Autumn 2006 Listening Test
Reply #313 – 2006-10-30 23:15:33
BTW: Did you guys notice that WMP 11 final is out? I think this means testing of new WMA codec can be done soon, so let's hurry up with this test. Anyways, I see that the crowd wants a new listening test and since the 48 kbps multiformat test was delayed until the new WMA codec is open for testing , we have two reasonable possibilities: test MP3 at 128 kbps and include fast encoders like Helix, or test various formats at 80 kbps. (...) I wonder: now that the 48 kbps multiformat listening test is possible, does it still make sense to perform an 'intermediary' one dedicated to mp3? As far as I can see, people didn't show that much enthousiasm about the latter. I'm maybe wrong but... the competitors are decided but nobody dared to publish a bitrate table; few samples were suggested; you always have to lauch people,etc... Moreover the choice of settings often lead to debate (forced JS or not, VBR for iTunes, for GOGOG, for Fhg; dedicated commandline for HELIX and now GOGO...). As far as I can remember I never saw such inextricable situation and lethargic attitude in any previous listening test. It's maybe just a feeling of mine and in no case I'm trying to put the blame on someone. So I wonder if it wouldn't be better to immediately start a debate about a multiformat test and to postpone the current one. Maybe will we find a better occasion to test different MP3 encoders. But the currents audio developments (aoTuVb5, WMA10 or 9.2) are clearly far from GOGO, Helix and Fhg MP3. What do you think? Or are you personaly interested by a MP3 challenge?