Crippled AAC Support.

[ATRAClive]

I didn't see there is any use of AAC in low bit rate since the support of AAC in Sony Network Walkmans were crippled & incomplete. HE-AAC is without doubt, the best solution for low bit rate audio encode and playback, and is well known for its ability to reproduce decent sound even in extremely low bit rate, namely 48kbps, and in some ABX listening Tests, HE-AAC @ 48kbps scored even higher than some mp3s @ 128kbps. I don't know if there is any possibility to add that support by future firmware updates (if there is any).

Even with its low-pass filter on, HE-AAC still sounds better than most MP3s and if SONY has the courage to abandon its beloved Connect Store, SonicStage & Atrac3s, then I bet SONY should have no problem going one step forward towards openness by completing the support for AAC playback. and BTW, WMA8 & 9 is utterly sh*t, however gained a large population and I have no complaint of supporting then in SONY's NWs, but the new WMA10Pro is way better than its predecessors in terms of sound quality, and it sounds marvelously @ high bit rate e.g 192kbps. We will be pleased if SONY pull out its ear-buds and finally listen to us.

PS. other outstanding formats like ogg & mp3pro are not on my wishlist since it is unrealistic and nearly impossible for a company like SONY to support them.

Edited February 14, 2008 by ATRAClive

[Heman]

Question: Today, memory chips/devices are no longer expensive. If space is not an issue, and sound quality takes first, why HE-AAC, not AAC, AAC(VBR).

HE-AAC-supported (SS4.4) walkman (Japan) can be found here (translated) http://www.excite-webtl.jp/world/english/w...EN&wb_dis=2

Edited February 14, 2008 by Heman

[pata2001]

HE-AAC-supported (SS4.4) walkman (Japan) can be found here (translated) http://www.excite-webtl.jp/world/english/w...EN&wb_dis=2

SS4.2 can encode to HE-AAC as well. However, NONE of Sony's DAPs can play HE-AAC properly, except Sony Ericsson cellphones. I agree that the lack of support for HE-AAC is disappointing. It's the same thing with any DAPs too. iPods don't support HE-AAC either. Almost any current non-cellphone DAPs that support AAC don't support HE-AAC. This only contribute to the confusion for the consumers and slow down the adoption rate of AAC.

[ceres]

SS4.2 can encode to HE-AAC as well. However, NONE of Sony's DAPs can play HE-AAC properly, except Sony Ericsson cellphones. I agree that the lack of support for HE-AAC is disappointing. It's the same thing with any DAPs too. iPods don't support HE-AAC either. Almost any current non-cellphone DAPs that support AAC don't support HE-AAC. This only contribute to the confusion for the consumers and slow down the adoption rate of AAC.

I agree with what you say. But what about the latest S7 series in Japan? Don´t those devices support he-aac?

I am very unhappy with itunes not being able to play he-aac audio streams because dab radio in my region is often available as such a stream

It works with winamp but I still don´t like the interface.

ceres

[pata2001]

I agree with what you say. But what about the latest S7 series in Japan? Don´t those devices support he-aac?

Yeah, and also the A9 series, but what's the point if they're not even available outside Japan?

[cauldron]

IIRC Sony is doing it in Japan mainly because they're taking part in an initiative for HE-AAC ringtones (with au==KDDI).

I think if Sony adopts it wholesale for their walkmans, it will be because they see HE-AAC as an effective ATRAC replacement, and/or as a way to claim you can fit twice the number of songs into the same space.

[kino170878]

I kind of get the feeling that even though Sony is seeing potential in AAC, the fact that they have crippled it indicates that they still view the format as a threat. Similar to the way they crippled support for MP3 before gradually allowing it onto their players.

[Gradius]

Those new NW-A82x does support ACC-HE/HE-ACC.

Gradius

[pata2001]

I kind of get the feeling that even though Sony is seeing potential in AAC, the fact that they have crippled it indicates that they still view the format as a threat. Similar to the way they crippled support for MP3 before gradually allowing it onto their players.

Err, how does Sony view the format as a threat? They co-developed AAC themselves. The lack of HE-AAC is not the same as the crippled MP3 playback. HE-AAC to AAC is like MP3pro to MP3. Most MP3 devices do not support MP3pro.

[pata2001]

Those new NW-A82x does support ACC-HE/HE-ACC.

But the NWZ version, the version that will be released outside Japan, does not.

[kino170878]

Err, how does Sony view the format as a threat? They co-developed AAC themselves. The lack of HE-AAC is not the same as the crippled MP3 playback. HE-AAC to AAC is like MP3pro to MP3. Most MP3 devices do not support MP3pro.

Sony sometimes even views itself as a threat. You are aware of the conflict between Sony electronics and Sony Music?

Crippling, witholding, restricting....these are all words which I would associate with Sony. I wasn't looking at specific details, nor do I need to. It's the broad trend that matters here.

[Gradius]

But the NWZ version, the version that will be released outside Japan, does not.

Another reason to get the Japan model.

Gradius