Topics Covered on This Page
- How Sound and
Video Files Works
- Sound
and Video Formats
- Media Players
- Sound/Video
Editors
- Browser Plug-ins
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How Sound and Video Files Work
Before you can hear a sound or see video, your computer needs the
proper hardware and software in order for the files to work.
Your computer needs to have the following hardware: a sound card and
speakers to hear sound and see video. In addition, to the
hardware, your computer will need to have either one or both of the
following software: a plug-in which works through your browser's
window or a media player which plays without the use of a
browser. In short, sound works through having appropriate
hardware and software installed on your computer.
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Sound and Video Formats
The first issue for sounds on a computer is the format they are
saved in. When you type a report, you have a choice of using
different word processing software. Each software saves the
report in a different format. If you use Microsoft Word,
the report will be saved in a *.doc format. If you use Corel WordPerfect,
the report will be saved in a *.wpd format. If you use HTML,
the report will be saved in an *.html or *.htm format. Similar to
the report, sound and video files are created in various formats.
| Format |
Extension |
Description |
| MIDI |
.mid |
The
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) files are
instrumental files whose quality is dependent on the sound
card. |
| WAV
|
.wav |
The
Wave files format was developed for used with Microsoft's Windows. The
sound quality is not as good as MIDI, but the files are smaller.
|
| MP3 |
mpeg
audio
layer 3 |
The
Motion Picture Editors Group (MP3) format uses audio coding and compression to produce
a file with a high sound
quality and a small size. |
| AU
|
.au |
Audio
(AU) format creates files that are relatively small and
includes both instrumental and voice sounds. |
| AIFF
|
.aiff |
Apple
Interchange File Format (AIFF) for Macintosh Computer
only. This format is quickly shrinking in use on the
Web. |
| MOV |
.mov |
Format
QuickTime movie format. |
| RAM/RM |
.ram
.rm |
Formats are files created or converted in Real Producer
and will only play in Real Media's Real Player or with the Real
Player plug-in. |
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Media Players
To play sound or movie files on your computer, all you need is a media
player; Windows
Media Player, Real
One Player, or QuickTime
Player.
Media players will play sound and music files stored on your hard drive
or those you download from the Internet. Here are four media players.
There are also a variety of media compressors/ converters/mixers that
will play sound files as well. As you get comfortable with the features
of each, you may choose one to set as your default media player and play
all local and downloaded files through this player.
1
|
WINAMP
A full featured audio player that will not only play but
equalize MP3's and convert other audio formats into MP3's. |
 |
| SONIQUE
1.90
A cool looking MP3 player with customizable "skins"
(think of them a clothes for a media player) tons of features,
and support for all the latest audio formats. |
 |
2
|
3
|
WINDOWS
MEDIA PLAYER
is designed to play a variety of audio and video formats and
it comes with your computer so you don't have to download or
install it. If you have Windows 98, 2000 or ME, then
you can take advantage of some innovative new features and
several new skins that will change the appearance of your
player. |
 |
 |
QUICKTIME
PLAYER
Apple's tried and true media player. It supports
QuickTime movie files as well as a variety of other audio and
video formats. |
4
|
5
|
Real One Player
Is a Revolutionary new product that gives you and
ALL-IN-ONE Media Player, Jukebox, Radio Tuner & Web Browser. |
 |
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Editors
| iTUNES
& iMOVIE
If
the buzz from the street is right, Apple's iMovie will
revolutionize desktop movies. This program is so easy to
use it doesn't need a manual or lots of prior video editing
experience.
Both
programs are currently shipping with all new Mac's and you can
download both for free from the Apple
Web site. Just one catch. To find out more about
iMovie check out "What's
new in iMovie 2." |
 |
| QUICKTIME
PRO
While
this editor is not free, the $29.99 price tag isn't bad for
all the features you get. QuickTime Pro has audio
as well as video editing capabilities, will convert file
into streaming format, you can also work with files in
the Macromedia Flash format , create slideshows and compress
video like a pro. It's a fascinating litle bundle with
options galore. |
 |
| REALSYSTEM
PRODUCER 8.5
This
software offers a free version with limited capabilities and
a pro version for $199.00. The free version will
create both RealAudio and Real Video but only allows you to
convert files in two connection speeds, will not let you
preview your content at different connection speeds,
will not allow editing of your clips, and has no written
documentation. For classroom use however, it's a nifty
little tool to convert your pre-K tea party or the awesome
dinosaur display video for Web publishing.
|
 |
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Internet Explorer & Netscape Browser Plug-ins
Web
text and multimedia files that can not be natively displayed by a
Web browser require the addition of a "plug-in" or
"helper" application that enable the browser to display or
play files of other formats. Without these additional programs
you will not be able to view or hear many files on the WWW.
Just
as an HTML file needs a "Web browser" to display it,
sound, video, and other multimedia file formats need special
software or "helper applications" that will play or
display them within a Web browser. If QuickTime or Real Player did not come pre-installed
on your computer, you can download the players for free which also
includes the plug-ins. When you install the players, the software
will ask you where you want to install the plug-in. Make sure you
select the plug-ins folder of either Netscape Communicator or
Internet Explorer and install it there.
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