Q What's the latest thing in music-playing technology

A. There is always a big noise made about 'new technology', but broadly speaking, the new formats fall into two categories�-�mini-discs, and MP3s.

�< xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Q. So vinyl really is a thing of the past then

A. Not at all. The rise of dance music ensures a healthy interest in 12" vinyl singles, and plenty of album buffs maintain that vinyl provides a warmth and depth of sound that's missing in digital reproduction. Don't be put off by taunts of being 'old-fashioned', if you still enjoy your vinyl collection, why not mix and match your formats

�

Q. Is it true that recordable CDs are available now

A. It is true. There are two basic formats:�the recordable CD, which can be used once only, and retails for around �3; and the 're-writable' CD, which allows you to record over and over on the same disc, and is correspondingly more expensive�- around �13 per disc. These can be used to make copies from other CDs, or to download music files from the Internet.

�

Q. Do I have any other choices

A. There is still the evergreen cassette tape that is the mainstay of home recording. The fact is, un-successful formats in sound production die out, just like any other unsuccessful invention�- remember the eight-track cartridge Cassettes have stood the test of time because they are portable, durable, easy to use, and most importantly, universal, you can take and use them anywhere.

�

Q. So cassette tapes are still the best alternative to CDs

A. They have a proven track record, but after a slow start, mini-discs are finally starting to take off. The mini-disc combines the portability and durability of a cassette with the higher-grade sound quality of a CD. The disc resembles a computer floppy disc, and is tough enough to handle travelling and other less gentle handling. Players are comparably priced with CD decks, and the discs are under �2 for more than an hour of music. The editing facilities are pretty clever.�You can move tracks around, and take them off the disc and close the gap with the tracks either side.�You can insert new tracks between existing selections on the disc which avoids tiresome re-recording. For the listener who wants convenience and good sound, this is the option to take seriously.

�

Q. There's a lot of talk about music on the Internet, what's that all about

A. It's really about the revolution that the worldwide web has brought to music, along with everything else. Someone hit on the bright idea of allowing web users to enter each other's PC memories and copy files containing music, known as MP3 files, free of charge. The idea is massively popular, and continues while a legal argument about copyright payments to musicians is sorted out.

Q. But isn't portability the key to success in music reproduction

A. It is, and the latest piece of technology to edge its way onto the high street is a portable MP3 player, to enable you to take your home collection of files off your PC and carry them with you.

�

Q. So that will kill off cassettes, mini-discs, CD's and everything else then

A. Probably not. Following the same trend as most other new and revolutionary inventions, portable MP3 players are too expensive at the moment (�300 plus) for the average high-street shopper to acquire one, but within twelve months, the prices�should come down, and the interest will go up. Eventually MP3's will slot into place alongside the existing formats described previously.

�

Q. What if people can't be bothered with three or four different ways of recording, storing and playing music

A. The important thing is to choose the format that suits your taste and bank balance�- anything else is just a gimmick, and you don't have to get involved with it if it doesn't do the job for you. Music is the important thing,�how you deliver it is a matter of choice, the choice is just a little wider these days, thanks to modern technology.

�

If you have any other questions to ask about music, click here.

�

By Andy Hughes