MP3 is changing the face of music distribution, as the smaller file size makes it possible to
distribute audio over the Internet without the lengthy download times that would be required
if the files were in their original, uncompressed size. The availability of MP3-encoded music
has also made it possible for consumers to exchange songs via the Internet, or store their
CD libraries on a computer. These files may be transferred to a portable MP3 player that uses
solid-state storage or mini-drives, and if the computer is equipped with a CD-R/RW drive, the
MP3 files may also be used to record “MP3 discs.” These discs may be played on computers
or specially equipped CD or DVD players, such as the CDR 30 or DVD 50. Finally, MP3 may
also be used for the playback of streaming audio programming in real time.
Harman Kardon Products and MP3
Recognizing the increasing popularity of the many applications of MP3, Harman Kardon has
developed two different solutions that integrate MP3 into home audio systems. For installations
where a consumer wishes to play MP3 files directly from a computer-based source, the
AVR 110, 210, 310 and 510 receivers can recognize and decode an MP3 bitstream when the
output of a compatible computer sound card is connected to one of the AVR’s optical or coaxial
digital inputs. At present, the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz
™
PCI card has the correct S/P-DIF output
and, in the future, more computers and sound cards will include this capability.
For installations where a computer’s sound card is not directly compatible with the input
requirements of the new AVR Series models, Harman Kardon has developed the EzLink
™
DAL 150. When it is available later this year, this accessory will enable a direct connection
between a computer’s USB port and any receiver or surround processor with a coax digital
input. The DAL 150 will include software drivers for Windows
®
98-and-above-equipped
computers that will direct MP3 files to the computer’s USB port. The DAL 150 will then
transcode the data to the standard PCM format and output it through a coaxial digital
connection so that it may be processed by any digital receiver or surround processor.
When used with the Harman Kardon AVR 110, 210, 310 or 510, the DAL 150 takes advantage
of their onboard MP3 decoding capability by upsampling the MP3 bitstream for improved
playback quality.
Although computers equipped with CD-R/RW drives may create “MP3 CDs”
, most existing
CD and DVD players reject those discs, recognizing them as data, not music, discs. However,
both the DVD 50 five-disc DVD changer and CDR 30 CD recorder are capable of recognizing
and playing MP3 audio files from compatible discs. Both models decode MP3 files and play
them through the unit’s analog outputs for easy connection to ANY audio system.
The DVD 50 also provides a standard digital output from an MP3 disc. Both the DVD 50 and
the CDR 30 are able to read the track title (MP3 Text) information that is encoded as part of
the MP3 disc-creation process.
As an added feature, the CDR 30 is unique in that it plays multisession discs that contain both
MP3 and standard “Red Book” CD audio tracks. As a dubbing deck, the CDR 30 will also create
standard CD-compatible copies of MP3 tracks so that material obtained as an MP3 file may be
converted to a CD for use in standard home, portable or car players.
With a single MP3 disc able to hold about 10 hours of music in the MP3 format, the five-disc
DVD 50 allows up to 50 hours of continuous playback – enough for an entire dance marathon!
MP3 Decoding...
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