Cel Phone Ringers

Lola McIntyre, M.M.

Associate Adjunct Professor of Piano

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

(Updated 5/5/04)

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As musicians you have created many original compositions and saved them as MIDI files.

Newer cellular phones allow you to dowload your personal MIDI files as your own customized ringers.

Here are a few basics:

Ringer formats are MIDI files. ANY MIDI file can become a ringer

For a brief description of ringer formats, current world trends, and historical background about cell phone ringers read the short article: Ringtones for Mobile Phones: MIDI is your best friend

You need a way to connect your computer to your cell phone. Try one of these possibilities:

get a connectivity kit from your cel phone company/provider
Radio Shack has them for even less money, available in stores or their on-line catalogue

: FutureDial SnapMedia™ Software
- PRODUCT FEATURES
  • Transfer images from your PC for visual caller ID and wallpaper
  • Transfer MIDI files from your PC for personalized ringtones using a standard MIDI format; works on most compatible phones
  • JPEG, PNG and BMP image formats work on most compatible color phones
  • Supported wireless phones: Sanyo® 4900, 5000, 5150, 5300, 6000, 6200, 6400, 8100; LG® 5350; Hitachi P300; Sony T608, T606; Ericsson
  System Requirements:
  • Windows® 98 (2nd edition), Me, 2000 and XP

borrow one from a friend

If your MIDI file is considerably longer than 25 seconds, you would need to trim your MIDI file down to 25 seconds or less, before you dowload the MIDI file to your phone

If you download a sizable, untrimmed file to your cell phone, you will needlessly use up the phone's precious memory space
Trim MIDI files with sequencing programs or any digital audio editor application
- Try finding them free on the web
  - An example of a digital audio editor is an application called: Cool Edit (Now called Adobe Audition)
    - Cool Edit Lite also available (perhaps for PC only?)
    - Free 30 day trials are downloadable from their web site at: <http://www.adobe.com/special/products/audition/syntrillium.html>
  - Another example is Ring Tone Converter found at: <http://www.softwarepatch.com/software/ringtone.html>
    - Contains library of downloadable-ready tones, ring tone composer, and converter, which supports many models
- MAC users may try their iTunes program
  - iTunes is now available for PC users; consult <http://www.apple.com/>
  - Students who regularly use the Multi-media lab on campus may want to use Performer
  - Any sequencing program can trim the file to 25 seconds

Other Music Files as Possible Ring Tones

Audio files (CD recordings), MP3's, and .wav files can be converted (compressed) to a MIDI files

Works recorded by other artists will require permission for use

consult the recording company for copyright permission

A helpful freeware program uploading, downloading, and editing music files as ringer tones for the new Verizon LGVX 4400 phone (and also newere versions by Audiovox, LG Electronics, Qualcomm, Sanyo, and Sprint) is BitPim (BitPim Web Page).

Roger Binns is developing BitPim by way of the Open Source method (many developers share information for future versions of software). BitPim has had several upgrades just since the first version dating to only last November
- Warning: This is extremely new technology and is still under development. Proceed with caution, and at your own risk, since software may damage your phone.

HELP

For more information or answers to more questions, consult forums on line, such as

Search the web for support groups specific to your phone model

One example for the Verizon LGVX4400 would be: The Official FAQ of the LG VX4400 Support Group on Yahoo!

Downloadable-Ready Ring Tones

Consult your own cell phone provider for a growing list of choices which may be purchased and ready at a nominal fee. Verizon has set up agreements with Disney, Sony, and many other sources to provide ready ringer tones at a very nominal fee

Verizon phones now offer a service under the folder name "Get It Now"
- newer technology may allow you to download the digital music file by way of the wireless network, directly to your phone - without the use of a cable or computer

How To Create An Original Cellular Phone Ring Tone

Lola McIntyre, M.M.