The discussion centers on two prevalent methods of encoding audio data without discarding any original information, ensuring perfect reconstruction from the compressed file. One is developed by Apple, while the other is an open-source format. Both are designed to provide high-fidelity audio reproduction, faithfully preserving the nuances of the original recording.
The significance of these formats lies in their ability to store audio in a significantly smaller file size than uncompressed formats, like WAV or AIFF, while retaining the full audio quality. This is beneficial for archiving music, particularly for audiophiles and professionals who demand pristine sound quality. The historical context includes the growing demand for digital music solutions that provide convenience without sacrificing audio fidelity, leading to the creation and adoption of such lossless compression methods.
