FLAC File
The first fact about FLAC files you should know is it compresses audio like mp3. However, it is lossless. Lossless means the compression doesn’t lower the audio quality like mp3. FLAC files can be played using standard music players.
Basic Information
FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. It is non-proprietary and the implementation is open-source. Unlike mp3, the compression was designed for audio, so there is no loss of quality. The format is free and works on several operating systems. These include OS/2, Amiga, IRIX, and Windows among others.
Other Important Features
Even though it’s lossless, FLAC is fast. Decoding only requires integer arithmetic so it isn’t computer intensive. One of the most vital facts about FLAC files is its wide support. Stereo equipment, music players and car audio recognize the format.
The format’s metadata system provides support tables, cue sheets and cover art. The system’s design allows for new implementation without affecting the current decoders.
The format can be searched, useful when editing. The format also has sufficient data for every frame. By using sync codes, developers can pick up in the middle stream with little delay.
CD Archiving
The format also has a cue sheet metadata block for keeping a CD’s table of contents. This can also hold the data about the tracks. What does this fact about FLAC files mean? You can rip a CD as one file.
Import the extracted cue sheet while encoding and you get a single file of the whole disc. If the original CD is broken, the cue sheet can be extracted. This means you can make an exact copy later on.
What FLAC Isn’t
This format is for lossless compression and not a rival format of mp3. Mp3, Vorbis and others like it are lossy formats. There is no DRM or copy protection inherent on the format. However a user can add one if they so desire.
Other Facts about FLAC Files and Playing Them
FLAC has no support for iTunes due to the program’s design. Windows Media Player doesn’t directly support FLAC, but there are codecs you can download that can overcome this limitation. The full version of Winamp can play FLAC without having to add any codecs. dbPowerAMP Audio Player can play FLAC files if the FLAC plug-in is installed.
There are several programs that can rip CDs to FLAC. Media Jukebox can rip FLAC but you need to install a plug-in. EAC (Exact Audio Copy) can also do the job.
Notes
FLAC supports fixed point samples but not floating point. This is intentional; with floating point arithmetic, the encoder cannot be entirely lossless. Currently, the file format can manage PCM bits resolution between 4 to 32 bits for every sample.
It can also handle sampling rates ranging from 1 Hz to 655,350 Hz. These are in 1 Hz increments. FLAC can handle channels from one to eight.
These facts about FLAC files should help you understand what the format is about. The above-mentioned programs can also help you get started on playing and ripping CDs to FLAC.
