(2) What is a wave (or wav) file?

[modbod]

John

Thanks for this. I got similar info on a music course I did last winter. A few items puzzle me. Why is the sample rate of say 44.1k samples per second described as 44.1 Kilohertz--what is the hertz bit?
Also if using a bit rate of say 16 bits, this seems to be equal to 2 bytes. Thus are there 8 bits in one byte?
Also, I assume the bit rate refers to the accuracy with which each sample is recorded in binary number format( ones and zeros), thus the higher the bit rate the longer the binary number and the more accurate the sample and the greater the fidelity when converted back to analogue/sound---is this correct?

Finally, I'm not sure I understand your reference above to +ve and -ve?

Regards, Michael

[JohnG]

Hi Michael,
Did my last post help at all? As a technical specialist I do often wonder whether I "hit the spot" or whether I go too detailed. Some feedback would be much appreciated if you have time.
To the others who've read this article too, a bit of feedback would be most welcome. You could say "too techy for me" or "didn't understand this bit" as Michael did or "about right" just speak to me Please! From a lonely technician seeking solace.
Best regards,
JohnG.

[JohnG]

P.S. Next article "mp3, minidisc and all that compression stuff".
JohnG.

[modbod]

Hi John

I have been away on holidays for about 10 days --hence my delayed response. I really appreciate the time you have taken to answer my questions and the clarity with which you have answered them.
As I am a non-technical, non-engineering person ( my background is in tax and accounting!! ) my knowledge about this stuff is very limited and I am just trying to grasp the basic concepts. Thus your articles so far have been very helpful and I look forward to reading the latest one.

Kind Regards, Michael

[JohnG]

Hi Michael,,
Your comments and thanks are much appreciated. Hope you had a great holiday?
If you have any other areas that you'd like covered then ask away and I'll see what I can do.
Best regards,
JohnG.