Number 202 - March 2000

Express Your Personal Creativity MP3 Music Revolution
from Hewlett Packard Website
"You say you want a revolution, well you know, we all want to change the world." (Lennon and McCartney, 1968)     A music revolution has occurred in the form of MP3. Simply put, MP3 is digitized music that you can download from the Internet. Using a standard file format, it compresses music files into near-CD-quality music that can be downloaded in minutes and instantly played on your PC. You, the Record Producer     This gives you the ability to mix your own CD using the music you like best. If you want Frank Sinatra all day, all the time, the choice is yours. You ARE the record producer.     Many online companies offer MP3 music for free (services and availability range). Generally, you can find the music you want organized by genre or by recording artist, with additional recommendations to expand your horizons. A New Venue For Recording Artists     Many well-known recording artists are embracing this new technology. Several have released singles exclusively on MP3 in order to appeal to their fans. It broadens their fan base and gives you the newest releases sooner.     MP3 Web sites also give artists an opportunity to voice their opinions on the music business, promote their concert tours, and make personal playlist recommendations--connecting you directly to your favorite musicians. HP's Musical Contribution     HP is at the forefront of this revolution. The latest HP Pavilion 8500 Series PCs have the ability to make music CDs. Here are the facts:      The built-in HP CD-Writer Plus gives you the ability to make your own customized audio CDs.      MusicMatch Digital Music Jukebox software--included on the latest HP Pavilion 8500 Series PCs--lets you record, organize and play digital music.      To get started, you also get 10 free music title downloads from EMusic.com.	The Things You Can Do with MP3 Music     Listen to music in ways you never thought possible:      Play music while working on the computer--it will inspire your creativity.      Turn your PC into a jukebox. Just in time for holiday parties, your PC becomes the DJ.      If Backstreet Boys' love songs raise your heart rate, check out hand-held portable players like the Diamond Rio (sold at hpshopping.com). While you're working out at the gym, you can groove to a selection of your own tunes. Finding Your Favorite Tunes     Some great places to start:      EMusic.com      MP3.com      MP3now.com      RioPort.com      Liquidaudio.com Fast Forward to the Future     In very short order, MP3 music will move beyond the computer and hand-held portable players. Soon you'll be able to listen to customized playlists on your home stereo system, CD players and car stereo system.     What are you waiting for? Get into the new music groove!
Number 202 - March 2000