Choosing an Audio Format
Which audio format or system you choose depends on your communication goals, the scale of your site, and your budget. Table 33-1 provides suggestions for some common scenarios. Consider them only as starting points for researching the solution that best meets your needs.
Table 33-1. Suggested audio formats
|
Audio needs |
Suggested formats |
|---|---|
|
Short voice greetings |
QuickTime (via regular HTTP server), MP3, AAC |
|
Narration (news broadcasts, interviews, and other voice-only content) |
Streaming solutions such as RealAudio, Windows Media, or QuickTime for large audiences; RealAudio or QuickTime via HTTP server for limited traffic and few simultaneous listeners |
|
Background music (ambient sound loops) |
MIDI, WAV |
|
Short interactive sound effects (such as button rollover and transition sounds) |
Flash |
|
Music samples for a limited audience |
MP3, AAC, RealMedia, or QuickTime via HTTP server |
|
Music samples for a large-scale site with heavy traffic |
Complete streaming solution, such as Real Helix or Windows Streaming Media |
|
Radio-style music broadcasting |
Real Helix, streaming MP3s (via a streaming server such as SHOUTcast), Windows Media System |
|
Distribution and sale of CD-quality audio |
MP3, AAC |
|
Live broadcasting |
Real Helix, QuickTime, Windows Media System |
|
Musical e-greeting card |
Flash, MIDI or WAV background sound |
|
Specialized audio applications (such as virtual CD players, mixers, etc.) |
Flash, QuickTime |
Get Web Design in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
