RECOMMENDED MP3 PLAYERS FOR OLD TIME RADIO

These old time radio MP3 files can also play in a number of reliable MP3 players, but are guaranteed to play in your computer.

Not all MP3 players are created equal -- there are a lot of MP3 players, even by the same manufacturer, which are very fickle about which shows they will and will not playback. Typically the newest generation DVD players will also playback MP3 files.

INEXPENSIVE NO-FRILL PORTABLE MP3 CD PLAYER

Philips EXP 2550 is a no-frills walkman-style Mp3 player and an inexpensive way to listen to classic radio shows, this model has a simple numerical display for the tracks (rather than text track listings) and runs off two AA batteries.

A fellow listener reports good results with the newest model, Philips EXP2581, which includes a touchscreen and remote.

SOLID STATE / HARD DRIVE BASED MP3 PLAYER

iPod Shuffle

iPod

How many shows would fit on an iPod? If each MP3 episode is approximately 10MB:
Storage	iPod Model	Number of shows
1GB	iPod Shuffle	100
4GB	iPod Nano	400
8GB	iPod Nano	800
80GB	iPod	8,000
160GB	iPod	16,000

For listening to old time radio away from home, the Apple iPod is a favorite. While pricier than some competitor players, the iPod comes in various storage sizes. It is the most user-friendly hard drive-based MP3 player and all models can fit in the palm of your hand.

Rather than playing the CDs directly, these handy players plug into the computer via a USB cable and transfer the old time radio shows into the player.

The iPod Nano and iPod models have an easy-to-use display screen that makes navigating and playing the episode of choice effortless.

The less expensive, but functional iPod shuffle is even smaller. It does not have a screen -- only simple forward and rewind functions.

Click here for a step-by-step procedure on how to load the old time radio shows to your iPod.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN MP3 PLAYERS:

Manufacturing and discontinuation of models is frequent and finding specific models can be difficult. If you cannot find an MP3 player listed on this page (or already have an MP3 player), make sure that the player model supports the following specs:

32kps 22khz bitrate MP3 files
'Joliet' format CDs

These are the minimum specs and if the player supports this format, it SHOULD play the OTRCAT MP3 CDs just fine, but because every MP3 player has its own peculiarities, the disks are only guaranteed to play on your computer with a program such as Microsoft Windows Media Player or WinAmp.

Although model numbers change with great frequency, typically most of the new generation mp3 players support a multitude of bitrates. Some of the most reliable brands include:

Please note that the most expensive MP3 players are not always the most reliable. If you are confident of the specific model you want, ordering from Amazon.com is convenient. Walmart, Target, Circuit City and BestBuy often stock a multitude of MP3 player models. If possible, try out an OTRCAT disk in the floor model at your local electronics store or take an MP3 player home, but make sure they have a good return policy without restocking fees.

OTRCAT appreciates any feedback - if you have had good luck with a specific model MP3 player, please send me an email!