With the popularization of video streaming over the internet and 1CD DVD rips, it is essential to squeeze the audio content as much as possible, in order to leave more space for the video stream. For that reason, this test was created to compare several popular audio codecs at very low bitrates (average 64kbps).
It's purpose is to find what encoder performs best encoding content at an average of 64kbps.
The encoders and parameters tested are:
Anyone interested in low bitrate audio quality, or people that have no interest but would like to help making this test better. You don't need excellent hearing, but some good gear is welcome (headphones are strongly recommended).
The purpose of this is to find out if the new generation codecs (most notably WMA and MP3pro) deliver the marketing plot of "same quality as MP3 at half the bitrates"
Kudos go to ff123 for coming up with this brilliant idea.
Download ABC/HR + codecs and batches + the readme file from one of the following locations: (976Kb)
The links to the sample packages are inside the readme.
The average size of each sample package is 10Mb. It sums to 126Mb, all the 12 packages.
You can. But you won't be able to use the ABC/HR utility, that is Win32 only. Since the reference file must be hidden (That's the HR in the name), tests performed without it wouldn't be valid. So, I can't plot your scores against others created with ABC/HR. But your comments on sample quality and artifacts would still be welcome.
The test is scheduled to end on September 21st.
If you have any other question, please get in touch.
Thank-you very much,