Cassette Tape Program Conversion: For years we have been successfully using cassette tapes. Over the past several years we have been evaluating the costs and labor involved in our current process. The MP3 format has become a de facto industry standard and many technologies now fully support this format, such as home CD/DVD/MP3 players, new car audio systems and portable players. We recently sent out a survey to all our cassette tape program subscribers to gather needed information about the possibility of converting to MP3. Based on the positive response we believe we can successfully change to MP3 with minimal impact. While many of our current cassette tape program subscribers already own some sort of MP3 playing device, those who do not currently have this technology can acquire an MP3 player at a reasonable cost.

We are in the process of testing both low and high-end MP3 playing devices, starting with a basic player that sells for $25 at Wal-Mart. As we test some of these devices, we will make the information available here in case it would be of help in choosing a player.

RealAudio to MP3 Conversion: We have provided our messages on the website in the RealAudio format for some time now. However, some have requested the MP3 format since it is more readily portable than RealAudio. To minimize manpower requirements and technical issues we will soon begin uploading MP3 files instead of RealAudio files. Please note that individual file sizes will increase in size with the MP3 format, from about 2MB (RealAudio) to about 4-5MB (MP3) per message.

Distribution: The current tape program mailings require four cassette tapes per subscriber. We will be able to provide the same number messages on a single CD with room to spare. Using a single CD will significantly reduce postage costs and manpower required to print and apply labels, duplicate tapes, etc. There will also be a significant cost savings in the envelopes required.

If you are not currently subscribed to our monthly sermon mailings, you are welcome to sign up. Just send us an email with your name and physical mailing address. If you have concerns about the conversion program please send an email with your questions or comments.

FAQ''s:

When do you plan to stop sending out cassettes tapes and change to the MP3 CD format?

August 2005 is currently planned to be the last cassette tape mailing. The first MP3 CD mailing started September 2005.

I don't currently have an MP3 player. What kind should I purchase?

A wide variety of devices is available for playing MP3 CDs. We plan to test several units and provide information here in case you would find it helpful in choosing a device. In general, the MP3s provided both on the website and in the monthly mailings should work on all MP3 players. We will make every attempt to provide media, formats, etc., that will have the best chance of functioning properly for the greatest number of devices. MP3 players with CD support are readily available at a reasonable cost. Both the Walkman type portable players and stereo “boom box” units are available at affordable prices.

We would like to use the MP3 CD in a small group format.

Nearly all portable MP3 devices have a headphone output that can be connected to simple computer speakers. Computer speakers can be purchased inexpensively and are and very adequate for small group settings.

Current MP3 Audio CD Details...

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