MP3

MP3 comes from MPEG and it's basically a version of compression. The WAV format of a sound file is the uncompressed version, which means it's usually much bigger than the corresponding MP3 file. Most people are familiar with MP3 because it's how most songs are transferred and stored.

My idea can use MP3's because when it is put into effect there will need to be an alarm in case someone tries to leave without paying. The alarm sound file will be stored as an MP3 so that it won't take up a lot of space. There must be integrated storage space in the alarm mechanism and to minimize the space needed it will be helpful to use a compressed sound file.

Also, for the benefit of both customers and employees there will be background music. The song files being played will be stored on an external HDD (probably an iPod or other MP3 device) and played with speakers located throughout the store. It's better to use a compressed format because then more songs can be stored in a certain amount of space.

-Julian