How much of a difference in file size would I get if I converted my mp3's to Ogg's. Is it worth it? Say, for example, a 3.5 MB file. About what would that equate to as an OGG file with comparable bitrate (say 128 or 192). Thanks.

If you use the same bitrate - the file will be the same size.

Here is an example:

- A file encoded as a 164kps MP3 and is 4 minutes long will be: (164kpsx240secs)=3.94mb
- A file encoded as a 164kps OGG Vorbis and is 4 minutes long will be: (164kpsx240secs)=3.94mb

So no saving in space - as you are using the same kps per second using both codecs.

HOWEVER, using OGG Vorbis you can encode the file @ 96kps and it will sound the same (IMHO) as MP3 @ 164kps, therefore to get the SAME QUALITY music file on your system:
MP3= 3.9mb
OGG Vorbis= (240*96)=2.3mb

A saving in space of 42%

The saving comes in the ability to encode a file that will still sound the same but at a lower bitrate.

I hope that makes sense.

Regards

Rob

  

Correct me if I am wrong but if you do it at the same bit rate it will be the same file size... roughly the same file size anyway (slightly different header information may change the size slighty). I would expect the only difference you will get is the audio quality.

Wow, very detailed answer! Thanks. I still have one more question though: If an OGG file is at a lower bit rate than an MP3 how can it sound the same? What am I missing here?

Because the sampling and reduction algorithms are better.

However - you would be MUCH MUCH better to re-rip from CD to OGG than convert to OGG from MP3.

It's like re-photocopying an original docuemnt vs photocopying a photocopy.

Every generation loses integrity.

Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

   

Sounds good. So than overall OGG seems like a much better format. Are there any downsides to it or should I just do all my ripping as OGG from now on?

Please be forebearing of a newbie question here...I know what Mp3s are...but what is an OGG????? (sounds like a mispronounced form of something used to make omelletes! lol

Life is its own answer....
SkypeName: aximfrog

 

Thanks Howard - I should have mentioned that as well

The only real downside (IMHO) is cross-compatability is still a bit limited - i.e. players such as iPod do not play OGG files - although the list of available players is growing daily

Regards

Rob

  

Ogg - is the file extention used by music files created with the open sourced OGG Vorbis music encoder (other - not necessarily opened sourced - musical formats are .wma, .mp3, .wav .mid etc)

Have a look - HERE for more details.

Regards

Rob

  

Thanks

Life is its own answer....
SkypeName: aximfrog

 

Thanks so much for everyone's help. Now to re-rip my cds to OGG.

Just a tip

I ripped all my CD's to Ogg twice - once at 280kps and again at 80kps

- this allows me to listen to 280kps from my PC - as space isn't an issue (and I am hoping to set it up a central media server)- and also at 80kps on my PPC (it just saves time to do them all at once.

Also I cannot really tell the difference between the following:

- CD ripped to 80kps and
- CD ripped to 280kps and later convert a copy to 80kps

I believe that this doesn't suffer (as much) from the 'photocopying' problem as much as you are using the same codec to perform both conversions

So you may want to rip using 280kps to your PC (or similar) and then covert down for use on you PPC.

Regards

Rob

  

Thanks for the tip, I'll definately give it a try!

I guess I'm just a bit hesitant to begin re-ripping my CD collection. Mp3s are still the universal format played by pretty much every player...Sony has had its attempt at making ATRAC the format, there was another version of Mp3 (pro?) out there, and now OGG. I know the audiophiles will support just about any format other than Mp3, but I'm seldom in a situation where I need the perfect clarity of the original recording...128 kps usually works well for me. OGG may be better...but until it plays on all my players...I'm sticking with Mp3 files.

 

I actually don't disagree with any of this - I only found ogg format AFTER I had bought my PPC and I was looking at getting the best quality sound for the smallest file that I could.

That left me with two choices .wma or .ogg and the biggest problem with .wma is you never know if all the files you have already ripped will work with the next version of MS's software - so for me the choice was easy

Regards

Rob