Ogg

Ogg

Filename extension	.ogg
Internet media type
Uniform Type Identifier (UTI)
Magic number
Developed by
Initial release
Latest release
Type of format
Container for
Contained by

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Ogg is a free, open container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. It is designed to provide efficient streaming and manipulation of high-quality digital multimedia. The Ogg format is notable for its ability to encapsulate various types of multimedia data, including audio, video, text (such as subtitles), and metadata.

History

The Ogg project began in 1993, spearheaded by the Xiph.Org Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to producing free and open multimedia formats and software. The name "Ogg" comes from the gaming term "ogging," which refers to a type of aggressive maneuver in the game Netrek.

Technical Details

Ogg is a container format, which means it can hold multiple streams of different types of data. The most common use of Ogg is to encapsulate audio data, particularly in the form of the Vorbis codec, which is also developed by the Xiph.Org Foundation.

Structure

Ogg files are composed of a series of pages, each of which contains a segment of the data stream. These pages are designed to be easily parsed and manipulated, allowing for efficient streaming and editing. The format supports both constant and variable bit rate encoding, making it versatile for different types of media.

Codecs

While Ogg is often associated with the Vorbis audio codec, it can also contain other types of data:

• Vorbis: A lossy audio codec designed to provide high-quality sound at lower bit rates.
• Theora: A video codec designed for high-quality video compression.
• Opus: A versatile audio codec that can handle a wide range of audio applications, from low bit rate speech to high-quality stereo music.
• FLAC: A lossless audio codec that preserves the original audio quality.

Applications

Ogg is widely used in various applications due to its open nature and flexibility. It is supported by many media players and software, including VLC media player, FFmpeg, and Audacity. Ogg is also used in streaming applications, such as Icecast, which is an open-source streaming media server.

Advantages

• Open and Free: Ogg is free from patents and licensing fees, making it an attractive choice for developers and users.
• High Quality: The codecs associated with Ogg, such as Vorbis and Opus, provide high-quality audio at lower bit rates compared to other formats.
• Versatility: Ogg can encapsulate a variety of data types, making it suitable for different multimedia applications.

Disadvantages

• Compatibility: While support for Ogg is growing, it is not as universally supported as some proprietary formats like MP3 or AAC.
• Complexity: The flexibility of the Ogg format can lead to complexity in implementation, especially when dealing with multiple streams and codecs.

Also see

• Vorbis
• Theora
• Opus
• FLAC
• Xiph.Org Foundation
• Container format