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8.2: The basics- Audio formats

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    305818
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    It’s helpful to have an understanding of digital file formats as you get started. If you download or listen to audio on a Web site, then it is probably in a compressed format so that it downloads faster. You’re probably familiar with some of the formats, like MP3 and Windows Media. It’s not necessary for you to know the technical differences between them, just know what you’re dealing with. Here’s a glance at the most prevalent formats of digital audio.

    Compressed (on Web sites)

    • MP3 (most universal)
    • WMA (Windows Media)
    • Real (Real Audio)
    • MPEG-4 (QuickTime)
    • MPEG-4 AAC (iTunes)

    Uncompressed (not found on Web sites)

    • WAV (pronounced “wave”)
    • AIFF (Apple’s standard format)

    Your goal should be to provide audio clips in MP3 format for your readers. Why? Because virtually any computer can play an MP3. Programs like iTunes, Windows Media Player or Real Player can play them, too, but they can’t play the other proprietary formats. For example, you can’t play a Windows Media file in iTunes or a Real Media file in Windows Media Player, but you can play an MP3 on any of them.


    This page titled 8.2: The basics- Audio formats is shared under a CC BY-ND 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Mark Briggs via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.