Explanation of File TypesTalks are offered in one or more of these types:
The highest quality OGG file is equivalent to CD. The medium-quality files are like FM radio. The low-quality 32k MP3 files are like AM radio. The new ~24k MP3 VBR files are like FM radio in a very compact file; a great improvement. CBR is Constant Bit Rate: This is the original MP3 standard that all media players support. VBR is Variable Bit Rate: This format varies the number of digits needed to reproduce sounds based on changing needs. For example, during a pause in a speech very few numbers are needed to reproduce silence. Thus, VBR gives the best balance of sound quality and small file size. You will notice that the versions offered for each sermon varies. I guage the quality to offer based on the quality of the original. If the original has sound problems to begin with, there is not much point to offering a high-quality version.Listen and judge for yourself. Listen to these four 12-second samples to compare the sound quality.
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NavigationTo listen to a sermon, just click on the 'OGG' or 'MP3' link you prefer. To sort the list, click on one of the underlined headings (Bible Book, Speaker, Sermon Date, etc.). To navigate the sermon list, click on the arrows above. From the sermon list, you can also type a page number and press ENTER. To return to the list at any time, just click on one of the arrows in the menu. Finding a certain talkTo narrow down the choices to certain speakers, topics, or book of the Bible, use the Find function. You can choose a speaker, series, location, book of the Bible, etc. Once you specify some choices, the list you see will be narrowed down to show only the talks which match your criteria. For example, if you chose Leigh Robinson from the list of speakers, then you will only see Leigh's talks in the list. Your choices remain in effect until you choose to change or clear them. To see the full list again, clear the filter by going to the Find screen and just clicking 'Search' (leaving all the boxes blank). How long will it take to download?If you have broadband (DSL or cable) Internet access, a 15MB file will take about 10 minutes to download. If you are using dial-up (56k) Internet access, a 15MB file will take about 25 minutes to download. |
Which one is best for my equipment?For compatibility with older computers and portable MP3 players, choose MP3. For the quickest download, choose the smallest file. If you listen on small computer speakers just get the smallest file. If you listen on headphones or good quality speakers, get the MP3 VBR or medium-quality files. If you use Linux or don't mind installing a new media player (see below) and/or want the best sound quality choose OGG. In the right-most column you will see "cbr" or "vbr". VBR sounds better and is quicker to download. However, if you have a portable MP3 player that was purchased prior to 2006 or a computer purchased prior to 2005, then VBR files may not play or they might have other problems like saying they are twice as long as they actually are. There's no harm in trying the new VBR files to see if they work. If they don't work, then get the MP3-CBR files instead. Why would I want OGG?Ogg-Vorbis is a patent-free non-profit sound compression format. MP3 is a patented for-profit format.Ogg-Vorbis files usually have better sound quality at the same size, or equal sound quality with smaller size. For example, a 48kbps OGG file sounds the same or slightly better than a 64kbps MP3 file yet is smaller and quicker to download. Players that support both OGG and MP3Windows· Quintessential Player · VU Player Macintosh · Cog Linux If you are running Linux, it almost certainly has everything you need already. Look in your Multimedia folder for Amarok, XMMS, Audacious, Juk, Noatun, or MPlayer. |