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MP3 FAQ

What are MP3s?

An MP3 is an electronic audio file. Basically, an MP3 is a way to save and play audio on a computer. It is a file that ends in .mp3. There are other ways to do audio on a computer, like RealAudio (.ra or .rm) and Windows Media (.wma), but MP3s are the most often used. MP3s are the most popular format for audio files.

An MP3 is like a CD and other formats are like cassette tapes or records. They basically do the same thing, play music, but they have different levels of quality, and play in different players. Some players do more than one format, like WMA and MP3 - just like many stereos can play cassettes and CDs. Most players today play MP3s.

How do I listen to MP3s?

The easiest way is to use free media player software like iTunes to play them on your computer. Many people also load them onto portable media players, or MP3 players, like iPods, so they can listen to them without needing a computer. But you don't need an iPod or any other portable device to listen to them if you want to play them on your computer.

Do I need an iPod or other device to play MP3s?

No. Most any computer made in the last 10 years can play MP3s. If you don't think your computer can play them, try downloading iTunes. It is free and works on Windows or Mac OS. If you use Linux, try VLC, XMMP, or MPlayer.

Can WebTV / MSN-TV play MP3s?

I cannot say for sure, but it seems like, at least for the latest version (MSN TV 2) the answer is "Yes".

http://www.msntv.com/pc/support/msn_faq_audio.asp

For support for MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player:

Call 1-866-GO-MSNTV (1-866-466-7688) or visit the online help center.

http://www.msntv.com/pc/support/msn_faq_audio.asp

For support for previous models of MSN TV:

Call 1-800-469-3288 or e-mail them at support4u@corp.webtv.net

My Windows Media Player / iTunes / VLC / etc. doesn't work. Can you help?

Try hitting the F1 button or clicking "Help" in your media player program. There are a very large number of programs that play mp3s, it is impossible to be able to troubleshoot every player. A good starting is make sure the player is the latest version, and then try searching the website of the player you have.

What happened the the RealAudio files?

In order to reach more people, and to make it easier to keep up with the latest headlines, we here at Prophecy Today have branched out into podcasting. (For more info, see our podcasting page.) Podcasting uses mp3s, so we had to switch. Also mp3s have better sound quality that RealAudio, and can play on more computers and electronic devices. And mp3s are the most used electronic audio format online, so we made the switch.

Please note that our weekly live broadcast and daily 5 minute update are still available in RealAudio.

Where can I learn more about MP3s?

Here are a few sites that go more in depth about what an MP3 is, and how it works. They are not maintained or endorsed by Prophecy Today, they are just listed here in case you'd like to learn more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP3
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-mp3.htm
http://www.mp3-faq.org/
http://webhome.idirect.com/~nuzhathl/mp3-faq.html