Most downloads come in the MP3 format. MP3 refers to the
type of computer file used to contain the music. It is pretty well recognized that MP3 files do not have the best audio
quality at the sampling rates commonly used. Artists complain all the time about having the quality of their music
downgraded by this process - they spend lots of time and effort in the studio making the sound as rich and dynamic as
possible, only to have it "squashed" and cheapened when converted into an MP3. Also, we've heard from some of our members
that they have installed sophisticated digital jukeboxes in their homes, and that these high fidelity systems cannot use
MP3 files at all. These systems require that you load music into them from CDs.
There are other types of computer files starting to be used for music downloads (e.g., AAC, AIFF, WAV), and there is
currently the same kind of product competition over this issue that once raged in the video world between the Betamax
and VHS video tape systems. This debate is guaranteed to continue for some time. And even then, developments in
technology will surely produce other formats in the future for storing and using music in a digital format. The
bottom line is that buying a CD gets you music in a permanent, top quality format that you can then use in any way you need it.
You can load it on your IPod, play it in your car, copy it onto your computer and have it for use in the future when some
new gadget comes along.
Downloads (at least those from legal sites) generally have restrictions on how the files can be used ("tethers",
limitations on copying, etc.). Owning a CD gives you the freedom to use your music any way you want to. You can use
the tracks in "mixes" you create for yourself or your friends and can copy them and load them onto any equipment you have
without worrying about restrictions placed on the file.
How many times have you heard horror stories about computers and hard drives crashing, losing for their owners all their
"stuff", whether it's an address book, calendar or music library? Sure, we all know we're supposed to back everything up,
but lots of us aren't as diligent as we should be about actually doing it. If this kind of calamity happens to you, you
won't have to worry about your music library if you still have your CDs from which to rebuild it.
Some people complain that CDs - or more specifically the plastic "jewel boxes" in which they are packaged - take up too
much space. If this is an issue for you, there are many storage devices on the market that enable you to lose the jewel
box and keep only the disc (or the disc and the booklet) in a very compact way. By using these devices one can store
hundreds of CDs in a fraction of the space they would take up if left in the jewel boxes.
Artists spend a lot of time and energy on the packaging that comes with their CD, especially the CD booklet. They want
to share information on the inspiration for the music, the recording process and their careers. Lyrics are often provided
to be enjoyed, and information on the musicians and other recording personnel who contributed to the making of the album
are there for reference. The photography and other graphics in the package are all carefully designed to compliment the
music. Very often they are an indispensable element of the artist's creation - putting the music into a context and
providing background information that complete and enrich the experience. Especially when discovering new artists, having the
complete CD package is very worthwhile.
