What is OGG?

Audio Format Description

Ogg is a bitstream format that consists of chunks of data each called an ‘Ogg Page’. Each of these pages has a serial number and a page number in the header, identifying each page as a part of a series of pages that make up a bitstream. Several of these bitstreams are then multiplexed in the file, providing an error protecting framework for higher level Codec streams consisting of raw un-encapsulated data packets, such as the Vorbis audio Codec. These raw packets may be used directly by various transport mechanisms such as UDP datagrams. It is this stream orientation that makes Ogg different from other file-based container formats. Its ability to be written and read in one pass has made it a natural fit for internet streaming. Ogg is also a free and unpatented format, so it is commonly used to encode free content (such as free music) and is supported by a number of portable media players.

Although Ogg is a multimedia (audio, video, and subtitle streams) format, it generally refers to the audio file format Ogg Vorbis. The .ogg file extension is also used just for Vorbis. Vorbis is a specific audio compression scheme designed specifically for the container Ogg, hence the name Ogg Vorbis. This special bitstream encoding is specifically designed for efficient distribution of sound files over moderate bandwidth connections (8 khz–48.0 kHz). Ogg Vorbis also features stereo sound and psycho-acoustics.

As Ogg Vorbis is still a relatively new audio Codec, it does not have its own player and relies mainly on playback plugins available for Windows, Winamp, and Sonique.

OGG vs MP3

OGG Converter For Gamers