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MPEG Layer 3
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I decided to give priority to sound quality! That goes for all audio files found at this site. Mono/stereo and sampling frequencies were chosen in accordance with the original studio recordings and broadcasting quality. Songs and themes are in relatively high quality. Quotes and sounds were all done in mono.

MPEG Layer 3

However, since better sound quality equals bigger files, it has been necessary to compress certain audio files in order to meet reasonable download times. For the time being all sounds (except the Windows system sounds) are available as MPEG Layer 3 waveforms (file extension = *.WAV). The latest Quote of the Week will also be available in MP3 format (file extension = *.MP3).

The MPEG encoding technique allows sound files to be reduced to 1/10 of their original size, with practically no loss in sound quality. If you want to learn more about the MPEG technology, MPEG.ORG is a good place to start!

The two MPEG variants, MP3 and Compressed Wave, basically offers the same possibilities, however I chose the Compressed Wave format because Windows 95b users (and above) can play the sounds without installing additional player software.

Trouble shooting

In order to play back the MPEG encoded audio files, you'll need a compatible player.

If you're running the new version of Windows 95 (4.00.950 B) or newer versions, you are in luck. The 'Sound Recorder' and 'Media Player' which come with these versions of Windows, are fully capable of playing back the MPEG files.
If you are not sure which Windows version you've got, simply download one of the quotes or songs...double-click on it and see what happens. If the 'Sound Recorder' or 'Media Player' refuses to play the sound files, you'll have to install an MPEG audio player, like WinAmp.

Make sure you download each sound file in 'one take'. If the download is interrupted and a second try is needed, beware that some browsers are able to continue the download from the interruption point. This usually results in a corrupt audio file, causing it to sound distorted.

Download Player

Click here to download WinAmp

The WinAmp player is shareware.
You can use this player to play back all the sound found on this site. Just make sure WinAmp is setup to recognize the WAV and the MP3 file types. This is done by pressing CTRL+S and selecting the 'Initial Setup' tab. Make sure the WAV and MP3 extensions are selected.