It depends on the file format. Some formats like Flac, mp3, aac, goes directly to the player with no transcoding. Other like m4a, opus, and some more, are transcoded. The transcoding is made to flac 44100 1400 bks aprox (if i remember correctly) so no noticeable compression. But so so much higher file size and bandwidth...
Thanks @Cernunnos . Formats that aren't transcoded (as denoted by file extension, not internal byte stream):
aac
flac
mp3
ogg
oga
opus
wav
Transcoding only happens, by the way, if you're a premium member. If a music file isn't in the above list and you're not a premium user it is still sent in its native format, and it's up to the receiving player to transcode it. In the Web player this is done by https://github.com/audiocogs/aurora.js/
Just a question. I´m a premium user, and would like to avoid transcoding. Didn´t knew that free users received native format. In that case, as an example, the Android app transcodes it? or just tries to play the original file?
How can I, as a premium user, receive original file instead of transcoded version?
My personal case, mostly all my file collection is in m4a format. So it´s transcoded. I manually do a batch extension change to aac. (Not recoded, just renamed) And that avoid transcoding. But, when my files are in aac file extension. I can´t use it properly in other local players, and also some metadata is lost, due to file extension metadata limits.
I supose it´s a very unusuall case, most users uses mp3 or flac files. But m4a is my favorite file format.
Hi. Sorry for reopening an old post. But, are there any changes about transcoding? I used to be a paid member, and that was a reason for not renewing my subscription. As far as I know, free members doesn´t have transcoded files, is there any opportunity to hace the same for paid members.
Astiga is a great service, haven´t found anything better yet. But transcoding m4a to flac is a really big dissaponitment.
@Cernunnos What app were you using to playback? I think the auto transcoding is to support the Web player, but we could also do something by looking at the app that is playing and/or your settings.
I used to use the official Astiga Android app. Tried different Subsonic players, like Symfonium... And Astiga web player.
I suppose transcoding is just for compatibility reasons. But it takes a lot of space changing format to flac. I think nowadays most players accepts most formats... Maybe casting to TV could generate some problems with some formats like ogg, ogm, m4a... but anyway, user should have the option to choose format. Another option, to choose different transcoded formats, flac, MP3 320, 256, etc...
Yes. Exactly. I don't remember exactly the ratio. But something like a 200 m4a record can take more than 1gb storage after downloading, due to transcoding. Don't remember exactly the numbers. But very much higher space than original files... Most of my library is in m4a, some ogg, and the rest is mp3. Not into lossless formats.
Answers
It depends on the file format. Some formats like Flac, mp3, aac, goes directly to the player with no transcoding. Other like m4a, opus, and some more, are transcoded. The transcoding is made to flac 44100 1400 bks aprox (if i remember correctly) so no noticeable compression. But so so much higher file size and bandwidth...
Thanks @Cernunnos . Formats that aren't transcoded (as denoted by file extension, not internal byte stream):
Transcoding only happens, by the way, if you're a premium member. If a music file isn't in the above list and you're not a premium user it is still sent in its native format, and it's up to the receiving player to transcode it. In the Web player this is done by https://github.com/audiocogs/aurora.js/
Just a question. I´m a premium user, and would like to avoid transcoding. Didn´t knew that free users received native format. In that case, as an example, the Android app transcodes it? or just tries to play the original file?
How can I, as a premium user, receive original file instead of transcoded version?
Thank you!
Other than being one of the file extensions above, there isn't a way currently. It would make a nice option. In your case what are you streaming?
My personal case, mostly all my file collection is in m4a format. So it´s transcoded. I manually do a batch extension change to aac. (Not recoded, just renamed) And that avoid transcoding. But, when my files are in aac file extension. I can´t use it properly in other local players, and also some metadata is lost, due to file extension metadata limits.
I supose it´s a very unusuall case, most users uses mp3 or flac files. But m4a is my favorite file format.
I think it would be a nice option, all the same.
That would be perfect. For me, that´s one of the biggest missing things for Astiga, the opportunity to choose transcoding option or not.
This feels like it should be part of your original suggestion: https://community.asti.ga/discussion/comment/1696#Comment_1696
Yes, exactly. It wasn't very popular suggestion....
Hmmm, dunno. Most people don't say anything!
Sure... But it´s better to give opinion. So the service can grow and be better for everyone.
Definitely!
Hi. Sorry for reopening an old post. But, are there any changes about transcoding? I used to be a paid member, and that was a reason for not renewing my subscription. As far as I know, free members doesn´t have transcoded files, is there any opportunity to hace the same for paid members.
Astiga is a great service, haven´t found anything better yet. But transcoding m4a to flac is a really big dissaponitment.
Sorry againg for reopening an old post.
And thank you so much,
Sorry about being slow to this, I'm on holiday and the notifications for the forum aren't working as I expected.
Can I check this when I get back in a couple of days?
Sure! No problem. Thank you!
@Cernunnos What app were you using to playback? I think the auto transcoding is to support the Web player, but we could also do something by looking at the app that is playing and/or your settings.
I used to use the official Astiga Android app. Tried different Subsonic players, like Symfonium... And Astiga web player.
I suppose transcoding is just for compatibility reasons. But it takes a lot of space changing format to flac. I think nowadays most players accepts most formats... Maybe casting to TV could generate some problems with some formats like ogg, ogm, m4a... but anyway, user should have the option to choose format. Another option, to choose different transcoded formats, flac, MP3 320, 256, etc...
Thank you for your time!
Oh, so a primary issue for you is that the cached files are FLAC and so they take up too much room on the phone's storage?
Yes. Exactly. I don't remember exactly the ratio. But something like a 200 m4a record can take more than 1gb storage after downloading, due to transcoding. Don't remember exactly the numbers. But very much higher space than original files... Most of my library is in m4a, some ogg, and the rest is mp3. Not into lossless formats.
Ok, thanks. Makes a lot of sense.
👍️ Thank you! i´ll stay tunned.