M4A.com

M4a is the latest audio format that is set to become the new mainstream file extension to take over from .mp3. Codecs can be a confusing concept to understand, so we look at them in more detail in today’s guide.

What is an m4a Codec?

To understand what an m4a codec is we must first clarify what a codec is. A codec can be described as being a computer program or device that is able to encode or decode a stream of digital data. It is a shortened version of the words ‘compressor-decompressor’ (or sometimes coder-decoder), which makes it clearer how it relates to m4a formats.

In terms of m4a files, a codec is used in the first instance to encode a larger audio file into a compressed version that takes up less memory space. A codec is then used again to decode the originally encoded audio file to make it playable in a music player.

M4a codecs can be downloaded to enable your media player to be able to ‘decode’ and play m4a files.

Types of m4a Codec

There are two main types of codecs – lossy and lossless. An example of a lossy codec is mp3. When an audio file is encoded using a lossy codec it means that during the compression process some of the quality is permanently lost – but the file is compressed to the smallest size possible. Lossy codecs are the most commonly used.

Lossless codecs are able to compress audio files in a way that the quality stays intact and is reversible but is still compressed to more than half its size. This is one of the main benefits of m4a files over mp3 – they can be compressed using a lossless codec meaning they can be decoded into the full quality they were at before being compressed. In turn, this means that the quality of m4a files is typically much better than mp3 files.

Benefits of m4a Codecs

Apple Inc. created m4a codecs in response to a need for an upgraded version of mp3 audio files. They created a way of compressing audio files in such a way that no quality was lost – and this format is referred to as Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) – otherwise known as m4a.

There are several benefits to m4a codecs – some of which we have mentioned above. The main benefit is that you have the best quality audio file without having to have files that are very large – not ideal if you have a huge music collection, for example! However, by having your audio files in the m4a lossless codec format, if you have a compatible player you can listen to a song that is as good quality as a CD recording.

Another benefit of having a file compressed using a m4a codec is that they do not use a Digital rights management scheme (DRM) – meaning there are no licenses or royalty fees payable for the distribution and streaming of m4a files.

Where to Download M4A Codecs

If your computer is unable to play m4a codec files then you will need to download m4a codecs. Whatever type of file you want to play (whether it’s WAV, m4a or mp3) your computer needs codecs to be able to play back the file.

Not all media players are able to play m4a files yet so an m4a codec is required. There are several that you can download from the internet completely for free. There is no need to own several media players just so that you can play different audio formats – just download the right codecs.

The best types of m4a codec downloads are those that just simply run in the background of your computer and come into play whenever you try to play an m4a file. A popular choice is the K-Lite Codec Pack (http://www.free-codecs.com/K_lite_codec_pack_download.htm) as it stays up to date with the latest codecs needed to play back your music. Always run virus scans on any new software that you are downloading.

Summary of M4a Codecs

To sum things up, codecs are necessary to encode and decode audio files on your computer. M4a codecs are becoming increasingly important due to the higher amount of music and audio downloads that have been compressed in the m4a format. A simple m4a codec will ensure you can play all your files using your preferred media player.