9
Basic Operations
Playing a disc with MP3
files
About MP3 files
MP3 (MPEG 1 Audio Layer-3) is a standard
technology and format for compressing a sound
sequence. The file is compressed to about 1/10
of its original size. Sounds outside the range of
human hearing are compressed while the
sounds we can hear are not compressed.
Playback of some MP3 files may not be
possible, depending on the encoding.
The encoding method (i.e., the bit rate selected
for encoding) will affect the sound quality of
the MP3 files created. The bit rate typically
used for MP3 files is 128 kbps.
About ID3 tag
ID3 tag is the text information (track title, album
title, artist name, etc.) stored in the MP3 files.
Notes on discs
You can play MP3 files recorded on CD-ROMs, CD-
Rs (recordable CDs), and CD-RWs (rewritable CDs).
The disc must be in the ISO 9660*
1
level 1 or level 2
format, or Joliet or Romeo in the expansion format.
You can use a disc recorded in Multi Session*
2
.
*
1
ISO 9660 Format
The most common international standard for the logical
format of files and folders on a CD-ROM.
There are several specification levels. In Level 1, file
names must be in the 8.3 format (no more than eight
characters in the name, no more than three characters in
the extension “.MP3”) and in capital letters. Folder names
can be no longer than eight characters. There can be no
more than eight nested folder levels. Level 2
specifications allow file names up to 31 characters long.
Each folder can have up to 8 trees. For Joliet or Romeo in
the expansion format, make sure of the contents of the
writing software, etc.
*
2
Multi Session
This is a recording method that enables adding of
data using the Track-At-Once method.
Conventional CDs begin at a CD control area called
the Lead-in and end at an area called Lead-out. A
Multi Session CD has multiple sessions, with each
Lead-in to Lead-out segment regarded as a single
session. CD-EXTRA: A format in which CD-DA
(audio) data are recorded in the tracks of session 1
and computer data in the tracks of session 2.
Mixed CD: A format in which computer data are
recorded in the first track and CD-DA (audio) data
in the following tracks within a session.
continued
Notes
• You cannot play both decks simultaneously. If you
start playing a disc while playing a disc on another
deck, the playback of former deck stops.
• You can play unfinalized CD-Rs or CD-RWs only
in DECK B. For the detailed explanation about
finalizing, see “Finalizing a CD-R or CD-RW” on
page 29.
• Be sure to close the disc trays when the unit is not
in use to prevent dust and dirt from entering and
prevent damage to the disc tray.
• When you turn on the unit, you will hear some
mechanical noise from the unit. This is not a
malfunction.
• The play mode setting is canceled when you turn
the unit off.