Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech,rec.audio.pro (
More info?)
On Mon, 24 May 2004 06:23:38 -0700, DaveC wrote:
> On Mon, 24 May 2004 00:08:54 -0700, Aaron J. Grier wrote
> (in article <10b37s6f0i60597@corp.supernews.com>):
>
>> you're still streaming a file when you play it from a disk.
>
> True enough, apparently.
>
> But misleading, nonetheless. "Bit rate" implies, traditionally, data
> communications over a network or such. "Resolution" is a more-appropriate
> term regarding files possessed on your local media.
I guess 'resolution' would be clearer to some people... But to say an MP3
has a resolution of 128kbps would make it more confusing in the long run,
as the meaning is lost in the abstraction.
Sometimes it's not a good idea to try and make a parallel of a computing
term in what appears to be clearer language.
The 'Campaign for Clear English' came across this in the UK when they
tried to find a simpler term for 'modem'.
There really isn't one, as there is no 'real life' alternative explanation
that can be used.
>
> To take a parallel example, you don't describe image files in "rate"
> terms. They have been scanned at a set bits-per-inch resolution and are
> of a certain file size. These two terms describe the image's "quality"
> but do not require a description of how quickly (over time) the file
> will be displayed.
That's because static image files are not shown over a defined period
of time.
If it's a film (AVI,MPG etc) then the kbps or Mbps is used. Ie, 784 Kbps,
2.5Mbps.
There is no rule for how fast a static jpeg image whould be decoded, or
a zip file extracted, but if you are decoding an MP3 or AVI, then you had
better do it at the defined bit rate, or it would be
unwatchable/unlistenable!
>
>> to playback uncompressed stereo 16bit/44.1kHz PCM, the disk (hard drive,
>> redbook CD, compactflash card, etc) needs a nominal sustained transfer
>> rate of 1411.2kbit/s (2*16*44.1).
>
> That's like telling the owner of a new car in the owner's manual that in
> order to maintain a safe driving speed, he/she should depress the accelerator
> pedal until the engine is operating at a sustained rate of 275.4 cfm (cubic
> feet per minute). It is a technical description of the engine's mode of
> operation that is totally inappropriate to discuss outside of engineering
> circles. It leads to confusion in those to whom the term has no relevance.
> More appropriately, an owner's manual typically discusses safe limitations in
> terms that, generally, relate to the everyday use of the product ("at a safe
> speed", "observe local speed laws", etc.). Only when the terminology is
> necessary for a particular task (ie, towing) is such language appropriate
> (weights, speeds, etc.).
Again, you can create a simpler alternative, but the useful meaning is
lost.
>
>> likewise, when you play back a 128kbit/s MP3 from your local device, the
>> nominal sustained transfer rate from that device is 128kbit/s.
>
> Understood. But an inappropriate terminology for general description to the
> public.
What would you suggest?