Ringtones explained: monophonic, polyphonic or whatever sounds familiar to you

Downloadable ringtones: the latest trend

What can be said about ringtones? NOTHING… except that cell phones capable of downloading ringtones are the newest “must have” item today! One of the fastest growing features today is ringtones, especially downloadable ones! Other downloadable items are also available on the Internet, such as Java Games. Various wallpapers and screen savers are also all the rage, but by far the most requested feature is the downloadable ringtones.

The mobile phone and its different ringtones have become status symbols. Ringtones show that you are up to date and that you are happening. You can even take a test that defines which ringtone best suits your personality. You can really show off your lifestyle and certainly your taste in music on your sleeve.

This article will briefly describe what ringtones are, what is currently available, and what the future holds. It will also suggest a warning to be aware of before downloading the multitude of formats available on the market. Prices are low and the sky is the limit, so read on.

* What are downloadable ringtones?

* A warning before you buy!

* What is available?

* A brief look at ancient history.

* Ringtones – Where do we go from here?

* Other products available on Ringtone websites

* What can you say about the ringtones?

What are downloadable ringtones?

Ringtones are the sound that a regular or cell phone makes when it rings. Early ringtones were single chimes, and in later models, a combination of chimes. A limited number of ringtones were available and they mostly consisted of different ring patterns or chirps. An example of one of the most infamous ringtones was the ominous “ring ring…ring ring” reminiscent of Todd Beamer’s last phone call on 9/11. You can hear that ringtone appearing as an intro to Neil Young’s famous song “Let’s Roll”.

Ringtone technology developed rapidly and has come a long way since that song was recorded. Originally, you bought a cell phone and it had the option of monophonic ringtones that produced a one-note song. The number of songs was extremely limited and the downloadable ringtones were simply a good idea from an engineering student.

Thanks to lightning-fast technology and numerous service providers, one of the latest and greatest features available today is downloadable ringtones. When you browse the Internet, you will find many sites that offer ringtones of today’s most popular musicians; you can choose monophonic, polyphonic, or true-tone formats. More on that later.

A warning before you buy!

The first thing you need to know before selecting, buying and downloading a suitable ringtone is whether your cell phone is up to date enough to use this feature. Like everything else in technology, cell phones have evolved very quickly. As a result, the cell phone you purchased just a year ago may not have the ability to fully access the type of ringtone currently available. So make sure to check it out. Reread your manual or call your service provider to find out. You may be able to upgrade your phone for a reasonably low fee.

What is available?

Ringtones are divided into three formats.

1. Monophonic

2.Polyphonic

3. True tone or real tone

To understand this type of technology, a person must have some knowledge of physics/mathematics and an understanding of musical composition. Fortunately, all you need to know is what types of ringtones are available and what they sound like. The following is a description of three types of ringtones, monophonic, polyphonic and true tone. Most websites offer samples of each, and once you hear an example, you’ll know which type you’ll want to use on your cell phone.

1) monophonic ringtones

Some early cell phones came equipped with the ability to have a one-tone ringer. “Monophonic” is the simplest ringtone technology that uses a midi format. This “one note wonder” changed ringtones. Gone are the squeaks and chimes; now you could play a song. A monophonic ringtone is single notes that play a song. You can recognize your favorite song but it sounds a bit lame. Most monophonic shades are offered for free due to the fact that more full-bodied shades are now available, but if you’re trying to make a statement, read on.

2) polyphonic ringtones

Polyphonic ringtones also use midi technology but the tonal quality is richer and has more depth. This is because polyphonic ringtones can play up to 40 notes or more. A quick example is the sound that occurs when Windows XP® starts up. Reproduces the sound of an orchestra playing a note instead of an instrument playing the same note.

Polyphonic with its richer tonal quality sounds better than monophonic but when compared to MP3 quality it sounds quite weak. The Midi format may be suitable for basic ringtones and great for greeting cards, but if real sound is what you want for your cell phone, read on.

3) True tone and Mp3

The future of sound for ringtones seems to be hi-fi quality. The real tone or true tone ringtones that can be downloaded to your cell phone are equivalent to the quality of an MP3 player and sound a bit like an iPod.

True Tone technology will allow the user to hear recorded voices such as Austin Powers announcing “Your phone is ringing baby yeah.” This recording is so compelling that people will seek out Mike Myers. Songs like Outkast’s “Hey Ya” and the Starsky and Hutch theme song can also be downloaded. With a built-in microphone, you can record your own voice or someone else’s. True tone ringtones will even mimic a real old phone ringing. How about retro?

A brief look at ancient history

In the remote past, cell phones came with a ringer and no features. Wallpaper was something that decorated your home and SMS was something unheard of. Mobile phones were big and cumbersome and only used by the elite or, as marketing gurus used to say, “early adopters”. Very few people owned cell phones due to size and cost.

Digital technology changed everything. Suddenly a lot of people were buying and using cell phones. This was confusing because every time a phone rang, everyone in the room would start rummaging through their bags and pockets to answer it. A unique sound was the answer and this is how ringtones of each description emerged.

Ringtones – Where do we go from here?

Some technical websites claim that the cell phone of tomorrow will replace the MP3 player of today. This will be possible once a dual-use battery is invented that can hold a charge long enough. The power would last more than a few hours and would easily recharge. The “techies” declare that the memory capacities must be improved so that the user can download and store hundreds of thousands of songs. This is not that far away, in fact, it is considered possible that an MP3 player will be replaced by a cell phone within 5 years, according to most technical websites.

Other products available on ringtone websites

Sound mixers and recordable devices

A 2002 Motorola cell phone came with an audio mixer that could take advantage of hundreds of musical instruments in a midi format. This cell phone has evolved a lot and allows you to program special effects. Effects include echo and reverb, to name just a few. You can program your own ringtone, download it to your phone, and then enhance it with the above hi-fi effects.

Wallpaper and logos

Many cell phones are used to connect to the Internet and also do double duty as palm pilots. This has necessitated a larger screen and with that you need a special wallpaper. You can choose from a multitude of assortments. Your favorite logos can also be downloaded. Logos of all sports teams are available.

java games

Whether you’re waiting for the dentist or waiting for the bus, passing time is much faster by playing a computer game. Java games are available on the same websites that offer a wide variety of wallpapers and ringtones. Google the word Java Game or Gamer and there are plenty of websites to choose from.

SMS (Short Message Service)

ICQ (I Seek You) was the pioneer of SMS technology and still remains at the forefront of SMS technology. ICQ is quite advanced and still making progress. It offers the availability to stay in communication in real time and allows an extensive address book. As part of the ICQ community, there are message boards, chat rooms, and user lists available. ICQ also offers unique ringtones. SMS Google is catching up fast and now offers the user the option to send a text message inquiry directly to your website using a mobile phone.

What can you say about the ringtones?

So there you have it, what can you say about the ringtones? It seems that in today’s wireless world and with cutting-edge technology, quite a lot. Gone are the days when a single bell rang or, as Lily Tomlin put it so well, “one ringy dingy, two ringy dingy” had to ring to get her attention. Today, the options are endless, so find what suits you best in your own unique ringtone. Stay in contact!

© 2005 http://www.cell-phone-n-plans.com