Re: [ARSCLIST] MP3 bit rates and usage factors for Web pages

[andy kolovos <akolovos@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Richard,

For the little bits of audio we've mounted on the web I've leaned toward 
streaming over download.  Currently we're streaming .mp3 via .m3u files, 
and it has worked quite well.  As far as .mp3 quality, generally I've 
been using pretty low quality files: mono 32 Kbps, 22.05 kHz.

The reason for streaming vs. download/cruddy quality vs. good has to do 
with two factors: 1) Making it easier for people with slow dial up 
connections to access the materials and 2) To discourage unauthorized 
use of the materials.

Admittedly it's not like we're the Beatles here or anything, but 
licensing audio for exhibits, documentaries and other such things is an 
income stream for us.  Anything we can do to help encourage people to 
pay for use of our content helps keep the lights on.

I have toyed with having two streaming options available--one done at a 
higher bitrate, one at a lower, but have not done so yet.

At this point we've only put up excerpts--and at times edited 
excerpts--rather than whole interviews.  This is an issue we're still 
debating.  I lean toward making full interviews available.

Got to go...

andy


--
*********************************
Andy Kolovos
Archivist/Folklorist
Vermont Folklife Center
P.O. Box 442
Middlebury, VT 05753
(802) 388-4964
akolovos @ vermontfolklifecenter.org
http://www.vermontfolklifecenter.org