Perceptual coding works by maximizing the surprise value of coded signals

Evidence

Lossy audio coding systems: These systems make use of similar techniques to that of lossless coding but, in addition, reduce the data further by quantizing the signal to minimize the number of bits per sample. In order to achieve this with the minimum of perceived distortion, some form of psychoacoustic model is applied to control the amount of quantization that a particular part of the signal suffers. Because this type of coding removes, or loses, information from the audio signal, it is known as a “lossy coding system.” Unlike the lossless systems, these coders do not preserve the input signal; the output signal is not identical to the original input. The output signal is thus distorted but hopefully in a way that does not disturb and is inaudible to the listener. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 2581 (#qualifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

  • XREF: connects to: Random noise and unpredictable spikes carry maximum information due to flat spectra.; Information compression works by removing only the predictable parts of a signal; Audio compression maximizes information by encoding only unpredictable signal parts (+2 more)

Broader Connections