CDCASE3, ATRAC3 specifications
Sony ATRAC3, short for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding 3, is an audio compression technology that revolutionized the digital music landscape in the late 1990s. Primarily designed for storing and transmitting music, ATRAC3 provided a way to significantly reduce file sizes without compromising sound quality. It became synonymous with Sony's MiniDisc format and later other digital music products.One of the key features of ATRAC3 is its efficient compression algorithm, which can reduce the size of audio files by up to 50% compared to CD-quality audio while maintaining a listening experience that is often indistinguishable from the original. This efficiency is achieved through adaptive bit-rate coding, which adjusts the bit rate dynamically depending on the complexity of the audio signal. This means that quieter passages may use less data while more complex sections retain their high fidelity, ensuring that the overall sound remains rich and detailed.
The ATRAC3 format supports sample rates of 44.1 kHz and bit rates ranging from 64 to 128 kbit/s, making it versatile for different use cases such as music streaming, portable players, and broadcasting. The technology is particularly well-suited for low-bandwidth environments, making it an excellent choice for early mobile music applications.
Another significant aspect of ATRAC3 is its compatibility with Sony's proprietary CDCASE3, a compact disc format that allowed users to store digital music in a more user-friendly manner. CDCASE3 enabled up to 60 minutes of digital audio storage by supporting ATRAC3-encoded tracks, and it was designed with user access in mind, allowing for easy navigation and control. CDCASE3 disc players also provided additional functionalities, such as playlist creation and track searching, enriching the user experience of digital music.
In summary, Sony ATRAC3 and CDCASE3 were pioneering technologies that played an essential role in the evolution of digital audio. By delivering high-quality sound in smaller file sizes and promoting user-friendly applications, ATRAC3 set the stage for the subsequent development of numerous digital audio formats and portable music devices. The legacy of these technologies is still evident today as they paved the way for modern digital music consumption, showcasing Sony's commitment to innovation in the audio space.