Quantization
Quantization is the process by which measurements are rounded to discrete values. Specifically with respect to audio, quantization is a
function of the analog-to-digital conversion process. The continuous variation of the voltages of a analog audio signal are quantized to
discrete amplitude values represented by digital, binary numbers. The number of bits available to describe these values determines the
resolution or accuracy of quantization. For example, if you have 8-bit analog-to-digital converters, the varying analog voltage must be
quantized to 1 of 256 discrete values; a 16-bit converter has 65,536 values.
Quantization Noise
Quantization noise is a result of describing an analog signal in discrete digital terms (see quantization). This noise is most easily heard in
low-resolution digital sounds that have low bit depths and sounds like a shhhhh-type sound while the audio is playing. It becomes more
apparent when the signal is at low levels, such as during a fade out.
Reactive Preview
Reactive previews allow for the adjustment of parameters in a function dialog while the preview is playing. When a parameter is
changed, the preview will automatically rebuild and continue playback.
Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)
A proposed standard for controlling broadcast of streaming media. RTSP was submitted by a body of companies including
RealNetworks and Netscape.
Redirector File
A metafile that provides information to a media player about streaming media files. To start a streaming media presentation, a Web page
will include a link to a redirector file. Linking to a redirector file allows a file to stream; if you link to the media file, it will be downloaded
before playback begins.
Windows Media redirector files use the .asx or .wax extension; RealMedia redirector files use the .ram, .rpm, or .smi extension.
Region
A region in Sound Forge software is a subsection of a sound file. You can define any number of regions in a sound file which are stored in
the Regions List.
Regions List
The Regions List is simply the list containing all of the regions and markers defined within the sound file. From this list you can preview
and edit the regions as well as drag them to the Playlist or to the desktop to create new files from them.
Resample
The act of recalculating samples in a sound file at a different rate than the file was originally recorded. If a sample is resampled at a lower
rate, sample points are removed from the sound file, decreasing its size, but also decreasing its available frequency range. Resampling to
a higher sample rate, Sound Forge software will interpolate extra sample points in the sound file. This increases the size of the sound file,
but does not increase the quality. When downsampling, be aware of aliasing.
See also Aliasing on page 343.
Root Mean Square (RMS)
The Root Mean Square (RMS) of a sound is a measurement of the intensity of the sound over a period of time. The RMS level of a sound
corresponds to the loudness perceived by a listener when measured over small intervals of time.
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