Topics Covered on This
Page
- How
Sound and Video Files Works
- Sound
and Video Formats
- Media
Players
- Sound/Video
Editors
- Browser
Plug-ins
- CLICK
HERE TO GO TO THE NEXT LESSON: 3. Downloading
Sound/Video
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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Sound/Video
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