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ENGLISH
MP3 INTRODUCTION

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*).
*Bit rate is the average number of bits that one
second of audio data will consume. The unit used is
Kbps. To get a better audio quality, choose a higher
bit rate. The most popular bit rate for encoding is
128 Kbps.
• For details information about the MP3
discs, refer to “A Guide to MP3/WMA”
(separate volume).

Compatible with ID3 Tag

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 both ID3v1 (Version 1) and
ID3v2 (Version 2) tags on the display. (See page
20.)
• Some characters cannot be shown correctly.
• If both ID3v1 and ID3v2 are recorded on a
disc, ID3v2 information will be shown.

How are MP3 files recorded

and played back?

MP3 “files (tracks)” can be recorded in “folders”
—in PC terminology.
During recording, the files and folders can be
arranged in a way similar to arranging files and
folders of computer data.
“Root” is similar to the root of a tree. Every file
and folder can be linked to and be accessed from
the root.
The illustration below 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 for on this unit.
Notes:
• This 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.
• This unit cannot read or play an MP3 file without
the extension code <.mp3>.
• This unit is not compatible with MP3 file encoded
with Layer 1 and Layer 2 formats.
• This 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.
: Folder and their playback
order
: MP3 files and their playback
order
1
01
1
2
3
10
11
12
4
5
6
7
8
9
01
05
02 03
04
Hierarchy
ROOTLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
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