49 lines
2.6 KiB
Markdown
49 lines
2.6 KiB
Markdown
# libwavpack
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libwavpack is a completely open audio compression format providing
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lossless, high-quality lossy, and a unique hybrid compression
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mode. Although the technology is loosely based on previous versions of
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libwavpack, the new version 4 format has been designed from the ground up
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to offer unparalleled performance and functionality.
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In the default lossless mode libwavpack acts just like a WinZip
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compressor for audio files. However, unlike MP3 or WMA encoding which
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can affect the sound quality, not a single bit of the original
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information is lost, so there's no chance of degradation. This makes
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lossless mode ideal for archiving audio material or any other
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situation where quality is paramount. The compression ratio depends on
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the source material, but generally is between 30% and 70%.
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The hybrid mode provides all the advantages of lossless compression
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with an additional bonus. Instead of creating a single file, this mode
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creates both a relatively small, high-quality lossy file that can be
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used all by itself, and a "correction" file that (when combined with
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the lossy file) provides full lossless restoration. For some users
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this means never having to choose between lossless and lossy
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compression!
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libwavpack features include:
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* Compatible with virtually all PCM audio formats including 8, 16, 24, and 32-bit ints; 32-bit floats; mono, stereo, and multichannel; sampling rates from 6 to 192 kHz (and non-standard rates)
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* Multiplatform support including Windows, Linux, and OS X
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* Instantly seekable and streaming capable (and gapless)
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* ReplayGain (including WavPack file scanner and compatible plugins)
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* Uses ID3v1 and APEv2 tags for metadata (including ReplayGain)
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* Error-tolerant block format conducive to hardware decoding
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* Optional "asymmetrical" mode for improved compression
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* MD5 audio checksums for verification and identification
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* Unique hybrid mode (provides high quality lossy + "correction" file
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* Dynamic noise shaping (dns) for optimum quality at lower hybrid bitrates
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* Hybrid mode now operates as low as 2.25 bits/sample (or 196 kbps for CD audio)
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* Free and open source with easy to use library interface and unrestrictive license (BSD)
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* Intuitive command line interface (with wildcards and destination directory)
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* Small, efficient executable (no large programs or dlls to install)
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* Special "low latency" version available for custom applications
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* Self-extracting archives with cuesheets (Windows only)
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* Fully backward compatible to WavPack 1.0
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* Java decoder now available
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* Complete piping support
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