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Mp3
MP3 technology pertains to music files compressed and saved in a digital format. MP3 files have typically been transmitted over the Internet and saved on compact discs. Although companies such as Napster have gone by the wayside (Kazaa is still going strong, with 270 million downloads, but for how long?), MP3 remains a popular format, particularly among younger listeners. Its main drawback, other than well-publicized clashes with the major record labels, is that its sound quality suffers due to the compression needed to fit so many tracks or files onto one media source. Andrew Cznik of the Art Institute's Center for Digital Imaging and Sound observes, "MP3's compression algorithms severely compromise sound quality. On high-fidelity systems, the difference between MP3 and even CDs (not to mention DVD-A) are quite noticeable even to the untrained ear."
But, the advantage of the MP3 format is that it allows virtually hundreds, if not thousands, of files to be saved and manipulated at the user's discretion without taking up much space. Several aftermarket radio manufacturers, such as Kenwood and Alpine, have released MP3-capable head units, and many of today's automakers are offering factory-installed audio systems that are capable of playing MP3-encoded CDs. 2003 and 2004 Model Year vehicles such as the Pontiac Grand Am, Ford Ranger Edge, Honda Element EX, Ford Focus SE, Mazdaspeed Protege, Pontiac Grand Am GT1 and the Bentley Continental R offer MP3 players as standard equipment. Other vehicles like the Mazda MPV LS, Chevrolet Cavalier LS, Hyundai Elantra GLS, Ford Mustang and Pontiac Montana offer MP3 capability as an option.
Despite its limitations, there are those who feel MP3 technology is still worth considering. Dan Benyamin, chief technology officer of PhatNoise, a company that manufactures a leading-edge car audio MP3 system, says, "The reason MP3s became so popular is, you can compress a lot of data — roughly 10 times what a CD can hold." Instead of using compact discs to store the data, PhatNoise has manufactured what is essentially a miniature computer that goes in the trunk of the car. The musical data is transferred from the home computer to the car computer via a portable hard drive attached to a USB port. Benyamin said the company's standard system holds 5,000 to 6,000 tracks, all categorized and announced via a voice prompt. The PhatNoise system is customized for different vehicles, and presently the company has 15 flavors — and growing — for various auto manufacturers. We were impressed with the PhatNoise system, and believe the company is well positioned should the technology really take off. For more information, log on to phatnoise.com.
Only time will tell if MP3 is simply a transitional technology (like Beta videotapes and Minidiscs) or if it is here to stay.
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