ITunes 4 already had the ability to import audio from a CD, convert audio to compressed, compact AAC or MP3 audio, burn music to CDs, and load files onto the iPod, but the best new feature in iTunes 4.5 is probably the new Apple Lossless encoder. Arguably designed with the iTunes Music Store in mind, the Apple Lossless Codec is a compromise between the small but lossy encoding of AAC or MP3 and the large file sizes of pristine AIFF audio. Apple Lossless provides full uncompressed CD quality audio in about half the space of the original file, answering the call by discriminating musical ears for a format that offered both compression and high-quality audio. Let's see the Apple Lossless encoder at work on a CD track.
Duran Duran's "Planet Earth" (4:03) is 40.9 MB - 1411 kbps in AIFF, and 29.2 MB - 1005 kbps imported in Apple Lossless audio. Listening results are impressive, and Nick Rhodes' synths lose none of their hallmark beauty.
Obviously, depending on the source, the encoding bitrate (and relative file size) would vary. These MPEG4 files can also be played on QuickTime-supported applications, and current iPods, so this is a format with a future.

A similar audio codec is FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), mostly used for legal distribution of live music on the net, but according to Apple sources, their codec is faster and not based on FLAC.

We're waiting for more tech specs from Cupertino, and will have more info soon.

Ed: Okay, MacMusic readers, I know you have descriminating ears -- and not all of you are likely Duran Duran fans. How have you found Lossless Audio? Is it worth the extra space over AAC? Hit the comment and let us know what you think. Will you try the new format, or stick with the old standby? And what about Apple's decision not to use FLAC? (something likely to -- excuse the pun -- earn Cupertino some "flak"!) -PK

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