Audio Technology

Audio streaming protocols and codecs Audio streaming moves data from servers to listeners. Two layers matter: protocols, which govern how data travels, and codecs, which control how audio is compressed for transmission and playback. Understanding both helps you balance quality, cost, and reach. Popular streaming protocols HLS (HTTP Live Streaming): Apple’s format that sends small media segments and a playlist over normal HTTP. It plays well with CDNs, supports adaptive bitrate, and works for offline storage in many players. Latency is usually a few seconds, though low-latency modes are possible with modern players. ...

Digital Audio: Encoding, Rights, and Delivery Digital audio flows from how sound is captured to how it plays on devices. Making smart choices about encoding, rights, and delivery helps creators keep high sound quality while staying within licenses and platform rules. This guide explains the basics in plain terms and with practical tips. Encoding: quality and compatibility Encoding turns sound into a file that travels online. Key decisions include: Sample rate and bit depth: 44.1 kHz/16-bit is common for distribution; 48 kHz is standard for video; 24-bit masters preserve more detail for archiving. Lossy vs lossless: lossy formats save space but reduce some detail; lossless formats preserve every bit of the original. Codecs and containers: MP3 and AAC are widely supported; Opus and Vorbis offer high efficiency for streaming; FLAC and WAV are common for lossless. Containers like MP4 or WAV carry audio in different ways. Practical tip: for broad reach, offer a mainstream lossy option (AAC at 192–256 kbps) plus a lossless backup for fans who value quality. Rights and licensing Rights determine who may use and distribute a work. Typical areas include: ...