MP3/WMA INTRODUCTION
What are MP3/WMA?

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*).

WMA (Windows Media® Audio) is the digital audio compression format developed by Microsoft Corporation.

*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/WMA 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/WMA file.

This unit can show both ID3v1 (Version 1) and ID3v2 (Version 2) tags on the display. (See page 19.)

•Some characters cannot be shown correctly.

•If both ID3v1 and ID3v2 are recorded on a disc, ID3v2 information will be shown.

How are MP3/WMA files recorded and played back?
MP3/WMA “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/WMA 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 cannot read or play an MP3 file without the extension code <.mp3> and a WMA track without the extension code <.wma>.

•This unit is not compatible with MP3 files encoded with Layer 1 and Layer 2 formats.

•This unit is not compatible with WMA files which are not based upon Windows Media® Audio.

•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.

ENGLISH

 

 

Hierarchy

 

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

01

02

03

6

 

 

ROOT

3

4

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

05

10

5

 

01

: Folder and their playback

 

 

 

 

order

 

11

04

 

 

1

8

 

: MP3/WMA files and their

2

12

 

9

1

 

playback order

 

 

•Microsoft and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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