We produce audio clips for web sites in RealAudio®, Windows Media®, QuickTime® and/or MP3 formats. The format you choose will depend on your web site needs, audience, type of audio (i.e. voice, music or sound effects) and how the audio will be delivered. All clients will receive audio clips in at least two formats. We'll help you decide which formats are best for you.
Why are the audio clips so short?
What is the difference between streaming and non-streaming audio?
Can audio clips be added to any web site?
Will my ISP or web manager charge me additional fees?
Can I create clips using pre-recorded audio?
What if I want music or sound effects?
What if I want studio quality audio and a voice talent?
Will my audio clips be accessible?
Where can I go to get free audio software?
Why are the audio clips so short? Wouldn't it be better to deliver more information at one time? Top
Perhaps ... but considering the attention span of most web visitors, you'll have about 30 to 60 seconds to get your message across. If your visitors like what they hear, they'll click for more. "Clicking and listening" makes your site more interactive and will make visitors stay longer on your web site.
Most important! Short, voice-only audio clips contain less data, take less time to download and can be delivered without a media server. The smaller the clip ... the shorter the wait.
What is the difference between streaming and non-streaming audio? and what do "servers" do? Top
Streaming and non-streaming audio refers to HOW the audio is delivered to your computer. With streaming audio, once you activate the player, there is only a few seconds delay before you begin hearing the audio. You are able to listen at the same time the data is being streamed into your computer. With non-streaming audio you must wait until the data completely downloads before you can begin listening.
Streaming audio requires your ISP to have special "media server" to deliver or "serve up" the data. The two main advantages of streaming audio are that you can begin listening immediately and you can deliver larger audio files from your web site. The disadvantage is that ISPs typically charge an additional monthly fee for this service if they offer it.
Non-streaming audio can be delivered via your ISP's standard "http server" so there are no additional hosting fees. However, non-streaming audio is only effective if the audio files are small. The time it takes for an audio file to download depends on the size of the file and the speed of the visitor's internet connection.
NOTE: All audio clips produced by audioeclips can be delivered by both media servers and http servers. If you have a longer audio product you'd like to feature on your web site, please let us know when you contact us.
Can audio clips be added to any web site? Top
Most web sites can accomodate audio clips, but some automated "do-it-yourself" sites use software that may not be compatible with every audio format. When you contact us, please let us know if you have an automated site and we'll help you determine if audio is an option for you.
Will my ISP charge me additional fees to add audio clips to my web site? What about my web designer or web manager? Top
You will not have to pay your ISP additional fees unless your ISP has a media server and you choose to stream your audio. Since audioeclips are short, you will not need to stream your audio.
If you manage your web site, then the only cost of adding the audio clips is the time you'll spend uploading the audio files to your server and inserting the necessary coding. We provide step-by-step instructions, speaker images and all the necessary coding. We are also available for troubleshooting.
If you depend on your web designer or ISP to make additions or changes to your web site, you may be charged an additional fee.
Can I create audio clips using pre-recorded audio? Top
Yes! Audioeclips can be produced for your web site using excerpts from previously recorded audio taken from company sales tapes and videos, training tapes, lectures, seminars, speeches, audiobooks, demo tapes, oral histories, museum audio tours, radio ads, records and CDs. You must own the copyright or have written permission to reproduce a specific copyrighted audio product. Ask about our rates for creating eclips from pre-recorded audio when you "Request a Quote."
What if I want music or sound effects on my web site? Top
We can provide sound effects and royalty-free music for your web site, including sound for web sites that feature Flash animation. Fees for music and sound effects are extra. Here are the libraries we use:
Music Production Libraries: Omni Music, Aircraft Music, Killer Tracks, Who Did That Music?, Opus 1 and Tune Edge
Sound Effects Libraries: Network, Hollywood Edge, The Edge Edition, Sound Ideas, The Sound Designer Tool Kit and Animal Trax
What if I want studio quality audio and a professional voice talent? Top
For state-of-the-art audio recording services, we use the Production Block Studios in Austin Texas. We also work directly with DB Talent, an Austin agency representing national talents, to help you find the right voice for your web site. However, we believe that 'real people' audio can be just as, if not more, effective . . . particularly on the web. First try a few clips using your voice or the voices of your associates. If you're not satisfied, then we'll be happy to design a special production package just for you.
Will my audio clips be accessible? Top
We can provide a text transcription of your audio clip that can be placed adjacent to your audio clip links. We also recommend that one of your audio formats be Real Media®, as the Real player is the easiest player to operate using a keyboard.
Where can I go to get free audio software and more information about RealPlayer®, Windows MediaPlayer® and QuickTime®? Top
Windows Media® Player
Questions? FAQs site and Error Code Page.
RealMedia® Player.
Download the FREE RealOne Player or
Real Player Basic 8
Questions? Knowledge Base.
QuickTime®
Questions? FAQs site.
Want to know more about MP3 files? Check out this web site.
