Audio Streaming Information

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:

KCSR Radio Begins Limited Audio Streaming On Chadrad.com
KCSR, NE - Sep 4, 2008
(Chadron)-Stereo AM 610 KCSR radio began limited audio streaming on Chadrad.com on September 1, according to the station's General Manager Dennis Brown. ...


Go back to school while you work
The Gazette (Montreal), Canada - Sep 6, 2008
Programs now being offered online as well as onsite are English grammar, English pronunciation (with audio streaming), hospitality and tourism and business ...


TechGadgets.in

Blaupunkt TravelPilot 100, Lucca 3.5 and 300 Portable Navigation ...
TechGadgets.in, India - 12 hours ago
Supporting MP3/WMA music files, users can enjoy audio streaming and accessing. It also adds a support for WMV video files and digital photos to watch images ...
Blaupunkt Launches TravelPilot Series in India Tech2
all 2 news articles


Midwestern State Sports Highlights(9-05-08)
KAUZ, TX - Sep 5, 2008
Satruday nigth’s game can be heard locally on 100.9 BOB-FM in Wichita Falls or via live audio streaming on MSUMustangs.com. The game can also be tracked on ...


AudioControl To Launch 1 st AVR
Twice, NY - Sep 3, 2008
Other features of interest to custom installers include RS-232 serial commands; IR commands; Sirius-ready capability; and audio streaming via Ethernet, ...


A Browser-Based Joost? Welcome To the Club
NewTeeVee, CA - Sep 5, 2008
Octoshape started with P2P audio streaming, but has been offering browser-based video streaming since 2006. It recently streamed the Olympic games live for ...


Schrott Brings His Acclaimed 'Don Giovanni' to the MET
Broadway World, NY - Sep 5, 2008
In addition to providing audio recordings through the new Met on Rhapsody on-demand service, the Met also presents free live audio streaming of performances ...


Brussels admits defeat in EU blog wars
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Sep 2, 2008
... content rich communication has now been put in the hands of the average citizen allowing podcasting, audio streaming and creative viral communications," ...


COLORADO CAPITOL WATCH USES EVOCA TO BROADCAST THE VOICES OF POLITICS
Creative Coast Initiative, GA - Sep 4, 2008
... of State’s website to gather information. CCW also records Committee and General Assembly sessions via the web audio streaming provided by the State.


University of West Alabama

Tigers Host Cotton Blossoms In 2008 Home Lid Lifter
University of West Alabama, AL - Sep 3, 2008
The University of West Alabama fans are reminded that live video and audio streaming of Tiger football, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball will be ...

Audio-Streaming - Google News

home | site map
© 2006