Decoder, Encryption, Export to WAV, Bit Rate

encoder, and delivers exceptional audio quality.

Decoder:

A decoder is a device necessary to play back information, which has been modified (or encoded) to a specific transmission format. For our purposes, MusicMatch Jukebox features an MP3 decoder, more commonly referred to as an MP3 player. We also decode, or play, MP2 and Windows Media files.

Encryption:

Encryption refers to the application of a specific algorithm to data so as to alter the appearance of the data making it incomprehensible to those who are not authorized to see the information.

Whether or not your files will be encrypted depends on what format your files are in. If you record MP3 files, your files will not be encrypted. If you record Windows Media files, Digital Rights Management (DRM) is provided for Windows Media files to help protect the rights of artists, however you do have the option to disengage the encryption.

Windows Media 4.0 (Windows Media):

Windows Media Technologies 4.0 is another audio format supported by MusicMatch Jukebox. Windows Media was created by Microsoft and gives high-quality download-and-play music with very small files. Windows Media 4.0 provides excellent quality for streaming (listening to a file on the Internet without having to download it) as well - especially on slower Internet connections. It also incorporates Windows Media Digital Rights Management, which makes digital content distribution more attractive to artists and publishers by enabling them to distribute their content broadly, but requires a license for consumers to play the content.

Digital Rights Management (DRM):

Digital Rights Management enables artists and publishers to distribute digital music content broadly, but in an effort to dispel piracy, requires a license for consumers to play the content.

WAV:

WAV is another audio format supported by MusicMatch Jukebox. In MusicMatch Jukebox recording, the rip and encode processes have been combined allowing creation of MP3 files in one easy step. You do have the option to stop the process after the track has been ripped and bypass the MP3 encoding process, thus creating a WAV file. The MusicMatch Player is not a WAV format decoder at this time however, so to be able to play files using MusicMatch, you would need to convert that file to MP3 or Windows Media.

Export to WAV:

The phrase Export to WAV can be found within the MusicMatch Jukebox program and refers to converting an MP3 or an MP3 Playlist to WAV format. This is most commonly used in conjunction with burning your own audio CDs.

Bit Rate:

Bit rate refers to the speed at which bits (of information) are transmitted, usually expressed in bits per second. For our purposes, bit rate will be referenced in terms of recording speed. For example, the shareware version of MusicMatch Jukebox allows unlimited recording at near CD Quality. Near CD Quality is equal to a bit rate of 96kbps. When you register your program, you will be able to record at CD Quality. CD Quality is equal to a bit rate of 128kbps. Generally speaking, the higher the bit rate, the better the sound quality of the resulting file.