Can lossless audio compressors be used when capturing?

[Chainmax]

If so, which ones are available? If not, why?

[jggimi]

Linear Pulse Code Modulation (WAV format) is lossless, but it's also uncompressed. It's a very common method for audio capture, as even uncompressed, it's storage consumption is vastly less than lossless video codecs.

[Jeffster]

Originally posted by Chainmax
If so, which ones are available? If not, why?

You might find some information here (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?showtopic=13921&), if I understand your question correctly.

I read there may possibly be plans to intergrate FLAC into VDubMod one day also.

Jeff

[ppera2]

Capturing audio with uncompressed PCM is actually recommended - when your machine is at limits by capture, when having sync issues.
It is possible practically in all AVI capture programs.

[fccHandler]

Just a thought: I don't think it would be a good idea to put lossless compressed audio into AVI format, since it's surely VBR.

[ppera2]

Originally posted by fccHandler
Just a thought: I don't think it would be a good idea to put lossless compressed audio into AVI format, since it's surely VBR.

Why you think that it's VBR? Even MP3 is usually CBR.

[fccHandler]

The level of lossless compression which can be achieved depends on the byte contents, which are constantly changing. One fragment of audio samples may not compress as well as another fragment, hence the resulting stream is bound to be VBR.

[Chainmax]

Originally posted by Jeffster:
You might find some information here (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?showtopic=13921&) , if I understand your question correctly.

I read there may possibly be plans to intergrate FLAC into VDubMod one day also.

That FLAC DShow filter can be used to capture the audio directly to FLAC, right? If so, then that's exactly what I was asking for. Thanks for the link.

Originally posted by fccHandler:
Just a thought: I don't think it would be a good idea to put lossless compressed audio into AVI format, since it's surely VBR.
Why not? AFAIK, VBR audio muxed into an AVI container only poses problems when editing. If you want to use the original WAV, you just have to demux the lossless audio file, decompress to WAV and then remux. If you want Ogg/MP3/AC3/whatever instead, you demux, decompress to WAV, recompress to your format of choice, then remux.

[fccHandler]

Originally posted by Chainmax
If you want to use the original WAV, you just have to demux the lossless audio file, decompress to WAV and then remux.
Good point! I hadn't thought of that. ;)

[Owen]

Lossless compressed audio capture sounds interesting.
I will have to take a look at FLAC.

I currently capture PAL 720x576 to ffvfw Mpg4 video and Raduim (192kbs)MP3 audio without any problems. No need to do the job twise.
Editing in Vdub works fine.


Owen

[Chainmax]

Can anyone confirm if the FLAC filter Jeffster linked to can be used for capturing? I would if I could but I can't (long story).

[Jeffster]

@ Chainmax

Sorry I can't try it myself as I capture in DV and the audio compression is predetermined.

I don't know anything about the state of development for capturing using that DirectShow filter, but I did find another interesting thread (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?showtopic=5180&view=findpost&p=58887) about it, which makes me think it may not be possible yet, but some talented people are working to make it happen.

Hope this helps

Jeff

[Chainmax]

Cool, thanks :).