MP3 Overview

Notes on MP3

MP3 is short for MPEG Audio Layer 3 and refers to an audio compression technology standard.

This product allows playback of MP3 files on CD-ROM, CD-R or CD-RW discs.

The unit can read MP3 files written in the format compliant with ISO 9660. However it does not support the MP3 data written by the method of packet write.

The unit can not read an MP3 file that has a file extension other than “.mp3”.

If you play a non- MP3 file that has the “.mp3” extension, you may hear some noise.

In this manual, we refer to what are called “MP3 file” and “folder” in PC terminology as “track” and “album”, respectively.

Maximum number of directory level is 8, including the root directory. Maximum number of files and folders per disc is 256.

The unit may not play tracks in the order of Track numbers.

The unit plays only the audio tracks if a disc contains both audio tracks and MP3 files.

When playing a disc of 8 kbps or “VBR”, the elapsed playing time in the display window will not be correct and also the intro play may not function properly. “VBR”: Variable Bit Rate.

Notes on creating your own CD-Rs or CD-RWs containing MP3 files

To enjoy high quality sound, we recommend converting to MP3 files with a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz and a fixed bit rate of 128 kbps.

DO NOT store more than 256 MP3 files per disc.

For ISO 9660 - compliant format, the maximum allowable depth of nested folders is 8, including the root directory (folder).

When CD-R disc is used, playback is possible only for discs, which have been finalized.

Make sure that when MP3 CD-R or CD-RW is burned that it is formatted as a data disc and NOT as an audio disc.

You should not write non-MP3 files or unneeded folders along with MP3 files on the disc otherwise it takes a long time until the unit starts to play MP3 files.

With some CD-R or CD-RW media, data may not be properly written depending on their manufacturing quality. In this case, data may not be reproduced correctly. High quality CD-R or CD-RW disc is recommended.

Up to 16 characters are displayed for the name of an Album or a Track. ID3TAG version 1.x is required.

Note that the unit may not play Tracks in the order that you wrote them to the disc.