Now - How to Listen

In a previous post, one of the main features of Balabolka is the ability to create an audio file to listen on your MP3 player or computer.

If you're using your computer, you have many options. One would be the Windows Media Player which is part of the Windows Operating System. Another would be the Video Lan Player.

I use VLC (which initially stood for Video LAN Client) as the default media player for my computer. I use Windows, but the VLC player is also available for LINUX and MAC operating systems. In the time I've been using it, it has opened and played almost every video and audio file I've thrown at it.

The other reason I use VLC – Time Compression

With digital audio and video files, it's possible to play the file faster or slower with very little distortion. Unlike playing a 33 1/3 record at 78 rpm and getting Alvin the Chipmunk, there is very little distortion. (Kids if you didn't understand that last example, talk with your parents/grandparents).

After downloading my podcasts or videos, I usually listen to them at 1½ speed. It takes a few seconds to pick up the slight change in rhythm, but my hearing adjusts and I can compress my listening/viewing time for certain podcasts. If it's information I need to review, I can pause it, slow it down or replay it.

By having the ability to control how I want to listen to the video/podcast, allows me to process more information in less time. 

VLC also has a bookmark feature allowing me to easily mark a passage and jump to it when I'm ready to review or relisten without having to move through the entire file.

BTW, I don't use the speed up technique with music or entertainment videos.

In case you can't use the links.  Here's the link to download if the links above don't work- http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ 

Have fun watching - Time to download and view your favorite TED presentations.