Wav

WAV, short for Waveform Audio File Format, is a standard way to store audio on computers.

WAV has been around since 1991, created by IBM and Microsoft. It is still widely used, especially on Windows systems. WAV files are loved for their high-quality audio, making them a favorite among professionals.

Key Features

WAV files use a structure called RIFF, which stores data in chunks. This is similar to formats like 8SVX and AIFF used on other computers. The most common audio format in WAV files is uncompressed LPCM, the same used in audio CDs. Each WAV file has a specific structure with chunks that include headers and data. The main parts of a WAV file are:
A fmt ck chunk that describes the sample data.
Optional chunks for extra features.
A wave data chunk that holds the actual audio samples.
The file header includes details like the file size, audio format, number of channels, sample rate, and bits per sample.

Benefits

WAV files offer high audio quality, making them great for professional use. They can handle both uncompressed and compressed audio, using codecs like MP3 to reduce file size when needed. WAV files can also include metadata, which is extra information about the audio. This makes them very flexible and useful in many situations.

Use Cases

WAV files are commonly used in professional settings where audio quality is crucial. For example, radio broadcasters like the BBC and Global Radio use WAV files for their high-quality sound. The ABC "D-Cart" system also relies on WAV files. Because uncompressed WAV files are large, they are less common for sharing over the Internet.

Cost/Price

The cost/price of the WAV product is not provided in the article.

Funding

Funding details of the WAV product is not provided in the article.

Reviews/Testimonials

Professionals in the audio industry, including radio broadcasters, rely on WAV files for their high-quality sound and versatility. Despite their large size, WAV files are praised for their ability to maintain excellent audio quality, making them a go-to choice for professional audio environments.