"Julian Fowler" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 25 Jan 2004 16:15:49 -0000, "Keith G"
wrote:


"Julian Fowler" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 25 Jan 2004 13:58:44 -0000, "Keith G"
wrote:

snip/

Rather than mp3 (which will always be lossy, irrespective of the
bitrate), take a look at FLAC (s/w utilities available from
www.etree.org, or do a Google search). Lossless compression, and
plugins available for a widening range of players. Typically
compresses WAV files to 50-60% of their original size.


I'm *very* wary of all these 'proprietory' formats.

FLAC is non-proprietary (unlike the Shorten /SHN format, which FLAC is
fast-overtaking as the preferred format for non-lossy compression of
audio data). FLAC is maintained as an Open Source specification --
hence its likely adoption by hardware manufacturers (Rio already
support FLAC as one of the (de)compression formats on at least one of
their portable HDD_based players).


OK, seems a number of you would recommend FLAC. This is the one I will
investigate then.

Many thanks to all who replied.