The process of converting audio from a video platform into a digital audio format, specifically re-encoding from one lossy format instance into another identical lossy format, results in a degradation of audio quality. An example includes extracting audio from a video on a popular streaming service and subsequently reconverting it into the same compressed format.
This process, while seemingly redundant, can arise due to varied factors. It may stem from a need to alter the file’s metadata, adjust bitrate settings, or achieve compatibility with certain playback devices that exhibit limited codec support. The repeated compression, however, inevitably introduces artifacts and reduces the fidelity of the sound relative to its original state or a direct extraction to a lossless format. Historically, such conversions were common due to storage limitations and the prevalence of particular digital audio players.
