Sunday, November 8, 2009

MP3 or Mpeg?

MP3 or MPEG – ½ Layer 3 is a method of compressing audio files so they are small enough to send over the Internet. Because of the great portability options of MP3, it is the most common file format used when uploading, download, and sharing files over the Internet.

Yet despite its increasing popularity, the practice is not without its downside. A lot have questioned the legality of sharing copyrighted files on the Internet which gave a bad name to MP3. But the format itself remains unquestionable when it comes to integrity. It’s the people who make illegal copies of copyrighted digital materials who make it look bad. Fortunately, though, recent modifications have been added to the Intellectual Property Laws so that digital files are also covered by copyright. So now, to share or to download MP3 files online, and more specifically on legal websites, is no longer an illegal act.

Below are some examples of sites where you can download MP3 without question on legality.

Download MP3s at Amazon.com

Amazon.com is not only about books. Here you can find a special area where you can download MP3 for free and completely without charge. The site features music from different artists spanning across many genres, including Alternative, Indie, Punk, Blues, Broadway, Children’s Music, Christian, Classical, Country, Dance, Folk, International, Jazz, Latin, New Age, Opera, Pop, Rap, Hip Hop, Rock, R’n’B, Soundtracks, and more. The site also supports new or unsigned artists who are looking for ways to showcase their musical talents. So at this site, you not only download MP3s but you upload your own MP3 files as well and then get paid for it, using the “virtual tip jar.”

Download MP3s eMusic.com

One of the largest online music stores is eMusic.com. The site does not come for free. However, if you sign up with them and pay the one time fee, you can download MP3s numbering by the thousands. Before you ever have to pay anything, the site lets you get up to 50 MP3s completely for free and if you don’t like the service, you can just terminate your account before you get charged.

Download MP3s at IUMA.com

IUMA.com is one of the oldest websites where you can download MP3 music for free. The site is a virtual portal of music from unsigned musicians and Independent artists. At this site, you can get free and unlimited access to undiscovered music from raw and new talents. Quench your thirst for Indie music when you download MP3s from IUMA.com

Download MP3s from GarageBand.com

Another source of Independent music is GarageBand.com. Here you can download MP3s from the best known Independent artists. The site has recently partnered itself with MSN music to bring Indie music to more people. In this way, it is very likely that GarageBand has realized the full potential of the Internet’s role in bringing music right to your desktop.

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