Constant Bit Rate Encoding
Constant bit rate encoding is the standard method used by most encoders. With CBR encoding, the same number of bits are added to each frame of the audio data regardless if there is silence or a wailing guitar solo. This method is good to use if you need to predict the size of the encoded file. It is simply calculated by whatever bit rate you have chosen to encode with multiplied by the length of the song.
Average Bit Rate Encoding
Average bit rate encoding (ABR) lets you choose an average bit rate and the encoder adds bits where necessary.
Variable Bit Rate Encoding
Variable bit rate encoding (VBR) is a method that seeks to keep the quality of the sound file high throughout the encoding process. Software with this technology makes a decision when to add bits to the file if the stereo separation is ever too far apart, producing a much clearer sound. The end file size will vary after encoding depending on what decisions the software has made. Simple parts of songs, including moments of silence, will not need the same amount of bits as more difficult parts and VBR encoding is able to make an intelligent decision regarding where the bits are needed most. Use this method in encoding if you want the best quality possible and are not real concerned about the file size (usually pretty close to that of regular CBR encoding, sometimes smaller) . YAMP, AudioActive Production Studio, Xing MP3 encoder, LAME, and AudioCatalyst are a few software products that use this technology.
CDDB FAQ
What It Is
CDDB is an online database of CD album, artist, track, and genre information. Software programs can make a request of the CDDB to download CD information for automatic track naming in the program. This is particularly useful for ripping CD audio and having your tracks named automatically rather than manually. Computer CD programs, like the one that comes with your Windows operating system, now automatically request CD album and track information for you to view through the CD playing program.
There are currently two popular CDDB services on the internet. The original database has been renamed Gracenote and is a profit making entity. FreeDB is an open source CD information resource that is free for developers and the public to use. |
GLOSSARY
