CAF (Core Audio Format) is an audio container file format that Apple devices use to store and playback audio files. Commercial audio software such as Soundtrack Pro and Logic Studio use CAF to store libraries of sound effects and other audio elements. CAF files store many different audio formats and metadata tracks in a single file and are virtually unlimited in size, allowing them to store large amounts of data. Generally, Apple QuickTime accesses CAF files, but other commercial software may support them. What is MP3? MP3 (MPEG-1 Part 3), Read More

Over the past several years, the popularity of MP4 formatted music and video files has continued to increase. All iDevices to include the iPhone, iPad, and iPod support playback of the MP4 format as well as the Sony Playstation Portable. As a result, a common task that arises for consumers is converting legacy MP3 formatting music to MP4. Once a music track is converted, it can then be used on any device supporting the MP4 format. Steps to Convert MP3 to MP4 With iTunes Step 1– Download, install, and launch Read More

A BIN file is a type of data file that can be used for a wide variety of applications. BIN files are similar to CUE and ISO files, but are used in a slightly different way. A BIN or “binary” file is a combination of a word processing file and a data file, allowing applications to save information in this format. While a wide variety of software use BIN files, they are also found in the Windows Registry and can contain viruses. Therefore, a BIN file should never be opened Read More

The MKV (Matroska Multimedia Container) format is an open standers container format that is designed to store an unlimited number of audio, video, or image files inside of one container file. The format is similar to MP4 and AVI, but based on open specifications and implementations. Similar to early implementations of the MP4 format, the final letter in the file extension for the MK format connotes the type of content stored with MKV storing primarily video, MKA audio, and MKS subtitles. The project was originally started in late 2002 as Read More

Zune is the Microsoft designed and produced portable music and media player and a major competitor to the Apple iPod. The default Zune media format is the proprietary .WMA format designed by Microsoft; however, the player also support replay of MP3 audio files. A common task that arises for Zune users is to convert Zune files to MP3 for use on Apple and other media play-back products. The freely available iTunes and Windows Media Player applications can Convert Zune Files to MP3 (iTunes) Step 1– If the iTunes player is Read More

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a word processing file format that allows users to compile information in the form of an electronic book. PDF files are ideal for manuals, manuscripts, novels, and similar documents that are digitally distributed via the Internet. PDF files allow readers to jump to specific pages and chapters and scroll through pages as they are presented. PDF files also allow authors to highlight text, change fonts and font sizes, and insert notes, tables, etc. PDF files can be accessed via Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, and a Read More

The AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) media format is the default music encoding for the iTunes media player. AAC is a higher quality format than the legacy MP3 format and has the ability to provide up to 48 channels of audio while being capable of supporting a greater frequency range than the MP3 format. A common task for consumers is to convert MP3 to AAC format to support play-back on iDevices such as iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Convert MP3 to AAC Using iTunes Step 1 – Launch the iTunes media application Read More

A WPS file is a word processing file created with Microsoft Works, a word processor discontinued in 2010. Microsoft Works was the primary default word processing software for the Windows Operating System before Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office applications were released. While Microsoft Works was similar to Microsoft Word, it lacked many of Microsoft Word’s advanced features such as spell check, highlighting, font colors, tables, ClipArt, and layout options. Because of this, WPS files are rare and are usually converted into DOC, DOCX, or another word processing format. What Read More

Although video content stored in DVD format is high quality, it is saved uncompressed and bloated in size. Additionally, a single DVD movie will typically be saved in a number of files that require the device playing the content to be capable of direct DVD playback. A common task that arises for end-users is converting DVD to MPEG format in order to save hard drive space and support play-back on portable multi-media devices. The conversion task can be accomplished using commercial or open source software such as the DVDx project. Read More

The M4A music or track file extension is the default Apple file extension used for music stored in MP4 format on the iTunes multimedia player. Apple deployed the file extension in order to allow iDevices to more quickly recognize what type of MP4 file was being loaded (video or audio) in order to create a faster load time and better end-user experience when playing music stored in this format. For users who have one or many songs store in the legacy MP3 format, a common task that arises is converting Read More