Streaming quality

[BinkieHuckerback]

On Amazon HD and Apple Music, how is it determined what content is at what quality (e.g. why are some albums 'Ultra HD' as opposed to 'HD' on Amazon)?

 

[fieldcar]

For Amazon Music HD, Click the ULTRA HD by the player. It tells you what bit/sample rate and codec.

 

[voodooless]

HD tracks have a bit depth of 16-bits, a minimum sample rate of 44.1 kHz (also referred to as CD-quality), and an average bitrate of 850 kbps. Ultra HD tracks have a bit depth of 24 bits, sample rates ranging from 44.1 kHz up to 192 kHz, and an average bitrate of 3730 kbps.

You get whatever the label supplied.

 

[BinkieHuckerback]

You get whatever the label supplied.

Ah. I wonder what that's down to then?

 

[BinkieHuckerback]

For Amazon Music HD, Click the ULTRA HD by the player. It tells you what bit/sample rate and codec.

View attachment 191774

View attachment 191775

Thanks! - yes, I can see what's what, I wondered why what's what is what!

 

[voodooless]

Ah. I wonder what that's down to then?

Well, however it was mastered plus wherever agreement the labels made with Amazon.

 

[BinkieHuckerback]

Well, however it was mastered plus wherever agreement the labels made with Amazon.

Thank you. No big deal then, it's just what it is.

 

[AdamG]

Thank you. No big deal then, it's just what it is.

Too make it more confusing. The playback quality (Bitrate, Depth and sample rate) is dependent on at least 3 factors: (All of these elements can positively or negatively impact/effect the quality of the streaming content.)

1. Source Quality. Recorded/Mastered Quality provided by the Artist/Producer/distributor. What is the Quality of the Streaming Service’s copy? This also includes the Streaming Service Subscription level paid for by you.
2. Playback method of transport/transmission. Wired/Wireless/Bluetooth/Bandwidth available. Internet Lan/WiFi/4G/5G
3. Playback Device chain Capability. Each device in the chain can alter the quality of content it can handle.

I wish there was an easy answer. Just keep asking questions and start reading up and eventually you will be as confused as I am!

 

[ThatM1key]

Think of a streaming services like your local chinese buffet or even Golden Coral, lots to choose from but the quality overall is mediocre. I bet you some of the 24/192 albums were remastered by some of the same people that made those terrible 21st Century Masters CDs