How an MP3 device can help your business

MP3, a digital encoding format, is rapidly taking over the marketplace. You have most likely heard of Apple iPOD, Microsoft Zune and other MP3 players. Commonly, MP3 devices are used for downloading music, video, or photo files. MP3 is an audio-specific format that was invented by a team of engineers at Phillips, CCETT (Centre commun d'études de télévision et télécommunications), IRT, AT&T-Bell Labs and Fraunhofer Society. Since the original design, it has been spread all over the world and is seen in practically every store.

How MP3 benefits business
MP3 has helped numerous businesses through creation of their own products to promote concerts, artists, television and many other genres. Many companies have partnered with MP3 to promote their companies in high profile events such as the Super Bowl.

Message on Demand - This is the newest phase in MP3 that is tied to business. DAD10 is an MP3 message/music on hold connection for connection to PABX systems or standalone delivery. It is remotely programmable and updatable, DAD10 is suited to message on hold service providers and cancels out the costs of printing and distributing CDs. Small business typically uses DAD10 for promotional messages to callers.

DAD10 can be used in galleries, retail window displays, point-of-sale displays or any other application that requires a triggered audio message. DAD10 can be placed almost anywhere. MP3 data can have a playback time of 8 minutes to 2 hours by being split into 16 tracks. You can also have new messages downloaded and updated automatically at scheduled times and have 16 push buttons to play separate messages.

The specifications of a DAD10 Standalone Digital MP3 Player are as follows:

- 8Mb Memory (8 m to 2 hrs playback depending on playback quality)

- Supports sampling rates from 8 to 192 Kbps

- Stereo or Mono

- 16 Track support

- Non Volatile Memory

- Different triggering options

- Various playback modes

- Remotely controlled and updated

- Transfer/Remote Manager Software provided

Conclusion
MP3 devices are simple and exciting devices with a lot of potential for businesses. Picking the right MP3 player for your business is not always an easy task. If you are looking for a partnership, you need to research the companies who are producing them. You must think of your target customers and how much you think they are willing to spend. Below are a few popular choices to look at:

1. Toshiba Gigabeat MES30VW (30GB). This is a great MP3 player for anyone who wants a compact and easy to use MP3 player. It runs around $175.
2. Apple IPod (80GB). This is a fairly low priced, reliable MP3 player. It is not, however, a true video player. It runs anywhere from $275-$500.
3. Creative Zen Vision M (60 GB). This device gives the iPod a run for its money as it reigns as the current high-capacity MP3 champion.
4. Zune (30 GB). This device has a solid history of playback performance and will probably please most users. It does, however, have mediocre format support and limited Wireless capability. Advanced MP3 users will probably be left wanting something more. It usually runs between $175-$275.
5. Cowon iAudio X5 (30 GB). This is a great-sounding MP3 player, but does quite live up to expectations in the real world. It suffers from less than desirable music browsing options and some key design flaws.
6. Philips Go Gear HDD6330 Jukebox (30 GB). This is the closest that anyone has been able to reach to the iPod's design appeal, but is relatively sensitive to touch. Make sure you try it out before you buy it. It's a great deal that runs around $100.