Shaving seconds off MP3s?

Quick question that's almost on topic: does encoding a file multiple times at the same bitrate with the same codec degrade it's quality each time?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by PUG1911

Yes it does. It encodes the file to the best of it's ability, and therefore loses a little bit here and there. Just because it preserved something last time, doesn't mean that it won't drop it this time. It's unfortunate.

Well it's my understanding that if you encoded two full quality identical songs, you should get the same encoded song because they use an algorithmic process. I didn't think it was random.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by PUG1911

That's true, if you use the same source it'll be the same each time. The source is not the same with a re-endoding process.

I assumed you meant encoding a song, then re-encoding the song with the same codec. This loses information because the source is no longer as whole as the original was. It then compresses this already compressed file again, and loses a bit more quality. Each time the file is re-encoded you'll lose something.

OK thanks, that was my question.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.