Explanation of File TypesTalks are offered in one or more of these types:
FLAC files are identical to the original recording. The highest quality OGG file sounds the same as the FLAC file to most people. The medium-quality files are like FM radio. Low-quality MP3 files are like AM radio (sometimes worse), but are very compact for people with slow Internet connections. CBR is Constant Bit Rate: This is the original MP3 standard that all media players support. VBR is Variable Bit Rate: This newer format is more compact and supported by media players made from about 2006 onward. I endeavour to offer formats that are suitable for the audio quality of the talk. If the original has poor sound quality to begin with, then a high-quality version is not helpful.You can listen and judge for yourself. Here are four 12-second samples:
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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?Higher bit-rates sound better. OGG usually sounds better than MP3. Linux computers and Android phones will play all formats: FLAC, OGG, or MP3. Other computers, phones, and car stereos typically only play MP3. If you listen on headphones, nice speakers, or in your car, a larger (higher bit-rate) files will sound more natural. 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 instead of MP3?Ogg-Vorbis is a patent-free non-profit sound compression format; FLAC is, too. 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· VU Player (supports OGG and FLAC formats) Macintosh · Cog Linux There are many good Linux audio players, such as Audacious, QMMP, DeadBeaf (a bad name, but a good player), etc. |
