Starting with version 3.0 of the PolderbitS Sound Recorder and Editor, we include mp3 and mp3PRO audio encoding technology (also called codec), licensed from Coding Technologies, Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.

What is a codec?

Codec stands short for Coder / Decoder.
A codec is a standard Windows program that can convert a particular sound compression and encoding format (like mp3) to and from standard digital sound that can be played back on a computer.

What is mp3?

mp3 stands short for MPEG Layer-3 and is a sound compression technique which results in a lot less disk space required to store sound.
With mp3 compression techniques (as with any other compression technique), compromises are made with respect to the resulting sound quality and what the average human can hear.
Some of the detail in the original sound will be discarded in favor of a smaller amount of required storage space.

mp3 encoding techniques were initially developed by the German Fraunhofer IIS (see http://www.iis.fhg.de/amm) and has become the most popular sound compression technique available on personal computers today.

What is mp3PRO?

mp3PRO is the next generation of mp3.
mp3PRO offers two key advantages: enhanced sound quality and improved compression. It provides 128kbps performance at a 64kbps encoding rate for example.

mp3PRO sound files must be played back with mp3PRO-enabled software or devices, to make use of the enhanced sound quality.
mp3PRO files can also be played back on non-mp3PRO-enabled software or devices, but the sound quality will then be less good than on mp3PRO-enabled software or devices.

For more information on mp3 and mp3PRO, please visit the Internet site of Thomson at http://www.mp3licensing.com/mp3/index.html

Please note that mp3 or mp3PRO is not required for making standard audio CD’s that must play back on a regular CD player.
If your intended use of the PolderbitS Sound Recorder and Editor is only to make standard audio CD's from your music collection on LP or cassette, then mp3 or mp3PRO is not what you need.