Are there supposed to be variable bitrates on the iTMS?

[Marc Anthony]

I thought the standard bitrate of the iTMS was 128kbps, but I just discovered that a recent music purchase is 281kbps. I checked, and the file size is a fit for the higher bit rate at this track length. Some sort of mistake? Sign of a new offering?

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSto...d=46621545&s=143441&i=46621043

[ho'ard]

I don't see why Apple is responsible for your poor taste in bitrates.

Next time, try reading a review or even just asking the clerk. Life's WAY too short to endure bad* bitrates.

*bad bitrates are different than "baaad mbitrates," which are frequently hilarious or otherwise enjoyable in their badness.

chas_m


(seriously it would be very cool if this was a new trend-- I have no use for 128k-sampled files)

[mikebw]

I seem to remember Apple saying at the opening of the iTunes music store that there would be optional 'audiophile' qualtiy downloads, using their Lossless Codec. But, I guess that never panned out, or I was just dreaming.

Last few songs I purchased from iTMS were 128kbps .m4p files, an increase would be nice but I doubt that would have a positive effect on their bottom line. It would mean more bandwidth costs and a lower overall margin per download. That and the unwashed masses just don't even care or know the differece between 128 and higher bitrate files.

[incognegro]

i like that Pearl Jam is selling entire live concerts, with photos, in FLAC format, for $14.99. MP3 is $9.99. and they don't have to pay Apple any percentage.

https://bootlegs2.pearljam.com/