JVC GET0091-001A MP3 Introduction, What is MP3?, How are MP3 files recorded and played back?

MP3 INTRODUCTION

ENGLISH

What is MP3?

MP3 is an abbreviation of Motion Picture Experts Group (or MPEG) Audio Layer 3. MP3 is simply a file format with a data compression ratio of 1:10 (128 Kbps*). That means, by using MP3 format, one CD-R or CD-RW can contain 10 times as much data volume as a regular CD can.

*Bit rate is the average number of bits that one second of audio data will consume.The unit used is Kbps (1000 bits/ second). To get a better audio quality, choose a higher bit rate. The most popular bit rate for encoding is 128 Kbps.

This unit is incorporated with an MP3 decoder. You can play back MP3 files (tracks) recorded on CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and CD-ROMs.

Compatible with ID3v1

Extra information data such as album title, performer name, song title, recording year, music genre and a brief comment can be stored within an MP3 file.

This unit can show ID3v1 tags (album name, performer name and song title) on the display. (See page 27.)

•Some characters cannot be shown correctly.

•This unit is not compatible with ID3v2.

Other Main Features in this unit:

•Maximum number of directories/files: 289 (Total)

•Available characters for directory/file names: A–Z, 0–9, _ (underscore)

•Maximum number of characters for file name (ISO 9660 Level 1): 12 (inclusive of

separation mark—“.” and extension code—“mp3”)

(ISO 9660 Level 2): 31 (inclusive of separation mark—“.” and extension code—“mp3”)

(Joliet): 64 (inclusive of separation mark—“.” and extension code—“mp3”)

•Maximum number of characters for directory name: 31

Precautions when recording MP3 files on a CD-R or CD-RW

This unit can only read MP3 files that are recorded in the format that is compliant with ISO 9660 Level 1, Level 2 or Joliet.

How are MP3 files recorded and played back?

MP3 “files (tracks)” can be recorded in

“directories (folders)”—in PC terminology. During recording, the files and directories can be arranged in a way similar to arranging files and directories/folders of computer data.

“Root” is similar to the root of a tree. Every file and directory can be linked to and be accessed from the root.

Playback order, file search order, and directory search order of the MP3 files recorded on a disc are determined by the writing (or encoding) application; therefore, playback order may be different from the one you have intended while recording the directories and the files.

The illustration on the next page shows an example of how MP3 files are recorded on a CD-R or CD-RW, how they are played back, and how they are searched on this unit.

Notes:

•The unit can read a CD-ROM containing MP3 files. However, if non-MP3 files are recorded together with MP3 files, this unit will take a longer time to scan the disc. It may also cause the unit to malfunction.

•The unit cannot read or play an MP3 file without the extension code—mp3.

•The unit is not compatible with Playlist**.

**A playlist is a simple text file, used on a PC, which enables users to make their own playback order without physically rearranging the files.

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