OGG File format

The *.ogg file format is is an open standard container format used to provide more efficient streaming and higher quality presentation. It is typically used to encode content found on the Internet for improved streaming quality. The Xiph.Org Foundation put together the specifications for the open standard hoping to create a patent free method for encoding media. When using the ogg file format, a decent sampling rate is around 96kbits, a 96kbit ogg file is comparable to a 160kbit MP3 file. The compression is much better, allowing smaller file sizes and better quality files.

The audio found within ogg files is purely stored within the container file for the actual encoded audio. Applications can then decode the information stored in the ogg files and play them back just like files formatted in other more common file formats.

The most popular and successful of the Xiph.Org foundations formats is Vorbis, an encoder designed to compete with the likes of MP3 and AAC files. They are also working to create a patent free video format along the lines of MPEG. Patent free audio and video formats for Internet content, like the ogg file format, will make it easier for Internet users to stream content with fewer software issues.

Today, there are some mainstream players that will accept the ogg file format, such as iTunes, iMovie, QuickTime, and Windows Media Player. These players will require a codec. The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has a free ogg file format player available from their website.

As recently as 2007, the FSF started an online campaign to use Vorbis audio and ogg files as an alternative to MP3 music files. The benefit here would be that Vorbis is legal and free for anyone to use. They have also created a badge that can be downloaded for use on blogs and other websites to support the movement.

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