Frequently Asked Questions

What is streaming audio?
The internet allow us to share audio file electronically. The most efficient way to offer our premium audio content is to use streaming audio. This is when a user is actually listening to the audio file while it downloads. Instead of waiting for the entire file to download, and then playing the file, now a user may choose to stream the file and listen to it immediately.* There is no loss of quality or content of the file. They're not any different than when you download the file independently, but by choosing to stream the file, you get to listen to it right now!

What is a SonicMovie™?
A SonicMovie is an Aural Performance™ that has been further enhanced through the use of sound effects and a musical score.

Why is broadband better?
A broadband, or high-speed, internet connection is much better for downloading and streaming MP3 audio files than 56K dialup connections simply because everything works much faster. For example, on a slow 56K dialup modem, at best you may download/stream 1MB in 10 minutes. On a broadband cable, DSL or other high-speed connection, this same 1MB file would take one minute or less!* Obviously more beneficial for internet audio ( and everything else for that matter! )

What are MP3 files?
MP3 files are the best quality consumer-grade audio files that are primed for internet usage and transfer. With all of the multiple audio formats available today, MP3's have stood out above the rest because of their balance of file size and playing quality. For example, for 100% CD quality audio files, called WAV files ( .wav), 1 minute of audio = approximately 10MB - yikes! But with new software widely available, excellent quality is available in MP3 files - at much smaller file sizes. MP3 files average between 3-6MB for an entire CD audio track. The closest in quality to actual CD sound.

WSAPL's MP3 files are a little larger than typical CD music tracks, though. This is because they are much longer in playing time and keep the high quality that we're known for completely intact. Is it worth it? Try out one of the freebies listed on our homepage and see for yourself! We're sure you'll love 'em!

How do I play MP3 files?
All you need is a computer with any of the myriads of different MP3 software players available on the internet. Nearly all are free downloads and you can even pay for an upgrade that will help you to create your own MP3 files! Check out our Tools section for more details on different MP3 players and encoders.

What's an Aural Performance™?
An Aural Performance is an oral performance of a written work enhanced through the craft of our Sonic Story Tellers™ - professional actors who've lent their voices and likenesses to a variety of film, Television & Fortune 500 advertising campaigns.

What's a Living Document™?
A Living Document is a SonicMovie or an Aural Performance of a monumental historical document. Many of which were never delivered orally, even in their time. Through voice, emotion, music, sound effects . . . the true meaning of those works are brought to life, allowing the listener in a sense to aurally time travel and feel the significance of those words then and now.