Mp3: Free CD-Quality Music on the Net
For many years the quality of sound that was broadcast over the internet was piss poor to say the least. The situation has improved with the advent of MP3 file format. These files mean you can download almost CD quality sound and play it on a PC. MP3 refers to MPEG 1 layer 3, a format which allows anyone to store music files on a computer or disc. The most important thing about MP3 is that file sizes are relatively small compared with older formats- meaning you can get a lot of music on a single disc. In addition the sound quality is superior to other formats such as RealAudio. Mp3 has created huge controversy in the music industry, with those in command of the major record labels fearing that people may stop buying music, if they can download for free from pirate web-sites. In most cases, downloading music from an official site is OK- it is likley that the site owners will own the copyright to the music. You'll usually be allowed to download music for personal use, but it'd be illegal to copy the file for redistribution on the Net. Around 75 seconds of a commercial track is the usual length, given to you as a taster on bona-fide sites. Legally you should never download any soundfiles from unofficial band sites. If the web site owner doesn't own the copyright, they could be prosecuted, and so could you for downloading it.
To access Mp3 files you will need a PC, soundcard, speakers and also Mp3 software, such as Winamp... Winamp, is widely available as a standard piece of Mp3 internet software on most computer magazine cover-disks but can be downloaded for free from the site http://www.winamp.com
Hot: Mp3 Sites
Audio Galaxy.com: www.audiogalaxy.com
2 Look 4: www.2look4.com
Mp3 4-ever: http://come.to/mp3-4ever
TNPG: http://www.tnpg.com
MTV Hits: http://come.to/mp3fanatic
Beta Lounge: www.betalounge.com
A site showcasing mysterious 'new music' encompassing anything from avant-garde jazz-funk fusion through to dancefloor-friendly hip-hop and cool techno. More general content is also broadcast on most days.
As well as music, there are also a number of internet radio stations worth checking out. See www.virgin.net/radio for a list of stations from around the word