WALKMAN User Guide
Print
Top page > Specifications > What are Format and Bit Rate > What is audio format?

## What is audio format?

What is copyright protection?
What is bit rate?
What is the relationship between bit rate, sound quality, and storage size?
Audio format refers to the method used to import audio data from the Internet or audio CDs to a computer, to save as an audio file.
Common formats include MP3 and WMA, etc.
MP3: MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer3) is a common audio compression technology developed by the MPEG working group of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
MP3 can compress audio files to about 1/10 the size of standard CD audio files.
WMA: WMA (Windows Media Audio) is a common audio compression technology developed by Microsoft Corporation. The WMA format produces the same sound quality as that of the MP3 format with a smaller file size.
AAC: AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is a common audio compression technology developed by the MPEG working group of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). The AAC format produces the same sound quality as that of the MP3 format, with a smaller file size.
Linear PCM: Linear PCM is an audio recording format without digital compression. You can achieve CD sound quality by recording with this format.
Hint

- For details on supported file formats and bit rates, see [Details].

### What is copyright protection?

Certain music files or video files, etc., that you purchase from a music download service site, etc., may have access control technologies applied, such as encryption, to limit usage and duplication of the material, in accordance with copyright laws.

### What is bit rate?

Bit rate refers to the amount of data used to store each second of audio, expressed in kbps (kilo bits per second), such as 64 kbps. Generally, higher bit rates provide better sound quality, but require more storage space for the same length of audio.

### What is the relationship between bit rate, sound quality, and storage size?

Generally, higher bit rates provide better sound quality, but require more storage space for the same length of audio, so you can store fewer songs on the player.
Lower bit rates enable you to store more songs, but at a lower sound quality.
Note

- If you import a song from a CD to your computer at a low bit rate, you cannot improve the song’s sound quality by selecting a high bit rate when further transferring the song from the computer to the player.

Back to top