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Does Zipping an MP3 lose any quality?

I'm currently working on my new DJ website and I'd like to ZIP my MP3's to reduce file size and so that the user doesn't have to right-click and save target as.

But, does zipping an MP3 reduce the quality at all since it reduces the file size?

Also, should I have 320 or 192 mp3's for download - what would you prefer as a listener?

Cheers

No, it doesn't reduce the quality but since MP3 is already a compressed format there's not really any point in compressing it any further. You might actually end up increasing the filesize.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery No, it doesn't reduce the quality but since MP3 is already a compressed format there's not really any point in compressing it any further. You might actually end up increasing the filesize.

Ok, I understand what you're saying but it's mainly so that when people click on "Download", it will actually start downloading instead of it starting to buffer and stream through their browser.

At least I now know that it wont affect the quality, thanks.

it all depends on how they have their computer setup.

i prefer to have the mp3 itself up, that way i can stream or download.

putting up the zip annoys me, because then i have to wait till the whole thing is downloaded before i can start listening.

don't neccesarily assume that because it plays inline in your browser, it will do that for everyone.

besides right-click->save as... should be pretty common knowledge

Yeah, I wouldn't bother zipping if I were you - what if people WANT to stream it?

Using a little bit of PHP or ASP it IS possible to force a file to download when clicking on a link, but it's not really recommended in terms of accessibility and user flexibility.

You're much better off having a note on the page near the link telling people to Right Click -> Save Target As if they want to download it.

I hate zipped mp3's. How about you just add a note telling internet newbies (do they still exist?) to right click and save target as.

quote:

Originally posted by Stu Cox Yeah, I wouldn't bother zipping if I were you - what if people WANT to stream it? Using a little bit of PHP or ASP it IS possible to force a file to download when clicking on a link, but it's not really recommended in terms of accessibility and user flexibility. You're much better off having a note on the page near the link telling people to Right Click -> Save Target As if they want to download it.

Just out of interest could you explain how? I am studying PHP at the moment and would be interested to hear how you would code this?

quote:

Originally posted by Lunar Phase 7 Just out of interest could you explain how? I am studying PHP at the moment and would be interested to hear how you would code this?

This might be of help...

+1

dont zip it. u force me to then unzip it...extra step i don't need...

Ok, thanks for the replies guys. Looks like I'll have to re-upload my mixes as mp3 then...

.. I never realised that so many people were against zips.

To answer your other question - I prefer 192kbps for DJ mixes, and 320kbps for productions.

And I agree with everyone else, don't zip it

Re: Does Zipping an MP3 lose any quality?

quote:

Originally posted by agentdansmith I'm currently working on my new DJ website and I'd like to ZIP my MP3's to reduce file size and so that the user doesn't have to right-click and save target as. But, does zipping an MP3 reduce the quality at all since it reduces the file size? Also, should I have 320 or 192 mp3's for download - what would you prefer as a listener? Cheers

No you are not losing quality zipping mp3's but you are not saving any space either as mp3's are compressed to the max

Re: Re: Does Zipping an MP3 lose any quality?

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Originally posted by erdega No you are not losing quality zipping mp3's but you are not saving any space either as mp3's are compressed to the max

Way to read the rest of the thread.

quote:

Originally posted by basd This might be of help...

Yeah, the eLouai script does the job although there are slightly simpler ways to do it (they tend to be based around the same principle, just with a bit less of the bulk) - give it a bit of a Google, there are a few suggestions around.

But as I say, I'm not entirely convinced that it's really necessary.

quote:

Originally posted by Stu Cox Yeah, the eLouai script does the job although there are slightly simpler ways to do it (they tend to be based around the same principle, just with a bit less of the bulk) - give it a bit of a Google, there are a few suggestions around.

Heh, this was just a quick Google result I've found, it looked OK.. But I'm by no means a PHP expert so I can't really tell.

Re: Re: Re: Does Zipping an MP3 lose any quality?

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery Way to read the rest of the thread.

and what ?
Ok, should he do 192k or 320k?
Well obviously there is a noticeable difference between the 2 but it's a function of space & bandwidth and how much he has it. I don't know why he would host it on his own site when there are so many free hosting sites out there and even paid ones

Re: Re: Re: Re: Does Zipping an MP3 lose any quality?

quote:

Originally posted by erdega and what ?

So you didn't read the rest of the thread then?

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Does Zipping an MP3 lose any quality?

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery So you didn't read the rest of the thread then?

come on, give him a break, it was the 3rd post....who looks past the first 2 sentences anyways....

quote:

Originally posted by agentdansmith Ok, I understand what you're saying but it's mainly so that when people click on "Download", it will actually start downloading instead of it starting to buffer and stream through their browser. At least I now know that it wont affect the quality, thanks.

and you don't want to use php to force downloads, there are a bunch of security issues, I don't think they would be a big problem, but there are risks.

another way is to place this in an .htaccess file in your song directory (id make it so that only your mp3's are in a certain directory, then place this in there).

"
ForceType application/octet-stream
Header set Content-Disposition attachment
"

this should make any .mp3 file link have a save as dialog when clicked. However the site I found this on said there might be problems with the new IE. But you can test it out.

Re: Re: Re: Does Zipping an MP3 lose any quality?

quote:

No you are not losing quality zipping mp3's but you are not saving any space either as mp3's are compressed to the max

Not true. Mp3's make use of the fact that there is no need to save certain frequencies of sound (among other things). Compression via the algorithms in an application like winzip are bitwise, and couldn't care less if its audio or text.

Granted if you zip an mp3 you may not get much compression out of, but not because its an mp3.

No quality lost though, this is the wonder of digital compression.

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