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Audio Format Transcoding for Compatibility?

Posted by Cliff on from the media-(format)-manipulation dept.

brandorf asks: "With the multitude of compressed audio formats that are available today, (MP3, Ogg, AAC, and FLAC to name very few) our music libraries start to spread across quite a few different formats. While this isn't a problem for desktop/media PC use, as programs like Winamp or iTunes have plugins available for almost every format. However, when it's time to start using a portable unit, it's unavoidable that some files will get transcoded. Have there been any studies or experiments as to how similar the codecs really are? Will transcoding from Format A to B sound worse than going from A to C? What's your experience with this?"

2 of 64 comments (clear)

  1. Quality Loss by Sebilrazen · · Score: 5, Funny

    I've noticed significant reduction in lows and an unsettling amount of distortion when I go from vinyl to wax cylinder.

    --
    "There are no facts, only interpretations." --Friedrich Nietzsche.
  2. FLAC, ALE, etc. are the way to go by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Seriously. Encode your music in a lossless format, then transcode it to whatever lossy format you use on the go. Sure, it's much bigger, but it will be bit-for-bit accurate! Even if you can't tell the difference on your $50 computer speakers and bundled iPod headphones, you can feel good because you know it's better.

    Also, it will get you laid.

    Love, your hard drive manufacturer.