weights, tennis rackets, roller skates, skateboard, skates...
Jewelry for girls. Girls began to devote more time to their appearance. Earrings, bracelets or a chain will give great pleasure.
A gift for a music lover. Almost all young people are keen on music! CD of his/her favourite performer, new head-set, mp3 player will cater for their tastes.
A gift for a computer beginner. If your child goes mad on computer, then any computer device will be perfect as a present: a new ergonomic keyboard, modern wireless mouse, modem, a new video display card, flesh, handbag for CDs...
A personal vehicle. Teenagers dream of a mountain bicycle as it gives a great feeling of independence and freedom.
A mobile phone. Very useful thing and parents can contact any time with their children.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a great Christmas shopping Experience!
About the Author
First Baby Shop is a family run business, we strive to offer the best possible prices and quality of service. We sell baby clothes, products and equipment at excellent prices. If you find the same product cheaper elsewhere we will endeavour to beat it!
Tips On Choosing A Car Audio System
Car audio has moved a long way from the old standard AM/FM Radio/Tape Deck combo. Today, in-vehicle multimedia systems include DVD video, television and navigation systems with local hotspot news. Common to all systems is the sound quality.
The quality of sound in a car audio system depends upon a number of factors; the type and quality of the media player system, the type of speakers used, the acoustics of the vehicle and interference from other devices.
Type and Quality of Media Player System
Before we look at the different types of in-vehicle media players it pays to have a basic understanding of audio quality. When deciding what type of audio system to install, and also when comparing one make and model to another, there are two key specifications to consider:
Signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] - a measure of signal strength compared to background noise in the signal or equipment. Measured in decibels. The higher the dB, the better. A car CD player has an SNR of 90 or 100 dB.
Frequency response [FR] - a measure of how much of the audio spectrum, from bass to treble, gets reproduced. It's measured as a range in Hertz, and the wider the range, the better. Look for a CD player with a range of at least 10-20k Hz.
An FM radio, cassette player, and CD player all have different measurements for these specs. To help understand these two specifications, let's compare a car tape cassette player and a car CD player.
Cassette player has an SNR of 50-70 dB. This is much lower than a CD player, so the sound quality degrades at each end of the spectrum. The FR is around 30-18k Hz for a cassette player, so does not contribute as much to sound quality as the SNR.
That's why overall, a car CD player gives a much better sound than a cassette tape player.
Media players in vehicles today are either radio tuner, CD player/changer, or Digital Audio player.
CD Players & Changers
There are a number of options when it comes to playing CD's in a vehicle:
1. An in-dash CD Player - often combined with radio tuner, WMA/MP3 player
2. An in-dash CD Receiver - with a multiple CD cassette / changer located elsewhere in the vehicle
3. Connect a portable CD player to an existing in-dash audio unit using either a cable and adapter or a bluetooth wireless connection.
When choosing a car CD player the first two things to consider are:
1. Will it physically fit into the vehicle?
2. Will it integrate cosmetically with the dash and other electronics?
Most decks have standardized form factors; so fit most cars, but there are exceptions, so make sure that the deck is suited for your car. You are usually pretty safe is the car stereo is made for the same market as the source of your car.
Cosmetic integration is a little more complex, but in many cases easily resolved through customisation features. For instance, many decks allow you to change the faceplates and color of the display.
Digital Audio Car Systems
With most home audio systems and portable players giving crisp quality sound using digital audio, we are no longer satisfied with the flat, bland analog sound from older car audio systems.
If you normally store your digital music files on CD, a compatible stereo or changer is a good option. Up to 10 hours of music [250 songs] can be stored on a single disc and allows use of random shuffling and repeat options. This disadvantage is ease of use, having to load and unload from cassettes located in the boot or under seats, and the limited file formats that your stereo can play back.
So now you have the media player selected, what about the speaker system.
Car Speaker System
The speaker system can be thought of in two parts: the channel amplifier and the physical speaker units.
Car amplifiers power the speakers in your car stereo system to provide crisp sound quality at high volumes. Each speaker requires one channel of amplification. This means a 4-channel amplifier, will support four speakers. And choice of speakers is not limited either. With a range of options for your basic stereo speakers [2-channel], you can supplement the high note quality using a tweeter and the low bass notes with a sub-woofer. This gives you a standard 4-channel sound system that will rival your home audio system.
Adding to a basic car stereo option typically involves adding subwoofers, amplifiers and crossovers to tailor the output sound to personal tastes. This does not mean the result is the boorish, obnoxious bass boom boxing that invades the entire neighbourhood. A subwoofer adds quality and purity to music.
For details of specifications on each part of your system, see Go-Reviews.com - Car Electronics Section
The main factors in selecting car speakers are:
- Design or Speaker Type
- Technical Specifications
- Fitting & Mounting
Speaker design is about the combination of sound drivers for midrange, subwoofer and tweeter. Depending upon the combination, the set is known as a two-way, three-way or four-way speaker system.
Car speaker specifications are similar to home audio speakers; the main difference in technical specification to compensate for the lower power outputs of car stereo receivers. Speaker technical specifications include: sensitivity, frequency response, signal to noise ratio, power handling and impedance. We will look at these specification in more detail in subsequent articles.
The fittings and mountings are selected depending upon where you choose to position the speakers. Car audio speakers are either: top mounted or bottom mounted. Clearance depth is most important when installing new speakers in a non-factory speaker location. So check all of your components carefully before purchase.
With such a range of combinations available the Internet provides a valuable resource in car electronics reviews. Sites like Go-Reviews.com seek out reviews and consolidate the recommendations to give you a quick reference buying guide.
About the Author
Nicola is the product reviewer for Go-Reviews.com. For reviews on consumer and business technology, the latest technology news, product releases and recalls and useful hints on getting the best from your technology.
The quality of sound in a car audio system depends upon a number of factors; the type and quality of the media player system, the type of speakers used, the acoustics of the vehicle and interference from other devices.
Type and Quality of Media Player System
Before we look at the different types of in-vehicle media players it pays to have a basic understanding of audio quality. When deciding what type of audio system to install, and also when comparing one make and model to another, there are two key specifications to consider:
Signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] - a measure of signal strength compared to background noise in the signal or equipment. Measured in decibels. The higher the dB, the better. A car CD player has an SNR of 90 or 100 dB.
Frequency response [FR] - a measure of how much of the audio spectrum, from bass to treble, gets reproduced. It's measured as a range in Hertz, and the wider the range, the better. Look for a CD player with a range of at least 10-20k Hz.
An FM radio, cassette player, and CD player all have different measurements for these specs. To help understand these two specifications, let's compare a car tape cassette player and a car CD player.
Cassette player has an SNR of 50-70 dB. This is much lower than a CD player, so the sound quality degrades at each end of the spectrum. The FR is around 30-18k Hz for a cassette player, so does not contribute as much to sound quality as the SNR.
That's why overall, a car CD player gives a much better sound than a cassette tape player.
Media players in vehicles today are either radio tuner, CD player/changer, or Digital Audio player.
CD Players & Changers
There are a number of options when it comes to playing CD's in a vehicle:
1. An in-dash CD Player - often combined with radio tuner, WMA/MP3 player
2. An in-dash CD Receiver - with a multiple CD cassette / changer located elsewhere in the vehicle
3. Connect a portable CD player to an existing in-dash audio unit using either a cable and adapter or a bluetooth wireless connection.
When choosing a car CD player the first two things to consider are:
1. Will it physically fit into the vehicle?
2. Will it integrate cosmetically with the dash and other electronics?
Most decks have standardized form factors; so fit most cars, but there are exceptions, so make sure that the deck is suited for your car. You are usually pretty safe is the car stereo is made for the same market as the source of your car.
Cosmetic integration is a little more complex, but in many cases easily resolved through customisation features. For instance, many decks allow you to change the faceplates and color of the display.
Digital Audio Car Systems
With most home audio systems and portable players giving crisp quality sound using digital audio, we are no longer satisfied with the flat, bland analog sound from older car audio systems.
If you normally store your digital music files on CD, a compatible stereo or changer is a good option. Up to 10 hours of music [250 songs] can be stored on a single disc and allows use of random shuffling and repeat options. This disadvantage is ease of use, having to load and unload from cassettes located in the boot or under seats, and the limited file formats that your stereo can play back.
So now you have the media player selected, what about the speaker system.
Car Speaker System
The speaker system can be thought of in two parts: the channel amplifier and the physical speaker units.
Car amplifiers power the speakers in your car stereo system to provide crisp sound quality at high volumes. Each speaker requires one channel of amplification. This means a 4-channel amplifier, will support four speakers. And choice of speakers is not limited either. With a range of options for your basic stereo speakers [2-channel], you can supplement the high note quality using a tweeter and the low bass notes with a sub-woofer. This gives you a standard 4-channel sound system that will rival your home audio system.
Adding to a basic car stereo option typically involves adding subwoofers, amplifiers and crossovers to tailor the output sound to personal tastes. This does not mean the result is the boorish, obnoxious bass boom boxing that invades the entire neighbourhood. A subwoofer adds quality and purity to music.
For details of specifications on each part of your system, see Go-Reviews.com - Car Electronics Section
The main factors in selecting car speakers are:
- Design or Speaker Type
- Technical Specifications
- Fitting & Mounting
Speaker design is about the combination of sound drivers for midrange, subwoofer and tweeter. Depending upon the combination, the set is known as a two-way, three-way or four-way speaker system.
Car speaker specifications are similar to home audio speakers; the main difference in technical specification to compensate for the lower power outputs of car stereo receivers. Speaker technical specifications include: sensitivity, frequency response, signal to noise ratio, power handling and impedance. We will look at these specification in more detail in subsequent articles.
The fittings and mountings are selected depending upon where you choose to position the speakers. Car audio speakers are either: top mounted or bottom mounted. Clearance depth is most important when installing new speakers in a non-factory speaker location. So check all of your components carefully before purchase.
With such a range of combinations available the Internet provides a valuable resource in car electronics reviews. Sites like Go-Reviews.com seek out reviews and consolidate the recommendations to give you a quick reference buying guide.
About the Author
Nicola is the product reviewer for Go-Reviews.com. For reviews on consumer and business technology, the latest technology news, product releases and recalls and useful hints on getting the best from your technology.
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