The MPA is an audio file format that uses MPEG Layer-2 file compression. Compressing audio files reduces their size without loss of sound quality. MPA files can be played on Apple QuickTime, RealNetworks RealPlayer, Apple iTunes, Video Lan VLC player and Windows Media Player. They can be played on Windows, MacOS, and Linux systems, making the MPA format versatile and convenient to use.
Identification
MPA files have the naming format "filename.mpa" or "filename.mp2." Since they're most commonly used as audio or video files, they're created by the user. MPA files created by users are by default stored in the "My Documents," "My Music," or "My Videos" folders under "C:\Documents and Settings\userprofile\." The user profile may be your log in name. MPA files may also be stored in user-defined folders.
History
MPEG stands for Motion Pictures Experts Group, a working standards group formed in 1988 with the International Standards Organization. It's responsible for the standards for the MPEG-1, which was approved in November 1992; MPEG-2, which was approved in November 1994; and MPEG-4, which was approved in October 1998.
Features
MPA audio files are based on a 256KB per second -- 32Kb per second -- bit rate for CD quality. MPEG-based video files use the 720-by-480 and 1,280-by-720 pixel sizes at 60 frames per second. Each subsequent version layer is backward-compatible with previous layer versions. A five-minute MPA file takes up 9.6MB of space. The MPEG format stores only the changes between frames, enabling a two-hour movie to fit within a few gigabytes. A basic DVD stores 4.7GB.
Warnings
Deleting MPA files results in the loss of your personal song collection. If an MPA file is in a system or program directory, deleting it may result in system instability and nonfunctional programs. Never delete files in the system or programs directories unless you know what you're doing.
Other Programs
MPA files were used as system memo files for the Palm OS -- the operating system for the Palm Pilot PDAs in 1996. The MPA extension was used by Beijer Electronics as configuration files for its automation equipment. Caution should be used in deleting MPA system files in PDAs.
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