How To: Add Sound to Your Web Page

Embedded or Linked Sounds?

Before placing sound in your web page you should consider the implications for the end user. Large sound files accessed over the Internet can take minutes or even hours to download over a slow Dial-Up Phone Modem. If the Band Width for your target audience is a Narrow Band Phone Modem, then consider using a link for all but the very smallest of files. Using a Link gives the viewer the option to download the file without a forcing them into a timely wait. Large sound files placed at the start of the page can often delay the loading time so much users will move on thinking the page is not working or the Browser can Time Out!

Other options

Streaming sound file:

Files encoded by programs like QuickTime™ can be made to "Stream". A streaming sound file is encoded so it can be played before it has been completely down loaded. The benefit is that file will play much faster and the long download time is masked by playing the sound from a buffer. The same technique is used for Video files which require even more Band Width.

A second option is vary the quality. Moving from Stereo to Mono will Half the file size and proportionaly cut the time to down load. Another variation is to use more than one File Stream! Use an aplet to check the users conection speed and send them a file sized to match their Band Width.
An Example of a Multi Stream Video with sound.
The video link is designed to upload either a 1.5 MB or a 3MB QickTime video stream depending on your connection. It shoul start to play after a few seconds, but will continue to load in the background as you watch the movie.

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