Audio Auctions and Audio Streaming

Alternatives to MP3


Although MP3 is the most popular format for encoding music, it is by no means the only one. There are two basic methods for compressing audio - lossless and lossy, and for each of these methods there are many formats.

Lossless compression means that none of the audio data is removed during compression. Lossy compression means that audio data is permanently removed from the audio file. Lossy compression results in smaller files, but there is no way to rebuild the audio data to its original format. MP3 is an example of lossy compression.

Lossy Compression Formats

There are many alternatives to MP3 when it comes to encoding audio files. Microsoft reportedly developed the WMA format to avoid the licensing costs associated with MP3. WMA files can be played with the Windows Media Player that is included with the Windows operating system as well as 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 is used for its popular iTunes and iPod products. AAC files can be smaller than MP3 files because it uses more efficient encoding technology. A 96 kpbs AAC file 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. It is an open-source product and unlike MP3, there are no patent restrictions on its use.

Lossless Compression

For the audio purist who insists on the best quality sound possible, lossless compression offers CD quality sound. The tradeoff is larger files sizes - while MP3 can compress audio in the range of 80% - 90%, lossless compression typically compresses the file by half.

Popular lossless formats include FLAC, Monkey's Audio, and SHN (Shorten). These formats are supported by many audio players and are popular for archiving CD collections as well as for trading music.

Hans is editor of the Audio Howto Section of the Selected Audio Review Guide


MORE RESOURCES:

Ponce Inlet Town Council meetings available on lnternet
Daytona Beach News-Journal, FL - 12 hours ago
"Basically, there is a link on our Web site that will launch Windows Media Player whenever we are audio streaming a meeting," said Ponce Inlet Fire Chief ...


Media Layers' SMART System Enables Cellcom's Revolutionary "Time ...
MarketWatch - 5 hours ago
... providers to insert mobile ads into all content channels - Mobile Internet, messaging, video and audio streaming and download, Ringback Tone, and more. ...


Dedicated Server Provider, Hivelocity Offers Unmetered Bandwidth ...
HostSearch.com - 8 hours ago
Its servers can be used for online gaming, credit card processing, video and audio streaming, web hosting, software development, email, and data storage, ...


Twice

New Bluetooth Kits Debut With Speech Capability
Twice, NY - Nov 30, 2008
The Ego Flash Bluetooth kit has a 1.6-inch display and adds audio streaming from an iPod or MP3 device at $243. The Ego Look has similar features with a ...


Uganda Telecom Launches User Friendly Voice SMS Service on Kirusa ...
MarketWatch - Dec 1, 2008
... offers video telephony, high speed internet, video and audio streaming, live television and MMS. uganda telecom also provides BlackBerry(R) services. ...


WKSR Programming Is Back Online
Giles News, TN - Nov 25, 2008
Station Manager Ronnie Rose announced that the audio streaming of programming content for WKSR 98.3 FM and Rocky AM 1420 is again available online to ...


BSkyB Publications selects MPP for mobile promotions
Indiantelevision.com, India - Dec 3, 2008
... be able to respond to adverts and request email responses containing "rich content" such as audio streaming, video streaming and digital publications. ...


Rocketron (SM) Introduces Mobile Social Network - Forward to a Friend
Earthtimes (press release), UK - Dec 2, 2008
BlueAnt's product portfolio includes hands-free, stereo audio streaming and wireless communication products offering cutting-edge technology, ...


Uganda Telecom Launches User Friendly Voice SMS Service on Kirusa ...
International Business Times, NY - Dec 1, 2008
... and offers videotelephony, high speed internet, video and audio streaming, live televisionand MMS. uganda telecom also provides BlackBerry® services. ...


Phonak and NXP Develop New Ultra Low Power Wireless Communication ...
MarketWatch - Nov 26, 2008
"Our chip does support a high data rate of up to 298 kbps and bi-directional communication, enabling novel applications such as stereo audio streaming and ...

Audio-Streaming - Google News

home | site map
© 2006