It's certainly no secret lately that audio and video are being used on the internet in increasing amounts— and in a variety of ways. We've all heard the hype over the MP3 format and it's use for music, but the potential of various formats of audio and video on the net have created many new opportunities outside of the music industry. Audio is one of the simplest ways to add true multimedia content to a web page or to a wireless service. When used effectively, audio can add another dimension to all of your information. Audio content can make your web pages much more accessible and useful to people who have problems seeing, as well as appealing to a broader audience that prefers multiple sensory information. It's not often that exciting and entertaining developments that come to the web also turn out to be really useful, but audio-based content has proven to be all of that and so much more.

If you've heard or watched any material over the web lately, chances are you've experienced some form of audio-based content. Several web content providers are using various technologies to provide material to people visiting their sites because it is quite arguably the most cost effective way to communicate well-structured, detailed information to a much broader audience. For example, news media sites offer audio segments from their coverage of current events, Hollywood studios let you watch trailers for upcoming releases, corporations deliver on-demand staff training and vendors provide commercials promoting their products.

So what exactly is Audio UPBEAT about? It's all of the latest celebrity entertainment news you've come to know and love in a clever, hip and oh so sophisticated audio-based format. It's been referred to as 'Talk Soup' for entertainment news. Narrated at times by high profile actresses Adrienne Wilkinson, recently seen on the UPN sitcom, 'As If' (Nikki), she previously completed work on the Internationally syndicated series ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ playing Eve, the daughter of Xena. Touted as one of the most widely watched television shows in the world–– with loyal viewers in more than 140 countries; 'Xena' introduced the world to this dynamic leading lady... and our pal Sonia Satra, who has successfully starred in contract roles on the critically acclaimed CBS Daytime Drama ‘Guiding Light’ as well as the ABC Daytime Drama, ‘One Life To Live’. She recently served as executive producer, securing all of the name talent, on the film, ‘Pride and Loyalty’, filmed on location throughout New York City. Sonia also starred opposite Oscar winning actor James Coburn in the feature film, ‘Intrepid’ and played the lead role of British bad girl Fiona in the Indie film ‘Hyacinth’.

Audio UPBEAT offers a number of advantages to traditional methods of providing this content, including— Easy access to content— you provide a link on your web site and your clients can easily view Audio UPBEAT content at their convenience using free, pop-up software. Faster content delivery to your audience— your video and audio starts playing quickly because streamed content doesn't need to be downloaded to the computer first. Improved content quality— the Audio UPBEAT player is designed specifically for delivering audio content. The possibilities are almost endless. Once some of these potential uses are embraced, the question arises: How can my company utilize this product and where can we get the answers and the assistance we need to implement these new ideas? As with any technology field, there is a great deal of complexity to the options available in creating web-based audio and video content. Anyone wanting to make best use of it should seek the advice of an expert for guidance. But here are a few of the questions your company or webmaster may have...

Can companies maintain both Audio and Video and have it appear as if it is on their sites— without dealing with the technical aspects?
UPBEAT "Absolutely. The link will appear on their web site just like any other local feature, while the material plays from our servers in such a manner that is completely transparent to the end user."

What is "Bandwidth Negotiation"? Why is it important?
UPBEAT "Bandwidth Negotiation technology is the process by which we create multiple versions of the same material. In most cases we create three versions of each audio/video piece. Each version is set up to best suit either a 28.8k modem, a 56k modem or a cable/T1/DSL connection. When someone wants to view and/or listen they will see and hear the version that is best suited to their system. Therefore, if you have a 28.8 modem you will get the version that best suits a 28.8 modem (which minimizes your wait time). If you have the fastest connection available you will see and hear the best quality audio and video available— with NO download time!"

For easy-to-understand no nonsense answers to all of your company's specific audio needs... or perhaps just a wee bit of creative inspiration as to the limitless possibilities of multimedia content for your business, please feel free to email us at upbeatmag@aol.com

CLICK BELOW FOR REAL AUDIO/MP3 SAMPLES

2/29/08	2/29/08
3/28/08	3/28/08