FAQ: Difference between revisions

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This is a list of ''Frequently Asked Questions''. The questions are grouped according to their categories.
Please note that this FAQ provides very short answers; explore the links to get deeper information.
=General Audio Compression=
;Does encoding preserves surround info?
:'''Short Answer:''' MP3 destroys surround sound information.
:In addition, check the following links:
:* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=4639 Experience of a HA Member with Rear Channel] on the HA Forums
;What is an ABX blind test?
:Go see [[ABX]]
:In addition, check the following links:
:* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=16295& Blind Listening Test Explanation] on the HA Forums
;Why not use graphs to compare codecs?
:Nothing can be said about quality or audible difference by looking at pictures, because a [[lossy]] encoder works by removing as much inaudible sounds as possible. A lack of frequencies can well mean that some audible parts are missing (bad work, or too low setting), or that the encoder managed a very good compression, removing a lot of useless things.
:In addition, check the following links:
:* [[lossy|Lossy]] encoding
:* [[lossless|Lossless]] encoding
:* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=7834&st=0&p=77265&#entry77265 Confusion on CBR & VBR thread] on the HA Forums
=MP3-related=
;Why is joint stereo better than pure stereo ?
:You better [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=683 start here] (thread on the HA Forums)
=Quality=
=Quality=


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* Can I use [[frequency analysis]] or other tools to judge quality?
* Can I use [[frequency analysis]] or other tools to judge quality?
* What are good test procedures?
* What are good test procedures?
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Revision as of 19:33, 21 March 2006

This is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. The questions are grouped according to their categories.

Please note that this FAQ provides very short answers; explore the links to get deeper information.


General Audio Compression

Does encoding preserves surround info?
Short Answer: MP3 destroys surround sound information.
In addition, check the following links:


What is an ABX blind test?
Go see ABX
In addition, check the following links:


Why not use graphs to compare codecs?
Nothing can be said about quality or audible difference by looking at pictures, because a lossy encoder works by removing as much inaudible sounds as possible. A lack of frequencies can well mean that some audible parts are missing (bad work, or too low setting), or that the encoder managed a very good compression, removing a lot of useless things.
In addition, check the following links:


MP3-related

Why is joint stereo better than pure stereo ?
You better start here (thread on the HA Forums)


Quality

Simple

  • What do I need to get started?
  • What is transparency/cd-quality?
  • What are the best formats?
  • How do you tell what is the best format?
See Audio format guide
  • What is ABX?
  • Why is ABX needed?
  • Transcoding - Can I increase quality by converting X lossy compressed file to Y lossy compressed file?

Advanced

  • Can I use frequency analysis or other tools to judge quality?
  • What are good test procedures?