Ringtones

A ringtone refers to the audible sound signal generated by a mobile phone when the network registers an incoming call or text message to that particular phone subscriber. This electronic sound notification may be in form of a continuous beeping signal or musical tunes default created by the phone manufacturer.

The tunes or melodies are customizable depending on the handset manufacturer and come in different types depending on the encoding format relative to that handset. Different electronic melodies including monophonic, polyphonic, superphonic and video ringtones are currently available. The monophonic tone is basically a composition of different musical notes played at a time in series. On the other hand, the polyphonic tones are several synchronized notes that play together and they are controlled by special softwares installed within the phones like MIDI. This is a sequence recorder that determines the tempo, pitch, volume and other musical parameters exhibited by the phone when an incoming data signal is detected.

Audio recordings can also be used as ringtones and are specifically termed as superphonic or real tones. They are detected using different phone audio codes and come in different formats including mp3 and standardized AAC formats that can play complete music ringtones. Sophisticated third generation phones have the capability to utilize video ringtones that can be personalized for specific caller identification. This video ringtones are short clips or excerpts from the original video that loop seamlessly with the sound signals.

Ringtones can be obtained as files through different data transmission techniques like direct USB connection to a computer; wireless transmission including Bluetooth and infrared connections, text messages and downloads from the internet. The phone receiving the ringtone must be capable of decoding the music file otherwise compatibility issues may arise. Melodies may be composed using the ‘melody composer’ options preinstalled by the phone manufacturer and used as ringtones. Other complementing softwares may have to be downloaded to enhance this particular feature on the phone and improve the nature of the ringtone created.

Ringtones have created business opportunities for persons with creativity, and innovations. Several websites in the ringtone business have uploaded many ringtones that are downloadable at a fee and this has definitely increased revenue to the companies. Ringtones being audible sounds can be offensive to other individuals and this elicits its controversial use. In as much as its meant to alert a subscriber of an incoming call, the ringing noise may create a disturbance to the individuals around especially if in a meeting, library, hospitals or noise sensitive environments. Fine may be paid by the subscribers for this disturbance caused in sites that clearly state ‘mobile use is prohibited’.

Besides the fact that ringtones have a positive contribution to the socio-economic status in a particular area, the consequences of usage may be dire if wrongly applied. It is therefore advisable to switch to a silent mode when in this areas to avoid prosecution as a result in using loud ringtones. You may decide to use the default ringtones or customize the settings of your phone to get one that suits your needs.