A Quick Look at Audio Formats

AAC

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is the default file format on the iPod and the iTunes software, and for downloads from the Apple iTunes store. And with good reason -- the compression scheme it uses is better than that of MP3, and AAC can better render the higher frequencies produced by certain musical instruments and by the human voice. With AAC, you get richer audio in a small package. Audio encoded with AAC is noticeably superior to MP3 and WMA. At comparable bit rates, an AAC file generally sounds better than Ogg Vorbis.

AAC is definitely growing in popularity. In addition to support in the iPod and the new Apple iPhone, mobile phone and audio players from other manufacturers are gradually gaining AAC capabilities. But like WMA, AAC also includes Digital Rights Management. This is most notable with tracks bought from the iTunes store. This has prompted an Open Source project called Free Advanced Audio Coding (FAAC) to start developing a DRM-free version of the format.

Dealing with Audio Files

How do you deal with an audio file that you're not familiar with? If none of your media players can play the file, you can try to convert it to a known format like MP3. You can do this with software (see this TechTip for more information) or by using an online service like Media-Convert.com and Zamzar. Keep in mind that, depending on the format of the original file, a conversion could result in the loss of some audio quality.

Conclusion

While the formats discussed in this TechTip are the most popular ones out there right now, they aren't the only games in town. A future TechTip will look at some of the other well-known but less frequently used audio formats.

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