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Never having used any sort of desktop audio player, I decided to download a few and see which one I liked best. It seems strange to me now that I never explored this capability, as it really is pretty nice to be able to listen to music that originates from my desktop (via Internet/Radio or CD)! I guess I was pretty much set in my ways thinking that music comes from my little boom box, but now that I can record playlists which include music that I don't have to buy, and also be able to listen to radio stations from all over the world, and all of this while I'm typing up INLS 181 assignments, I think my opinions have changed.
I've also learned some new vocabulary... Streaming, for example, is the transmission of audio, video, or multimedia files across the internet from a server to a player client without waiting for the entire file to download; instead it is buffered, so that as the file begins to play, it can't be interrupted by traffic on the Internet which would result in breaks in the file while it's playing. A playlist can include songs from CD, MP3s, which compress the sound file making it easier to send across the internet, WMAs which are windows media formatted files, or any other kind of audio file or video file. There are many places on the internet that allow you to legally download MP3s from independent artists, for example, Radio Free World or Yahoo Broadcast. These, however, require either RealPlayer or Windows Media Player. Playlists can be randomized to create a mix, and can be saved to hard drives and CDroms.
I suppose the target audience that these desktop audio player software creators varies. This software is targeted at several groups of people. First, at those who wish to extend their access to radio; to break away from traditional local radio and be able to listen in on the world. Second, to those interested in "streaming" all of their favorite songs/video into their PC, instead of having to go out and buy them. And third, to people interested in broadcasting their "station," by sharing their own MP3 playlist with the rest of the internet world.
The software I will compare for this assignment are Windows Media Player and Destiny Media Player for PCs. At first, I was going to compare Windows Media Player with RealPlayer. I explored them both and decided that their capabilities were basically equal and that they were almost interchangeable, except for the fact that RealPlayer has a bunch of links displayed on their "skin" to different news sites (Windows Media Player also has a web search capablity, it's just not in your face), which is convenient if you like to get your news that way. I have a preference for Windows Media Player (why? because of Toothy Skin). Windows Media Player came already installed in my CCI computer (which I'm embarrassed to say but will anyway, I did not know, so I downloaded it again!), and Destiny Media Player was available for download from the CNET Music Center.
RealPlayer and Windows Media Player are very different from Destiny Media Player in that not only do they offer audio/video capabilities but also links to news forums on line. Real Player, for example, has parterned with many news sites which can be easily accessed while connected to the Internet, and something called Take Five, which with a click in the morning you can get access to headline and breaking news stories.
I tested the software by creating my own playlist on each, using the "streaming" method, as well as using songs from my own CDs, and also by investigating radio stations offered as "presets" in the software, and radio stations that were possible to access using the software. I did not test broadcasting capabilities, as it is not something I am interested in.
Destiny Media Player may have it's good points (and I say may), but just does not meet Windows Media Player's standards. To begin with, for someone who really has no idea how to use this type of software (me, when I began), Windows Media Player has a killer Help Section which explains very clearly how to do everything that the software is capable of doing.
In making my Playlist on Windows Media Player, I did not have to consult the Help Pages very much; it was very simple. I ended up with 10 of my favorite tunes, 4 of which I got from searching through links provided (Yahoo Broadcast, Radio Free World, WindowsMedia.com), and a few video clips. This is also easy, the important step being to add music and video files to the Media Library right away because it is much more convenient this way than having to search files later since everything which goes into the playlist must come from the Media Library.
I found it more difficult to create my Playlist on Destiny Media Player. The only Help they offer is on line, which is kind of a pain. Also, I was not able (or not able to figure out, I'm still not sure) to use the links on the internet which were so useful with Windows Media Player. Also, video is not an option with Destiny's software. On my playlist, all songs were either from my own CDs or from their pre-installed playlist, which I liked because it has the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
As far as Radio and Internet Radio options go on the software tested, once again Destiny Media Player is lacking. In fact, the only radio accessible is internet radio through the RadioDestiny Network. There are some interesting channels. I was particulary interested in Spanish language channels, missing my radio in Spain...there were a few. Also one in German. I really was not too impressed.
Windows Media Player, on the other hand, gives access not only to internet radio, but also to AM and FM from all over the world. I was able to get "my" station (punto radio) from Spain using WindowsMedia.com which has a browser based radio that gives both national and international AM/FM stations as well as Internet streaming audio!! which made me very happy. It is now on one of my playlists, so I can listen while I'm connected to the internet. I can listen to BBC Espana while my grandmother across the Atlantic is falling asleep to it.
No doubt that Windows Media Player takes this one. Not only can you use this software to view and record streaming downloads or to pick up radio stations from the Internet, but you can also use it to view film and videos that are available on the Internet. I do have to say that sometimes when I'm listening to radio stations, AM or FM mostly, they do not come in well at all. And I don't think that I would ever use this software to view movies, then again I didn't think I would ever use it to download or listen to music.
Another useful sevice that Windows Media Player software provides is the ability to copy your music to a portable device. The media files that can be used with a portable device to copy or convert are Windows Media (.wma and .asf), Windows (.wav), and Motion Picture Experts Group-MPEG (.mp3). Destiny Media Player's software does not have this capability.
Hmmm....not hard to guess what I would recommend. Windows Media Player is fun to fool around with, waste a little time on, and it's very nice to compile playlists to type to. I think the best thing about it is the radio access it gives you, and if you pre-set your favorite stations, it's so easy. For those who want to explore radio stations in other countries, or around the United States, or who miss their favorite station at home, I think Windows Media Player is the best, although it is unfortunate you have to be connected to listen- but if you have to be connected, why not listen?
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