Apple is currently in discussions with record labels regarding ways to improve the quality of the song files sold on iTunes and fix the degradation of music that the digital revolution has caused. Professional music producers generally capture music in a 24-bit, high-fidelity audio format but digital sellers such as Apple’s iTunes Store downgrade the music files to 16-bit.
These smaller 16-bit files make it easier to stream music and for customers to download the files from the iTunes store, with the files being smaller in size. However Macs can play these higher quality 24-bit recordings, apparently iPhones and iPods (and AppleTV/iPads?) dont’ currently have the tech for 24-bit playback as yet.
Apple explains:
“We’ve gone back now at Universal, and we’re changing our pipes to 24 bit. And Apple has been great,” Iovine said. “We’re working with them and other digital services — download services — to change to 24 bit. And some of their electronic devices are going to be changed as well. So we have a long road ahead of us.”
What are your thoughts on 24-bit files over 16-bit?
Via 9to5 Mac
Filed Under: Apple