Why are millions of people downloading polyphonic ringtones? They know that polyphonic ringtones provide much richer sound quality than the older monophonic rings. Monophonic ringtones, as their name suggests, can only play one note at a time and tend to make a cell phone sound like an old beeping computer. Polyphonic ringtones, on the other hand, can play up to 128 tones simultaneously and sound like actual CD tracks.
Polyphonic ringtones are also popular because they can be played on the vast majority of newer cell phones. In fact, many of the free ringtones that are factory-installed on new phones are polyphonic.
- What are polyphonic ringtones?
- How good is polyphonic ringtone sound quality?
- How can I get polyphonic ringtones?
- How much do polyphonic ringtones cost?
What are polyphonic ringtones?
To understand polyphonic ringtones, remember that your cell phone is a small computer. Ringtones are just small computer programs. Basically, a ringtone program tells the phone’s speaker system how to respond when a call is received. It describes which notes to play, when to play them, and for how long.
Older cell phones had weaker microprocessors and relatively little storage space. Therefore, only smaller programs and a limited range of notes could be kept in their memories. This is why early ringtones were very simple. They were originally designed for “monophonic” phones, or those that could only play one note at a time.
The later generations of cell phones have more powerful microprocessors and are sometimes called “ringtone-capable.” This means that they already have many notes stored in memory and can therefore play polyphonic ringtones.
How good is polyphonic ringtone sound quality?
Polyphonic ringtones can provide impressive sound quality. Although they are limited to featuring synthesized sounds, their emulations of voices, musical instruments, and even entire orchestras can be quite convincing.
Most listeners do not realize that polyphonic ringtone programs turn a mobile phone into something like a music box or an old-fashioned player piano. In other words, the phone’s designer has predetermined which sounds can be played. This means that regardless of how true-to-life polyphonic ringtones might sound, it is technically a cover song that’s expressed with whatever sounds are available.
Polyphonic ringtones, though popular, are a step behind the latest technology of TrueTones. TrueTones – which are also called realtones, mastertones, and superphonic ringtones – are actual audio recordings of singers and musicians. Therefore, all of the vocalists and instruments can be heard in full, and the mobile phone becomes more like a radio than a player piano. TrueTones were first introduced in 2002 and have now been produced in AAC, MP3, WAV, and other formats.
Since polyphonic ringtones provide good enough sound quality for most listeners, they are a popular compromise for those who want to hear something more musical than monophonic beeps but don’t feel the need to purchase a phone that plays MP3s. For many songs, the polyphonic and realtone ringtones sound virtually identical.
How can I get polyphonic ringtones?
Your cell phone probably contains a variety of polyphonic ringtones that were installed by its manufacturer. In addition, your phone probably has an internet menu option that leads to a simple download website. Of course, most of the polyphonic ringtones advertised on that site will not be free. With a bit more effort, however, you can easily access thousands of free polyphonic ringtones in dozens of genres.
Downloading new ringtones is rather simple. Most ringtone websites only require your phone number and your cell phone model. Once you provide this information, your selected ringtone will be automatically sent to your phone.
It’s also possible to make your own polyphonic ringtones. At least three methods are available. First, some mobile phones are sold with composers, and free composers can be downloaded for other models. These allow the user to create his or her own tune. Second, online tutorials explain how to use free software to convert CD tracks and other audio files to polyphonic ringtones. Third, many websites allow users to upload music files and convert them to ringtones.
How much do polyphonic ringtones cost?
Most ringtone websites advertise free polyphonic ringtones. Some of these websites give all of their ringtones away for free. They earn money by selling ad space. Others offer just a fraction of their polyphonic ringtones for free. They sell other individual ringtones for about a dollar or more a piece. Customers can also choose package deals such as a month of ringtones for $9.99.
Unfortunately, some ringtone websites take advantage of customers. Read the Terms & Conditions before entering your personal information. In some cases, providing your phone number automatically enrolls you in a paid program. Several reputable websites are mentioned in our main article, and an internet search will quickly tell you which companies to avoid.
