Shinco 8320 DVD/VCD/SVCD/MP3 Player - Page 5

Mp3 Tests:
We tested Shinco 8320 Player will all available Mp3 encoding modes,Constant Bitrate (CBR) and Variable Bitrate (VBR). For media we used Princo 74 & 80min , Yamaha 74min CDR-W and BTC 74min CDR-W.

Software Used:
Ripper/Encoder: AudioCatalyst v2.1 (Audiograbber & Xing Encoder)
Encoding modes: Constant Bit Rate (CBR - 16, 24, 32, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, 320 kbits), and Variable Bit Rate (VBR -96, 112, 160, 192 kbits)
Recording media: Princo 74 & 80min CDR, Yamaha 74min CDR-W (4x), BTC 74min CDR-W (2x) and Ricoh 74min CDR-W (2x).
Recording software: Nero Burning Rom v4.0.7.5. We created several MP3 CDs, with files either in the root directory and sub-directories or both.

Test Results:

MP3 Tests' Findings
Shinco 8320 Player seems to support most Mp3 (CBR&VBR) modes. It refused to play 12, 24, 32kbits (CBR) & 96kbits Mp3 Files. However this is not a problem since most mp3 files are encoded avove 128kbits (CBR) and 112 (VBR) for near CD quality..

You can see the file names of MP3 files on your TV screen (only 8 characters, ISO-9660 format) move around sub-directories and play files. Playback options include repeat and pitch control, but not A-B repeat (this is available only for Audio CDs and DVDs).

Some other remarks: The Mp3 decoding circuitry seemed to be a first generation thing, because it's plagued by various minor or major problems, so it would be safe to consider this capability only as an added partial bonus to the DVD player. It's safe to say however, that assuming you use Princo or other compatible cd-media, most of your mp3's will be played...

Techical Reference:                                                 (Source AudioCatalyst Manual)

What is Constant Bitrate (CBR) Encoding?
Constant Bitrate Encoding is a method that ensures a consistent bitrate throughout an encoded file at the expense of audio quality and/or Encoder efficiency. The Encoder allocates the same number of bits to difficult sections (for example, sections containing a relatively wide stereo separation), and easy sections (for example, sections containing silence or a relatively narrow stereo separation). As a result, difficult sections may suffer quality degradation while easy sections may include unused bits.

When to Use Constant Bitrate (CBR) Encoding
Use CBR encoding when you need to limit the size of the MP3 file or produce consistent and predictable file sizes.

Constant Bitrate (CBR) Encoding Benefits
CBR encoding produces MP3 file sizes that are easily predicted by multiplying the bitrate by the Duration.

What is Variable Bitrate (VBR) Encoding?
Variable Bitrate encoding is a method that ensures consistently high audio quality throughout an encoded file by making intelligent bit-allocation decisions during the encoding process based on a scale you set in the XingMP3 Encoder settings dialog. When the Encoder encounters difficult sections in the audio source (for example, sections containing a relatively wide stereo separation), it allocates additional bits to that section, ensuring the audio quality.

When the Encoder encounters easy sections (for example, sections containing silence or a relatively narrow stereo separation), it allocates fewer bits to the section, reducing unused bits.  As a result, your MP3 file consists of variable bitrates throughout the file because the Encoder puts the bits where they are most needed.

When to Use Variable Bitrate (VBR) Encoding
VBR encoding was developed for use when consistent audio quality is the top priority and constant or predictable encoded MP3 file size is not critical.