"The only way to keep a story is to give it away."
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| F.A.Q... Frequently Asked Questions |
- How do I hear a story?
- What are sound files?
- What hardware do I need?
- Which audio player should I use?
- How can I download one of the free players?
- Where can I get help with a player?
Storytelling is an audio experience. Playback of the sound file is an important and integral feature of this site. If something different works for you, if you can add to these instructions and want to share with others, if you just want to say "HI" or "why?" please follow the e-mail link.
How do I hear a story? Select WaveFile, or RealAudio, one of the available sound file types.
| WaveFile (*.wav) | RealAudio (*.ra) |
If you are running Windows 95, you can use either Sound Recorder or Media Player to play encoded *.wav files after they have been downloaded. (For Win95: Start>Programs>Accessories>Multimedia>Media Player; For WinNT: Start>Programs>Accessories> Media Player) Your IE browser streams them with the built-in ActiveMovie Player. When the Play button becomes active, you can begin playing while the file is downloading.
What are sound files? Sound files presented here are compressed to approximately 1/15th of their original size. A 12 minute story might compress to a 730K sound file. These sound files are encoded for a 14.4 KBPS modem. At this speed and with this compression rate, these sound files are not CD quality. This is a good compromise between download time and sound quality.
- The wave file (*.wav) is common for IBM compatible, Windows, multi-media type machines. A compressed *.wav file was actually a byproduct of encoding for the DSP Group TrueSpeech format. You listen while the file downloads!
- RealAudio (*.ra) is one of the premier audio players. The basic player is included in Internet Explorer 3.x and is also available as a free download. RealAudio relies on the server to stream the file allowing for real time playback. This allows better control of bandwidth requirements etcetera and takes the burden off of the Internet and places it on the server. A disadvantage is that it costs. The RealAudio files presented are not streamed. You will have to wait for the download. Figure 3-4 minutes for a 12 minute story at 28.8kbps. It is the best sound quality.
What hardware do I need? A modem, 14.4kbps or faster. A sound card. A player compatible with one of the three audio file types offered here.
Which audio player should I use? (In the opinion of the webmaster.)
- First choice is RealAudio if you have it. This format offers the best sound quality. On the down side, you will need to download the the FREE player if you don't already have one.
- Second choice is the Wave file (*.wav). Windows 95/98/NT is a common operating system. If you have this, you have the Windows Media Player.
Either way, you should be able to listen while the file downloads!
How can I download one of
the free players?
- Follow this link to download the RealAudio player from Progressive Networks.
Where can I get help with a player?
- Follow this link to RealAudio help from Progressive Networks.
How can I view available documents in .pdf format?
- Follow this link to download your FREE
Acrobat reader.
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