Compatablilty for streaming audio including mac

compatablilty issues streaming audio for windows/linux/mac

[webgo2]

I have already done some searching on this forum for this topic, and it seems to be that generally the mp3 format is the way to go for greatest cross platform compatablilty. If I am in error on this please let me know. I plan on using a m3u file with http streaming. (the website is mainly for publishers to check out my clients awards, samples & a quick bio - a small amount of traffic)

My client wants several audio samples on his site (11). He states that in his industry apple computers are greatly used and if at all possible to cater to those users. I don't own an apple & don't know of anyone that has one either. .. so I have no clue what would or wouln't work with that platform. I know that a .mp3 will play on an apple computer - but am not certain if there's a specific file format or media player that I should cater to.

Any input/confirmations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[MINz]

I’m going to assume when you say, “greatest platform compatibility” you mean “works with Windows, Mac and Linux.

If that is your intention then mp3 is your best choice. It will play using the default settings of all the major operating systems. You will get reasonable quality and it will be easy to design.

I would even suggest focusing just on Windows and Mac OSX. Typically, Linux users are resourceful and will usually find a way to play your content.

If you are looking to cater to the Apple users then you would want to use Apple’s Quicktime (.mov) format. Windows users can also play Quicktime audio using either the Windows version of Quicktime or the Quicktime Alternative codec. To encode or compress the audio into the Quicktime ‘mov’ format requires you to obtain Quicktime Pro. You can purchase and download Quicktime Pro from here:

[apple.com...]

It only costs $30 and it’s a good investment if you plan to do any audio work in the future. This format is popular and found all over the internet.

There are a lot of different compressed audio formats to choose from. If quality isn’t the most important detail stick with either mp3. If quality is somewhat of an issue using the AAC compression Quicktime offers is your best choice. If quality is very important then your options become more cumbersome.

What content are you using? Is it speech or music? What do you mean when you say “samples”?

[webgo2]

Thanks for the response.

Yes, that is what I was meaning by greatest compatabiliy & wasn't thinking about that fact with linux users.

As far as samples, they are short audio clips of my clients work. . . to answer the other question - it is speech, not music. I do believe that sound quality is fairly important, but his current website has an image and text only - this will be his first use of audio on the site.

I had thought about using the quicktime format as well (not solely, though) cuz I do know that apple & quicktime go hand in hand. I hadn't really looked into what it would take to change the .mp3 to a .mov, though. I know I have some sort of audio encoding software on my pc, but I don't know if it'd work for this project.

As far as streaming - does a .mov file play on a mac like it does on a windows computer? I'm trying to think - but I believe that when I click on a .mov file it plays right in the browser (at lease using an ie. based browser).

Thanks again for the response.

[MINz]

Here is a site with the information you need.

[apple.com...]

[sja65]

Don't forget that mp3 is not a free format. If you want to use it in the US, you need to get a license from Phillips. I think someone also has a patent on streaming audio, so you may want to check for that as well before continuing.

[webgo2]

I was completely unaware of any sort of restrictions on the mp3 format. I read up on it & according to [mp3licensing.com...] It looks as if you do not need a license if the income is less than $100,000 US per year. I don't know what this guy makes but I will be sure to forward him this information. I am also not sure what format his finished audio files are distributed in, but they're stored on either cd or some type of digital media storage disk, so if his end result is not in mp3 format, the royalties would not apply.

Also, he will not make money from these samples (more aptly put: examples) that are streaming, - so the 2% of the related revenue for streaming mp3 would not apply either.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention - I'm sure there are many other people that are not aware of these restrictions.

[MINz]

Your client has to be making 100K from his online business. It doesn't sound like your client is making any money online.

I wouldn't worry about it.