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ENGLISH
MP3 INTRODUCTION

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.
Playback order, file search order, and folder
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 folders 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 for 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.
• This player is not compatible with the data encoded
with Layer 1 and Layer 2 formats.
• 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.

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.
• For details information about the MP3 discs, refer
to “A Guide to MP3/WMA” (separate volume).
* Bit rate is the average number of bits that one
second of audio data will consume. The unit used
is Kbps (1024 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 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
27.)
• Some characters cannot be shown correctly.
• If both ID3v1 and ID3v2 are recorded on a
disc, ID3v2 information will be shown.

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, Romeo, or Joliet.
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