iTunes and Windows Media file format comparison

[MacBytes]

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Category: Benchmarks
Link: iTunes and Windows Media file format comparison (http://www.macbytes.com/link.php?sid=20090402093921)
Description:: People are often wondering what format to store their music collection in. This technical review uses RightMark analyzer to find out the differences and gives good advice how to avoid bad encoding and what bit rates are better suited for your music library.

Posted on MacBytes.com (http://www.macbytes.com)
Approved by Mudbug

[Mudbug]

Seems to be a decent comparison. As to why it's on a furniture rental site, I have no idea. :)

[zombitronic]

Storage is cheap. Unless you need to cram a ton of music on a small iPod, I see no reason to go with anything less than lossless.

[Michael73]

Storage is cheap. Unless you need to cram a ton of music on a small iPod, I see no reason to go with anything less than lossless.

Seconded. When you can get a 1TB drive (internal SATA) for under $100 who cares. In fact, why not keep 2 identical copies of your music library. Library "A" is lossless and for home listening on presumably nicer speakers while Library "B" is a Lossy version of "A" just for ipod or other listening where space is at a premium and/or what you're using to reproduce the sound isn't as good.

[macros]

Seconded. When you can get a 1TB drive (internal SATA) for under $100 who cares. In fact, why not keep 2 identical copies of your music library. Library "A" is lossless and for home listening on presumably nicer speakers while Library "B" is a Lossy version of "A" just for ipod or other listening where space is at a premium and/or what you're using to reproduce the sound isn't as good.

Good idea, but at the moment it would be a pain to manage 2 libraries.

This is an idea which is used in iPhoto. when u transfer images to iPhone, it optimizes the files for smaller screen, it actually stores 2 image for each photo. Same could be done with music files.

[t0mat0]

Good idea, but at the moment it would be a pain to manage 2 libraries.

This is an idea which is used in iPhoto. when u transfer images to iPhone, it optimizes the files for smaller screen, it actually stores 2 image for each photo. Same could be done with music files.

Not necessarily - Anyone able to mention a decent applescript/automator way of doing this?

Making a copy of the lossless library, and importing as lossy AAC through another computer might be one way...
It's the automating of any additional added music that's the grind i'd imagine, beyond the burden of making and encoding the 2nd lossy library...
Would the tag changes, added artwork etc be kept in the second library?

[zombitronic]

Not necessarily - Anyone able to mention a decent applescript/automator way of doing this?

Making a copy of the lossless library, and importing as lossy AAC through another computer might be one way...
It's the automating of any additional added music that's the grind i'd imagine, beyond the burden of making and encoding the 2nd lossy library...
Would the tag changes, added artwork etc be kept in the second library?

My dad has an iPod shuffle and I believe he has the option to automatically convert the songs he chooses to a "lossy" version. I don't believe that these versions are stored on your computer. I think they're just converted and put on the shuffle right away. This seems like the ideal solution. Can anyone with a shuffle confirm this?

[ChrisA]

My dad has an iPod shuffle and I believe he has the option to automatically convert the songs he chooses to a "lossy" version. I don't believe that these versions are stored on your computer. I think they're just converted and put on the shuffle right away. This seems like the ideal solution. Can anyone with a shuffle confirm this?

That is exactly how it works. The shuffle can't play lossless files. Apple had to offer this feature.

How to automate the conversion of an entire library?? Easy. From within iTunes select "128K AAC" or whatever in Preferences under Input Format. Then select the entire libray and right clck "convert to...." and wait a few hours.

[Michael73]

to combine a couple of the ideas mentioned, why not store everything in a lossless format then have a "translation app" that monitors the space you have available on whatever device you're copying it to and then adjusts the size accordingly. You could have an option to "fit all" that would adjust the file sizes accordingly so everything selected fits or specify a "size" like 128kbps and just transfer everything at that rate until the device is filled.

[macFanDave]

It looks like AAC is the superior technology among the lossy ones tested. I'm not an audio engineer (or even an audiophile), but the data makes it appear that AAC makes the smallest files and has the best audio quality.

Can anyone else look at this work and suggest that I modify my conclusion?

As far as I'm concerned, anyone who talks about lossless formats has a finely trained ear and can be considered an elite group. I'm an accomplished tennis player and find it amusing when low-level players try to discuss head sizes, string tensions and swingweights, etc. because their skills are so far below the level where those factors can even make a real difference. On the audio front, I wouldn't be surprised if I couldn't reliably distinguish between lossless and 128 kbps AAC. So, if I can reduce the file size by ~90% without a JND in quality, why wouldn't I?

[rikers_mailbox]

I just re-encoded my entire library to iTunes Plus (256kbps AAC). It definitely sounds better on my home stereo ... there's a certain ring to the higher bit rate that is lost with basic mp3 encoding. The harmonics sound a bit more natural.

Now I'm not an audiophile or anything, but appreciate good speakers. Frankly, if I had a true hi-fi setup (B&W speakers, Marantz CD player, and Arcam Amp is my dream setup) I wouldn't use Lossless even. I'd play from CDs.

[Rodimus Prime]

I personally for my stuff I like using MP3 coding because it I know it works on everything

[nagromme]

For the most complicated solution possible, I prefer to upload my songs to YouTube and listen to them via the YouTube app. Or, chop them up into ringtones and have my friends call me in succession to make complete songs.

[rikers_mailbox]

I personally for my stuff I like using MP3 coding because it I know it works on everything

AAC works with all my devices. I'm an Apple snob. :D