The THOMSON mp3PRO Audio Player application supports playback and encoding of mp3PRO and mp3 digital audio files. The demo version of the software allows for playback of both mp3 and mp3PRO formats at every available bit rate. The new mp3PRO format offers significantly improved audio quality over a wide range of bit rates. However, the encoder integrated in this demo application is restricted to generating mp3PRO files at a data rate of 64kbps from a standard 44.1kHz stereo .wav input file. Products with full mp3PRO encoding functionality will allow a broad variety of encoder configurations, including higher compression (48 kbps and below for stereo) and higher bit rates offering enhanced audio bandwidth (>= 20 kHz) and quality. This software does not include CD audio ripping capabilities, so CD audio data must first be stored as the .wav format and then converted to the new mp3PRO format using the previously described encoder. Be on the lookout for mp3PRO support and advanced functionality such as CD ripping in all of your favorite mp3 software and hardware very soon though.
For more information about the mp3PRO Digital Audio format please visit Coding Technologies on the Internet.
For more information about this application please visit THOMSON multimedia on the Internet.