Hljóðkóðarar

hljóðkóðarar are algorithms or computer programs that compress and decompress digital audio data. The primary goal of a hljóðkóðari is to reduce the file size of audio recordings while maintaining acceptable sound quality. This is achieved by removing redundant or imperceptible information from the audio signal. There are two main categories of hljóðkóðarar: lossless and lossy.

Lossless hljóðkóðarar compress audio data without discarding any information. When decompressed, the original audio signal is perfectly reconstructed. Examples include FLAC and ALAC. While they offer perfect fidelity, the compression ratios are generally lower compared to lossy codecs.

Lossy hljóðkóðarar achieve much higher compression ratios by removing parts of the audio signal that are considered less audible to the human ear, based on psychoacoustic models. This process is irreversible, meaning the decompressed audio is not identical to the original. Popular examples include MP3, AAC, and Ogg Vorbis. The degree of compression in lossy codecs can be adjusted, often referred to as bitrate, which directly impacts file size and perceived audio quality. Hljóðkóðarar are fundamental to digital audio storage, streaming, and transmission, enabling efficient use of bandwidth and storage space.