MP4(m4a, m4b, m4p) and MP3 File Formats

MP4 is the filename extension for MPEG-4 Part 14 files. It's a multimedia container to store audio and video streams with subtitles information. Almost any kind of data can be embedded in MP4. MP4 was extended from Apple's QuickTime MOV format. Devices that play MP4 files are referred to as MP4 players. Apple Inc. started using and popularizing the .m4a file extension. Basically, there are no typical differences between M4P and M4A.

We shall learn these various file extensions derived from the standard mp4 format:

m4a: extension for audio-only MP4 files.

m4p: MP4 files encrypted by FairPlay DRM as sold through Tunes Store use .m4p extension.

m4b: Audiobook files usually use the .m4b extension; some audiobook files use m4a extension. m4b file has bookmark feature.

m4v:MP4 files with audio and video use .mp4 or .m4v extensions, occasionally .mp4v.

3gp: 3gp is a simplified version of mp4 designed for mobile phones application.

M4P is for the DRM protected content in iTunes Store, while m4a is for the DRM-free, unprotected content.

iTunes: Owned by Apple, the iTunes store set the pattern for a la carte music shopping and still reigns king over the customer base. iTunes has sold more than 5 billion songs to date, and it offers excellent integration with the world's best-selling MP3 player, the iPod. It's catalog contains more than 8 million songs as well as a variety of podcasts, TV shows, and movies. The one major bummer is that most of the tracks sold in iTunes can only be played on the iPod or iPhone and not any other MP3 player. You must download the iTunes software in order to access the store, but it works on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Converting MP4 to MP3 with NoteBurner Converter

NoteBurner MP4 to MP3 Converter has the excellent capability of converting MP4(m4a, m4b, m4p) to MP3, WMA and WAV. NoteBurner MP4 to MP3 Converter can preserve MP3 ID3 tag, containing Artist name, Song title, Year and Genre of the current audio file. The latest version of NoteBurner MP4 to MP3 Converter can also preserve album name and album art to the converted audio files.

NoteBurner MP4 to MP3 Converter utilizes virtual CD burning mechanism to convert audio files between different format. NoteBurner simulates the CD burning and ripping process, but in a virtual way. Due to its working mechanism, NoteBurner MP4 to MP3 Converter must work with media player to complete the conversion.

In NoteBurner MP4 to MP3 Converter:

1. Choose output format (mp3, wma or wav)

2. Get converted music files (after burning playlist)

In music player(editor):

1. Create playlist in iTunes, Real Player, WMP 10, Adobe Audition, etc.

2. Select NoteBurner Virtual CD-RW as CD burner

3. Burn the playlist, and the audio files will be converted

Amazon MP3: Started by online retail giant Amazon.com, this music store was the first to offer DRM-free MP3 tracks from the Big Four (aka major music labels). In fact, Amazon deserves a lot of credit for the current movement to do away with confusing restrictions on music downloads. Plus, the company has a huge audience and broad appeal, which will no doubt give digital music a violent shove into the mainstream mindset. Amazon offers a constantly growing catalog, which currently holds over 5 million tracks. It is a Web-based store with only a light app required for queuing downloads. Anyone with a Windows, Mac, or Linux machine can access the store, which also offers audiobooks, movies, and TV shows as digital downloads.