mp3

Overview:

Mp3, short for MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Layer 3, is a format for storing digital audio. It uses an advanced type of "lossy" audio compression, which reduces the file size with little reduction in audio quality. An mp3 file (or simply an mp3) is a file that contains mp3-compressed audio data. You can recognize mp3 files by their file-extension (the end of the filename), which is .mp3.

Key features:

Compression: To decrease the file size of a song, perceptual coding is used to eliminate sounds that are "masked" by other sounds. Imagine trying to talk next to a 747. Your conversation would never be heard. This is the principle of compressed audio. Sounds that are masked are simply not included in the compressed audio file. At 128kbps, mp3 is considered to be very similar to a CD. At 160kbps and above, an mp3 file is indistinguishable from the original CD.

Standard: The mp3 format, (MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Layer 3) has been an ISO standard since 1993.

Compatibility: Unlike other digital music formats, mp3 is backward and forward compatible ensuring that every mp3-file created in the past can be played on all current and future digital audio players. Reciprocally, old software and hardware devices can play an mp3 file created with the most recent software. As illustrated by the "mp3 - playing everywhere" initiative, consumers can be assured that their current investment in creating an mp3 content library will never be obsolete.

Usage: Mp3 is used in software applications, digital audio players, home stereo devices and music distribution over the Internet, but is also used for many other purposes In medical imaging, industrial monitoring, toys, jewelry, clothing, the military, libraries, virtually everywhere there is sound of any type being recorded or played, there is mp3. Even the background sound of the universe itself is available as an mp3.