There has been so much interest in Charlie
Clough's "Framework" series of 224 Bible classes,
http://www.cclough.com/about-framework.php
that I believe I should address the issue of selecting an MP3 Player that will play them. In order to get the 224 classes on only 6 CD-ROMs, the classes (ordered from the above website) were converted from 90 minute cassettes to MP3 format at an audio sampling frequency of 14.025 kbps. Some MP3 players cannot play MP3 tracks that were recorded with this much compression. So that more players would work, I converted them back to WAV, and then back to MP3 at an audio sampling frequency of 24 kbps. That fixed the problem for several devices.
I know of two people who have Sony boom-boxes that will not play the Clough MP3s at 24 kbps, either. So, I have converted the first 80 lessons to 32 kbps, which fixes that problem. I will convert the rest of the 224 lessons over time. I believe that the most recent sets of lessons from cclough.com are now recorded at 32 kbps. If so, that will fix most problems. The recent MP3 players will handle the 32 kbps.
Another person went to Circuit City, to buy a device that would play DVD, JPEG, CD-Rom, and MP3. He tried the Clough MP3 on three devices (that did not work) before settling on #6, below.
A rule of thumb that seems to work, is that any MP3 player that costs less than $75 will not play the Framework series. Here are the devices, that people seem to be buying, that work OK:
1. Your computer should have no problem playing any MP3 disks, using any of the free players, available over the Internet. Your operating system may have come with software that will play them. Use any of several programs: (a) MusicMatch Juke Box is my personal favorite. (b) Windows Media Player also works. I burned all of the MP3 CDs, that I have distributed, using MusicMatch Juke Box.
The short answer is that whatever MP3 Player you buy needs to be capable of playing MP3 tracks that were audio sampled at 32 kbps (32 kilobits per second). That includes the following devices, in addition to your computer, that I recommend. [ I am sure that there are many other MP3 Players that will play them, however, I do not have any experience with most of them. So, I will mention the devices that I know work, and then I will discuss the required capability, so that you can evaluate additional devices.]
2. The Sony "Car Ready" Atrac3plus MP3 CD Walkman (Model D-NE518CK) has no problem reading them. The Sony portable costs about $80 at Best Buy. NOTE: I do not remember that the specs on the back of this mention playing at 32 kbps, but it works well. This device works well for Ann Wright. It is one of the few that display the audio sampling rate in kbps. (Ask to see mine, Ann).
3. The Nomad "Jukebox" (Model DAP-HD0007), by Creative Labs, Inc., has either 20 GB, 30 GB, 40 GB, or 60 GB of disk storage, enough to hold many hundreds of Bible classes. It is a bit smaller than 3" x 4 1/2" x 1." So it usually fits in a shirt pocket (even with its leather protective carrying case) and can contain hundreds of classes. They cost from about $230, at Amazon.com (incl. shipping). I copied the Clough series (224 classes), and many series by Bob Thieme, Robby Dean, and Bruce Bumgardner to my Nomad. I never have to change CDs, and can switch back and forth between series. Another reason for buying the Nomad (if one is rationalizing the spending of more money) is that any computer files / folders can be backed up to the Nomad. So, in addition to listening to Bible class, one can carry important computer programs and files on one's person. You must have a computer, since there is a computer program that copies the lessons from the computer's hard drive or CD-ROM reader to the Nomad. versions. (Ask to see mine, Tom Wright).
4. Discontinued and replaced by #7, below.
5. eton ego 4000 Plus CD/MP3/FM Travel Alarm Clock Radio; I have no personal experience with this one, but I am told that it will play Charlie's MP3s. (Thanks, Alan). See at: http://www.grundigradio.com/asp/products.asp?action=overview&productname=cd4000
6. Panasonic DVD/S27 DVD/CD Player. Output to your TV is either S-Video or Composite (Right & Left Audio and Video = 3-wire cable with RCA phono-jack connectors): It features multiple format playback of DVD Video, DVD-R and DVD-RAM, CD-R and CD-RW, JPEG, as well as MP3 and HighMAT¾ a new technology co-developed by Panasonic and Microsoft for sharing digital media between PCs and consumer electronic products ($79.95 SMRP). This device is intended to play to your home television. It plays DVDs and JPEG files with video. Obviously, Charlie Clough’s MP3s only have audio, which would be heard over your television’s audio system. Don’t be confused by its Model Number which may include “S” for Silver or “B” for Black (DVD/S27, DVD/S27S, DVD/S27B). (Thanks, Ken). See it at (you may have to copy this long Link to your browser’s address window in pieces):
7. Sony Personal Audio System, Model ZS-X3CP. (This pix is actually of the earlier version, but they both look the same.) A CD, MP3 player, and AM/FM radio. I, personally, would only purchase this item if I had to have built in speakers. I have a very brief personal experience with this one. It requires that Clough’s lessons be recorded at 32 kbps. (At the moment, the first 80 lessons are available at 32 kbps, and the rest will be available shortly.) I was told that its batteries did not last as long. I saw it advertised on Amazon.com for about $80. Just recently, I saw it for $100, also on Amazon. See it at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000067G0L/103-2866631-6329439?v=glance (Thanks, Joy).
8. Panasonic's Nitrix series SC-AK220
For those interested in copying MP3 to Cassette: Panasonic's Nitrix series SC-AK220 shelf system features a five-CD changer, a dual-well cassette deck, a digital tuner with 30-station (15 FM, 15 AM) presets, and 80 watts per channel. This model also comes in a black and silver version. (links are to Amazon.com’s $129.00 item). The SC-AK220 offers Panasonic's exclusive MASH (multi-stage noise shaping technology) 1-bit digital-to-analog converter “for clear, accurate sound reproduction.” Other features include CD-R/RW disc and MP3 digital audio compatibility, and six EQ presets (heavy, soft, clear, disco, live, and hall). The system's two-way speakers use a large, 6.5-inch woofer and 2.375-inch tweeter. The system also includes a programmable timer with sleep mode and a wireless remote control. This one is also available at Wal-Mart for $128.72 and no shipping charges or waiting. Again, I have not used one of these, but am told that it works well with Charlie’s MP3s. The only negative feedback I have is that the cassette recorder does not have an auto reverse. (Thanks, Ellen)
9. iriver model IFP-890 256MB MP3 player. Dimensions (W x D x H): 1.4 in x 1.1 in x 3.5 in
The device requires that you copy the lessons from your computer to its memory. Once in the player’s memory, you can wear it on a lanyard around your neck, while listening. It weighs less than 2 oz. It has a Dictaphone-like recorder.
The 256 MB of memory should hold about 16 of Charlie Clough’s lessons, after listening to which, you would have to load the next 16 lessons. Note that it does come in versions with 500 MB and 1024 MB memory. Purchase at Best Buy for $150.
The iFP-890 powers up quite quickly. It took barely two seconds to
initialize the firmware and to see the list of tunes appear. Switching from one
title to another is also a fast process, and it was actually better than
certain audio CD
players.
The iFP-890 ran for a whole 26 hours of continuous play before the battery went dead. (Thanks, Betty)
10. AXION Model # 16-3903 Cost at Radio Shack $179.99 (look for a $50 rebate)
This is a tiny device that will play Charlie’s MP3s, Robby’s DVDs, Movies, Music CD-Roms, Photographs, etc. and may be just the item for many. (Thanks, Brenda).
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• Enjoy mini theater
anywhere with the 7" widescreen (16x9) TFT LCD |
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• Play back a variety
of disc formats including DVD, CD, MP3 and Kodak® Picture CD, plus CD-ROM,
JPEG, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW |
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• Experience stereo
sound from built-in speakers |
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• Parental control also
is integrated so you can monitor what your children watch |
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• Listen privately
using the headphone output jack |
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• Convenient card-size
remote control |
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• Adjust the wide
display to the most convenient viewing angle |
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• Expand your
entertainment choices using the input jacks for games, camcorder and other
peripherals |
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• Connect your player
to a monitor or TV if you desire |
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• Volume and brightness
controls |
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• Convenient power
choices include DC vehicle adapter, 9VAC adapter and lithium-ion battery |
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• Dimensions:
7.48x1.65x5.90" (19.0x4.2x15.0cm) (WHD) |
