AC3 versus Wav Characteristics

[majagua]

What are the differences between AC3 and Wav files?

I know the sizes are different.

But in quality for example?

Specs?

Thanks!

[DSPguru]

wave is a generic format. so.. usually :
- 2 channels
- best quality. (uncompressed)
ac3 :
- 5.1 channels
- good quality. (compressed)

[Valex]

@DSPguru
You forgot about new fashionable multichannel WAVs :).

@majagua
Generally WAV is not an audio format, but it is container for other formats. For example for uncompressed raw PCM or hi-compressed MP3. WAV can contain AC3 format too, but by now it is no ACM codec to play such files (But DirectShow can play it).

So we cannot compare quality of AC3 and WAV directly. AC3 with 5.1 and high bitrate will greater in size and much better than WAV with 32kbps mono MP3 :). But multichannel PCM WAV with floating-point samples will be better in quality than any other format but have incredible size.

[DSPguru]

Originally posted by Valex
@DSPguru
You forgot about new fashionable multichannel WAVs :).
Originally posted by DSPguru
wave is a generic format. so.. usually :
- 2 channels
- best quality. (uncompressed)