MP3 File issues

Since MP3 is a proprietary file type which requires a suitable decoder, embedding MP3 files has two layers of complexity. Not only do you need a suitable plugin, you also need to have the codec installed.

In principle the basic <object> syntax should work, though end users may have to perform configuration on their machines to be able to play the content.

Note the Quicktime plugin on Windows does not work correctly so you get a blank area and no indication that the file won't play, however, if you don't have Quicktime installed MP3 files play fine using the basic syntax as it uses Media Player for the playback. Since a lot of end users will have Quicktime installed from other downloaded content this means the only solutions are:

  1. Use the IE hack code as in the Quicktime example
  2. Configure an alternative default player for MP3 files that does work properly with Windows. However, this is quite difficult as it appears that Quicktime interferes with the process of player detection even when not configured to play the media type (MP3's in this example).

The preferred option has to be 1. as it doesn't require the end user to do anything.

Simple <object> syntax

Cannot play 'mp3' files!

Nested IE Hack

No support for mp3 file playback!

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