MPEGs and ASFs
You have to be either a masochist or a serious fan to download music video MPEGs. A lot of MPEG files are as large as 80MB in size, and even if you have a 56k modem, you're going to be downloading all night to get a single video. Still, for people with an infinite amount of patience or a dedicated line, MPEGs are worth the wait, as the quality of video and sound can't be replicated by any form of streaming media.
S.E.S. fans are having some good luck with videos lately. A copy of the group's goodbye performance [MPEG] (Twilight Zone & Sha La La) is only 42MB, and a live Music Camp performance of a medley [MPEG] from their third album is only 52MB. The video of their single Believe in Love is also relatively small at 46MB.
G.O.D. fans aren't quite so lucky. The video of a live performance of Friday Night [MPEG] is going to require a bit of a wait at 74MB. And if you want to see their "King of Kings" medley performance, find something to do while you wait out the download. Part one [MPEG] is a huge 153MB, and part two [MPEG] adds another 18MB onto the total.
The new group AIDA's (Angels in Distress and Anger) 42MB single Red [MPEG] might not be the best use of time. This trio should credit for playing their own instruments, but the video leaves some doubt as to whose actually playing on the records.
Downloading MPEGs reinforces the ASX/ASF format is so popular, since they stream their quicker, yet they provide a lot more clarity of video and sound than the RealAudio/RealVideo format does.
For instance, watch D.J. Doc's Run to You [ASF]. It's a little foggy because it's a live performance but otherwise looks pretty good and only takes a few seconds to load.
The colors in the opening of TTMA's Want to be Loved [ASF] are a little glaring, but the rest of the video displays nicely. The video and song were much better than I thought they would be--I didn't like TTMA's deubt CD. The five members of the group are very cute, and they should appeal to a wide range of teenagers.
Also available for instant viewing is Forever Love [ASF] by CAN. This video has an elegant opening with the orchestra, and the piano on the beach was a nice touch. This video is all about setting and sets, the beach and the helipad being two of the more notable ones. The instrumentation is pleasant, and the video easy to watch.
My Lady [ASF] by Sky also demonstrates the strength of the ASX/ASF format. The pastoral setting at the beginning, the woman on bike, and the masses of violinists all well presented visually. They would have been either too small to see or completely mangled if it was RealVideo formatted. This video is pretty from the word go and the director has a great eye for color and form.
By Denise Ahn
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