Intelligent Sound

Audio file formats are formats for storing audio data on a computer system. Generally they are container formats or audio data formats with a defined storage layer, but can be a raw bit stream too. The storage of digital audio involves sampling the audio voltage, which would correspond to a certain level of signal in a channel with a particular resolution in regular intervals, on playback. The data can then be stored uncompressed or compressed. Compression reduces the file size.

Proprietary formats are file formats with an opaque presentation of data and unlike open formats; their specifications are not publicly available. They are generally controlled by a private person or organization and can be protected with patents or copyrights. The copyrights provide the exclusive control over the technology to the license holder. These formats are developed by software companies to encode data produced by their applications since they prevent Reverse engineering.

Open file formats are published specifications for storing digital data which can be used and implemented by anyone. These are maintained by a standard organization. An open format can be implemented by both proprietary and free and open source software with the help of typical licenses used by each. Open file formats are published specifications for storing digital data, and open formats are not encumbered by any copyrights, patents, trademarks or other restrictions are known as free file formats.

Open file formats are published specifications for storing digital data, and open formats not encumbered by any copyrights, patents, trademarks or other restrictions are known as free file formats. These can be used in the public domain at no monetary cost. That is to say that, these formats can be implemented by both proprietary and free and open source software with the help of typical licenses used by each.