Firm Foundations (Children's edition) | The Bible League | Category:Audio-visual Products | Bold Believers in Ukraine | Using "Jungle Doctor" Stories | Digital Audio Player
Digital Audio Player
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
A Digital Audio Player (DAP) is a device containing a microchip which stores and plays digital audio files.
Description
Some DAPs also allow the sorting of files. A DAP is more commonly referred to as an MP3 player because that format is so commonly found. But DAPs often play many additional file formats.
Some formats are proprietary, such as MP3, Windows Media Audio (WMA), and Advanced Audio Codec (AAC). These formats also may incorporate restrictive digital rights management (DRM) technology, such as WMA DRM. Other formats are completely patent-free or otherwise open, such as Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, and Speex (all part of the Ogg open multimedia project). Adapted from Wikipedia
Strengths of Digital Audio Players
- Conveniently replays and scrolls through the message.
- Cannot change or erase audio content.
- Allows more flexibility in the scrolling system than cassettes.
- Has optional rechargeable batteries and a built-in solar panel.
- Needs no additional equipment, as player and message are one.
- Needs lower maintenance over cassette (no moving parts).
- Is water resistant.
- Can have varying audio message lengths. A single player can hold short messages as well as the entire Scriptures.
Considerations
- Regarding the distribution of the microchip players:
- How will the players be distributed?
- Who will distribute the players?
- What will the players cost? Individual players may be more expensive than cassette players.
- Recording locally encourages enthusiasm about the program, fosters wider ownership, and exposes people to the message.
- Productions using local people are often better received than those recorded by professional outside artists.
- Can be used with read-along books, shell books, storybooks, and songbooks.
- Can be used as an oral Bible.
Limitations
- Digital audio players may require some training on the use of the player.
- User needs to learn to use the scrolling system.
- Batteries will eventually need to be replaced unless DAP is solar-powered.
- Small internal speaker limits volume.
- The microchips cannot be produced locally. They must be imported.
- Sophisticated equipment (approx. $700 for MegaVoice Ambassador) is required to program the players.
- Changing audio programs will require the production of another microchip, and then replacing the microchip in current players.
- Replacing the digital audio program with another will require that the players be gathered together to install the new chip. The logistics involved to install a new microchip may make purchasing new players more advantageous.
Guidelines for Use
- Define the objective(s) of the program.
- Incorporate digital audio players into a planned media program. It should complement, enhance, and reinforce the message of storybooks, Scripture readings, dramas and video programs. Determine the best mix of music, narration, drama, etc., for the intended audience.
