another ipod question

[SuRichardson]

What music formats can you use in itunes? Does it support wma?

[fo3nix]

iPod supports AAC (successor to mp3), mp3, and a host of others that you probably won't use (wav, etc.).

iTunes by default rips CDs as AAC files, but this can be changed to mp3 if you like.

It doesn't support wma, since wma is Microsoft's proprietary format.

[Gromit]

Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV.

Realplayer, Microsoft and other proprietary formats are not licenced for use on iPods.

The AAC format is actually a DRM* protected version of MP4 (Mpeg 4 M4A) which it will also play

DRM = Digital Right Management - copy protection which the record companies insist is on legal downloads.

[Gromit]

Slight amendment to fo3nix reply.

iTunes downloads to your computer as AAC files by default. It rips these to CD as AIFF files which is the standard format on manufactured CDs.

[fo3nix]

Yes that's true, but to the end user it rips CDs to aac.