It means variable bitrate. Usually better than 192 kbps but not as good as 256 or 320. Sometimes referred to as VBR and CBR. There are at least two kinds of VBR encoding though, where one is quite good and the other not so good. I don't encode to variable though so I can't tell you more.

320 constant bitrate is the best mp3 format there is. 256 a close second.

Thank you Sleepless for a really fast response! Have a file showing 128~, not very good but it's the only one that's anywhere near for this particular file, so I'll go for it and hope that it's ok.

Well, with rare files you sometimes have to settle for less. Never seen that low a number for variable though. Better scan before playing.

Now you've got me worried Sleepless, have just downloaded the file - what do you mean by 'scan' first? Or, having downloaded it already, is it too late for this - haven't had a chance to play it yet anyway.

Sorry, I really am another newbie, but learning slowly.

Thanks.

I just meant scan with an Antivirus program before playing the file just in case there is something wrong with it. I have never seen VBR files show bitrate below ~170 before, but that does not mean there are none on the network.

It very much depends on what program and quality the source used to rip the musicfile and whether it's from a CD or an online site.

Downloading a bad file shouldn't mess up anything unless you open it as well. Also you can't scan a file before it's downloaded.

Thanks once again Sleepless - normally my very zealous virus checker spots problems as I'm downloading, but I ran a check just in case and the file is 'clean' so to speak.

Oh, now I know exactly what you mean about variable bitrate - it turns out that the file has a bitrate of only 126!
Seems ok though, having checked it I gave it a listen, maybe I haven't got a good 'ear' but it sounds ok.

Anyway, really thanks again, no doubt I'll be back!