An introduction to Web Audio

Increasingly, many of us are using the Internet as a primary source of information, both for educational and entertainment purposes.  Since we are in the communications business, we are not insensitive to the technology changes that are providing new ways for us to multi-task.  As this web page is being "built", I am listening to a somewhat unorthodox web broadcaster from a hideaway location in Jacksonville, Oregon.  I don't have time to read his printed material (although it is very interesting), but I DO have time to listen while I am doing something else.

So, we figured that if we didn't have time to read as much as we wish, then we surmised that you might have a similar need.  Accordingly, we have started an audio library where we provide audio programs on subjects that may be of interest.  Our first effort was a short narrative explaining the practical reasons for equipping fire trucks with personal hearing protection.  You can listen to this information by choosing the applicable selection below, but before we go there, let's review the basic requirements for listening to web audio.

The first thing you need is a PC with a sound card.  Most PC's built within the last few years include this feature as standard.  However, they may NOT include speakers.  Your second requirement is to have working speakers connected to your PC.  We will assume for the moment that you have a sound card and speakers.

Next, we need a "Player".  There are all kinds of players available.  Most are free, and if your operating system is by Microsoft, version 2000, ME, or later versions, you probably have a player already built in called Windows Media Player. If you don't have a player, click here to go to the Microsoft web site where you can download the player.  There is no cost for downloading this player.

Most programs will play automatically through this player.  Our web audio programs are produced in a program called Shockwave.  You can always determine the audio program by the file name extension (i.e.  audio.wav is a wave file.  Macromedia Shockwave files end with an .swf such as audio.swf).  Generally this is information you may never see or need, but just in case - we suggest you download a second file to be sure that your player will work with Shockwave files.  You can download the Shockwave player by clicking here. 

Now that we have all of this out of the way, let's take a look at the currently available audio program files.  Typically, these programs will average around 10 minutes give or take a few.  To play our programs, just click on the desired topic icon.  You will be taken to a "Player Page" with three buttons (Play, Pause, Stop).  To begin listening, just click on the Play > arrow, sit back and enjoy.  Hope you find this information useful!

Thanks for visiting with us!  If you have any questions or comments, please call us at 1.800.489.2611 or send an email to sales@falcondirect.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Falcon Team
At your Service!

Copyright 2005/2006 - Falcon Direct, Inc.
This page was last updated on 05/31/2006