itunes vs mp3
Although MP3 is the most popular format for encoding music, it is by no means the only. There are two basic methods for compressing a file lossless audio and lossy, and for each of these methods there are many formats.
Lossless compression means that no data audio is removed during compression. Lossy compression means that audio data is permanently removed from the audio file. Lossy compression results into smaller files, but no way to rebuild the audio data to its original format. MP3 is an example of lossy compression.
With loss Compression formats
There are many alternatives to MP3 when it comes to encoding audio files. Microsoft reportedly developed the WMA format to avoid costs associated with MP3 licensing. WMA files can be played with Windows Media Player that ships with the Windows operating system and many other audio players. It features similar encoding rates to MP3 and similar file sizes.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is the format preferred by Apple and used for its popular iTunes and iPod products. AAC files can be smaller than MP3 files because it uses encryption technology more efficiently. A file 96 Kbps AAC is similar in sound quality to a 128 kbps MP3 file.
Ogg Vorbis is another type of lossy compression and uses. OGG as the file extension. This is an open source product and unlike MP3, no patent restrictions for use.
Lossless compression
For purists audio which emphasizes the best possible sound quality, lossless compression offers CD sound quality. The disadvantage is larger file size Â-while MP3 can compress audio in the range of 80% – 90%, lossless compression typically compresses the file by half.
Losses popular formats include FLAC, Monkey Audio, and SHN (Shorten). These formats are supported by many audio players and are popular for archiving CD collections as well as the commercial music.
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Hans is editor of http://www.selected-audio-reviews.com
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