MP3 Player Buying Guide

1. Media Formats (back to top)

Different players support different media formats. As many different compression methods exist in the computing universe, vendors have a tough time deciding upon the kind of format support to be included. Most common audio compression formats readily supported are: MP3, WMA, and WAV. Other newer formats such as OGG, Atrac3 Plus, AC3, etc. have recently gained popularity as well.

Among advanced players supporting video playback, video compression formats such as: MPEG, DivX, XviD and WMV as well as compatibility and support across different versions seems to be of prime importance. Having a disc full of videos in an unsupported format while on the move can be quite frustrating. Portable video players by default support audio playback for certain formats including: MP3, WMA and WAV. These video players primarily offer support for MPEG versions 1, 2 and 4, DivX version 3. X, 4. X and 5. X, XviD, WMV version 7, 8 and 9.

Other formats that are deemed to make it big among fanatics are the H.264 and OGM; foundation compression formats for the HDTV standard. Videos are commonly distributed among masses over the Internet in either the QuickTime MOV or the RealMedia RM format. Players supporting such formats offer better flexibility to the user for viewing various different media.

Recent developments in technology have enabled portable media players to even display images and video and along with music files. Formats such as JPEG and GIF as well as TIFF and BMP are quite commonly supported. For enthusiasts, this translates into a portable photo album replacement.

2. How Media Players Function (back to top)

Most media players operate on simple mechanics implemented using a memory storage device, a sound and/or video reproduction system and a rechargeable power source. For portable video players, the type of display screen used and its size also makes a difference in the quality of visual output delivered by the gadget. These basic criteria define the quality and features offered by a portable media player.

• Memory Storage Medium (back to top)

The type of memory storage device used influences factors such as seek time while playing back, transfer of data between the player and a PC / MAC, longevity of the device, and the cost. Older generation players used CD-Rom or CD-R/RW medium for playing back music content. Quite a few available now, these make for a cheaper and convenient variety of players in the market. Users can simply transfer their content onto a CD-R/RW media using a PC for later playback. These tend to be bulky as well as prone to damage due to physical wear and tear.

 

The more recently developed solid-state flash memory based players are compact and fast enough for routine use. Many flash memory cards offer larger storage capacities, though they have yet to reach storage densities already scaled by hard disk drives. Most flash memory cards include interfaces such as: Secure Digital (SD), CompactFlash (CF), Memory Stick (MS), MultiMediaCard (MMC) xD-Picture Card (xD), and SmartMedia (SM). The standards vary from each other with respect to the size and shape of the card, storage capacity, and data transfer speed. The fastest flash memory interface currently is the Compact Flash Memory card with a maximum storage capacity of 8GB; that is almost 2250 songs!

 

For those who intend to double up their media players as a portable hard drive solution, faster devices such as hard disk based players offer speed while sacrificing battery life, and are also susceptible to damage due to the delicate circuitry. A majority of hard drive based players offer storage capacities larger than 4 or 5GB according to current standards. Top end models like the Apple iPod offer storage volumes as large as 60GB.

 

• The Visual Display Unit (back to top)

Video players usually sport the LCD or the TFT-LCD screen for playing back movies at crisp and rich in colors and resolution. While the LCD screen is still available in the market to manufacturers, TF-LCD is fast replacing the older technology due to better visual output achieved while maintaining cost-effectiveness. TFT-LCD is proven to be better in terms of the quality of image displayed while drawing lesser battery power. New generation display screens are developed to use the OLED technology for motion video playback. OLED promises to offer better visual quality at much lower power requirements as well as cooler functioning unlike the earlier LCD technologies that tend to heat up after prolonged use. Standard display screen measure 5 inches in width and at least 3 inches in length with a display resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Smaller units can provide decent playback with vibrant colors at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. Larger sized players, often with higher storage capacities, sport displays with a resolution of 720 x 480 pixels. The minimum supported color depth of such players should be ideally be 262,000 colors and higher. Screens able to produce only 65,536 colors would produce enough colors except the only drawback being, the diffusion or rather haziness of the final image. More colors at higher resolutions should be the deciding factor.

 

• The Sound Sub-System (back to top)

As for the quality of sound reproduction, the only way to ascertain the actual quality is by having a personal demonstration of the product. Of course, having an idea about the reproduction standards supported can influence the quality of the final output. Certain players deliver a Dolby Digital as well as Dolby Stereo output for a limited surround sound effect. The output from such players can be redirected to external devices apart from head phones such as amplified speakers or home theatre systems for a true surround sound experience.

 

• Power Sources (back to top)

Finally, the battery life of any player should be enough to last your journey or your work day. Provided it can be recharged to the full in even a shorter span of time. No fun owning a player with a battery which can last 8-10 hours of continuous playback that needs recharging of 16-20 hours! Most players incorporate Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) batteries for long playback durations and quicker recharging. If not Li-Ion based batteries, NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) based batteries are the next option suited for such purposes. Alternatively, you can separately purchase an additional battery pack of the same kind or entirely replace the battery to a Li-Ion battery pack which matches the manufacturer's specifications.

 

• Features Supported across Media Players (back to top)

The most commonly supported features across most media players are FM radio playback and voice recording. While it does make sense to incorporate voice recording in media players with huge storage capacities, advanced models offer choices of audio compression for storing the recordings. This makes up for smaller files thereby longer recordings while maintaining the original quality. FM radio reception has become a redundant factor across enthusiasts, as a mode of escape from drab audio play list playback.

 

Connectivity interfaces such as USB, Firewire, or even Bluetooth are seriously considered by users. The ubiquitous USB interface makes up for most data transfer requirements and the Firewire interface is featured in higher-end models for an even faster data transfer. Certain models sport Bluetooth connectivity for communicating with a Bluetooth enabled device and PCs for quick and easy sharing. As a bonus, Bluetooth can also be used to pair up Bluetooth enabled headphones for wireless entertainment.

 

The size of most media players is indirectly proportional to the battery longevity. Media players as small as credit cards, albeit somewhat thicker, would normally last a few hours before needing any recharge. Whereas, larger sized players would last at least half a day. Again, the battery life depends on the type of battery and the intended as a well as actual use. Keeping with the rules and regulations from the recording industry, media players from popular brand names deploy digital rights management (DRM) in preventing piracy of audio/video content.

 

3. Purchasing Criteria (back to top)

• Capacity (back to top)

The higher capacity the better is the norm when choosing a media player. Those looking for shorter hours of audio or video playback can opt for smaller capacity media players. Enthusiasts on the other hand can opt for high capacity media players for longer playback.

 

• Type of Storage Medium (back to top)

Media players based on solid state flash memory can be used in rough conditions. As they are not prone to physical damage due to shocks and bumps, they can be used by people during rugged activities such as sports, commuting during rush hours, etc., the downside being the capacities offered by flash memory based players is quite less compared to hard drive based players. Hard drive based players are fragile and susceptible to malfunctioning due to physical damage, though they do offer faster playback, data transfer and high storage capacities.

 

• Types of Supported Formats (back to top)

For audio players, supported formats should include: MP3, WMA, and WAV among others. A player should also offer support for various other formats such as: OGG, AC-3, ASF, AAC-LC, G.726, if possible for future compatibility. Video media players should ideally offer support for varied versions for formats such as: MPEG 1 and 2, DivX 3. X, and WMV version 7 and 8. Additional support for: MPEG4, DivX 4. X, DivX 5. X, XviD, WMV9, H.264, OGM, MOV and Real Media would allow greater flexibility for playing video files.

 

• Type of Display Screen (back to top)

For video media players, the type of display screen also defines the quality of output. Ideally, the screen should be based on a TFT-LCD unit, versus a regular LCD screen. Due to the superior quality of color reproduction and contrast offered by a TFT-LCD as compared to a regular LCD screen, TFT-LCD based media players fit the bill most of the time.

 

• Size of the Screen (back to top)

The display screen should offer a minimum resolution support of 320 x 240 pixels. Anything lower would just make the size of the screen either very small or result in grainy images. A high resolution screen produces very little of such artifacts yet maintaining a high quality image reproduction scheme. The range of colors displayed should be, as a bare necessity, 262,000 different colors. A video player displaying video at 65,000 or so colors limits the amount of vibrant richness and details encapsulated in the video. Therefore, the higher the number of colors displayed the better. Additionally, the screen size should be enough to let the user enjoy the actual video representation. Any screen smaller than at least 4 inches x 3 inches would be quite a strain on the eyes. Of course larger then screen the better, but that should not be at the cost of resolution, number of colors displayed, or the battery life.

 

• Size of the Player (back to top)

The player should at all costs avoid being bulky; either by design or by function. A bulky player in the long run or on a long play list of files tends to be tiring to the user. The majority of the players are designed to be marginally bigger than their screen sizes, especially the video players. Audio players on the other hand have evolved to a tinier level with a certain players measuring less than an inch in all dimensions.

 

• Battery Life (back to top)

The amount of power the player draws can affect the duration for which you can enjoy the music of your choice. Most players use a Li-Ion or NiMH based battery pack. While the latter is cheaper to replace, the former offers a much longer duration of playback as compared to NiMH. Either way, the player also should not be too power hungry to drain the battery during idle periods.

 

• Connectivity Options (back to top)

Apart from the ubiquitous USB port, players sporting a Firewire or a Bluetooth connectivity option fare a better chance at surviving the plethora of gadgets being designed to interact with them. For instance, a Bluetooth-enabled player can easily be coupled with a Bluetooth headphone set for wireless transmission of sound to the speakers. A Firewire based player will support faster data transfer speeds between devices at a faster rate than a USB interface. The range of connectivity modules offered defines the varied functions supported by the player.

 

4. Making the Decision (back to top)

Judging the use of your personal media player based on the different functions mentioned above, you can evaluate various portable media players matching those requirements at a comparison shopping site such as www.smarter.com. Compare prices and functions between different products available across various vendors on the Internet. On the other hand you can evaluate the picture quality and audio reproduction capabilities at a near-by store or outlet.

First and foremost, mark out your requirements and search products that meet those needs. Do not opt for a model with features which you will seldom use. Ensure the size of the display is enough to deliver a pleasurable viewing experience. Do not compromise on the sound quality for marketing gimmicks or trendy designs; these should be secondary to all other factors.

Buying a good portable media player requires investment of a reasonable amount of time in researching and evaluating the various contenders. The trick is to strike the perfect balance between price and functionality and the best way to begin is to find out exactly what your needs are. Hopefully, you now have more information to help make your purchasing decision more informed, now go find a great media player!