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The tree is operating in redbook CD audio format, but accomodating
the SHN format. When we assemble the final tree structure, it will
be organized along geography and format preferences. Fortunately,
we have enough branches to accomodate this flexibility. After the
deadline, I will post a color-coded diagram that displays the tree
clearly.
- Redbook is the format for regular CD audio. When you duplicate
a redbook CD, there are minute data losses from copy to copy.
Many people can't tell the difference, but those that can say
that it can add hiss or other errors to sucessive copy generations.
All leaves are redbook by default, unless they specifically indicate
otherwise.
- SHN is a format that has become the de facto standard for traders
who are serious about retaining 100% perfect quality between successive
copy generations. The reason for this is that the SHN format is
actually not music, but data files.
Personally, I was very resistant to SHN because I thought it would
be too much trouble, but it is actually quite simple. Just think
of SHN as WinZip for wav music files. You extract SHN data files
to wav files on your hard drive, then burn the redbook audio CD
from there.
SHN compresses wav files to about 50%, which means you can fit
about double the music on a CDR (again, this is "lossless"
compression - you lose zero quality, unlike mp3s). This also means
slightly lower postage costs :)
Here is a simple explanation of the process. Here
is Morgan's
comprehensive SHN guide
Here are more SHN links, including one to download the SHN
program, which again, is like the equivalent of WinZip, but
for music:
shn-faq
mkwact
shn
how-to #1 shn
for MAC shn
for MAC #2 not-free
version download
shn programs
Another cool thing about SHN is that, yes, you CAN play them right
off your hard drive, using Winamp
or Windows Media Player. You'll need this
plugin for Winamp.
Here is the
link to a SHN plugin for Windows Media Player.
- also useful Winamp plugins: Winamp
track gap eliminator Winamp
track crossfader
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