Difference between revisions of "FAQ"

From Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase
Jump to: navigation, search
(Major Re-write! According to HA FAQ... partially done... help!)
(Many changes. See diff.)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{stub}}
 
{{stub}}
  
−
This is a list of ''Frequently Asked Questions''. The questions are grouped according to their categories.
+
This is a list of ''Frequently Asked Questions''. The questions are grouped according to their categories, then sorted alphabetically.
  
 
Please note that this FAQ provides very short answers; explore the links to get deeper information.
 
Please note that this FAQ provides very short answers; explore the links to get deeper information.
Line 7: Line 7:
  
 
=General Audio Compression=
 
=General Audio Compression=
 +
 +
 +
;Can I increase quality by converting a lossy compressed file to a higher-bitrate lossy compressed file?
 +
:'''Short Answer:''' This is called [[Transcoding]], and the answer is '''no'''.
  
  
Line 13: Line 17:
 
:In addition, check the following links:
 
: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
 
:* [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 the best audio format?
 +
:'''Short Answer:''' Depends on your needs.
 +
:For a detailed explanation, see [[Audio format guide]].
 +
 +
 +
;Why do encoded files get clipped when the original WAVs are not clipped?
 +
:'''Short answer:'''
 +
:#Quantization errors may cause the signal to clip, and
 +
:#Gibbs phenomenon through the limitation of bandwidth may cause the signal to clip.
 +
:Check the following links for more details:
 +
:* [http://ff123.net/norm.html Explanation on ff123's site]
  
  
Line 21: Line 38:
  
  
−
;Why not use graphs to compare codecs?
+
;What is "transparency"?
 +
:Go see [[transparency]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;Why not use graphs / frequency analysis 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.
 
: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:
 
:In addition, check the following links:
 
:* [[lossy|Lossy]] encoding
 
:* [[lossy|Lossy]] encoding
 
:* [[lossless|Lossless]] encoding
 
:* [[lossless|Lossless]] encoding
 +
:* [[frequency analysis]]
 
:* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=7834&st=0&p=77265&#entry77265 Confusion on CBR & VBR thread] on the HA Forums
 
:* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=7834&st=0&p=77265&#entry77265 Confusion on CBR & VBR thread] on the HA Forums
 +
:* ... and [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=42646&hl= this thread] for a more sarcastic discussion.
  
  
Line 41: Line 64:
  
 
* What do I need to get started?
 
* 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]]?
 
* What is [[ABX]]?
 
* Why is [[ABX]] needed?
 
* Why is [[ABX]] needed?
−
* [[Transcoding]] - Can I increase quality by converting X lossy compressed file to Y lossy compressed file?
 
  
 
==Advanced==
 
==Advanced==
  
−
* Can I use [[frequency analysis]] or other tools to judge quality?
 
 
* What are good test procedures?
 
* What are good test procedures?
  
 
{{stub}}
 
{{stub}}

Revision as of 20:50, 23 March 2006

This article is a stub. You can help the Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase by expanding it.

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

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


General Audio Compression

Can I increase quality by converting a lossy compressed file to a higher-bitrate lossy compressed file?
Short Answer: This is called Transcoding, and the answer is no.


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


What is the best audio format?
Short Answer: Depends on your needs.
For a detailed explanation, see Audio format guide.


Why do encoded files get clipped when the original WAVs are not clipped?
Short answer:
  1. Quantization errors may cause the signal to clip, and
  2. Gibbs phenomenon through the limitation of bandwidth may cause the signal to clip.
Check the following links for more details:


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


What is "transparency"?
Go see transparency


Why not use graphs / frequency analysis 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 ABX?
  • Why is ABX needed?

Advanced

  • What are good test procedures?

This article is a stub. You can help the Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=FAQ&oldid=10390"