Bitmélység

Bitmélység, often translated as bit depth, is a term used in digital imaging and audio to describe the amount of information stored for each color or sound sample. In the context of images, it refers to the number of bits used to represent the color of a single pixel. A higher bit depth allows for a greater range of colors to be represented, resulting in smoother gradients and more subtle variations in tone. For example, an 8-bit per channel image can represent 2^8 = 256 shades of red, green, and blue, leading to over 16 million possible colors in total (24-bit color). A 16-bit per channel image, on the other hand, offers 2^16 = 65,536 shades per channel, resulting in trillions of colors. This increased range is particularly beneficial in professional photography and graphic design for tasks such as editing and color correction, as it minimizes banding and preserves detail.

In digital audio, bit depth signifies the number of bits used to represent the amplitude of each audio sample. Similar to images, a higher bit depth in audio allows for a wider dynamic range, meaning the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds that can be recorded or reproduced is greater. Standard CD audio uses 16-bit depth, offering about 65,536 possible amplitude levels. Higher bit depths, such as 24-bit, provide over 16 million levels, leading to a more nuanced and detailed sound reproduction, especially important in professional audio production and high-fidelity listening experiences. The choice of bit depth often involves a trade-off between the quality of the data and the size of the file.