What features would you like to see in opus-tools? Options

[NullC]

I'm looking for suggested features to get into opus-tools prior to the libopus 1.1 release.

Before I get 1001 suggestions for it: One frequently requested feature which was recently added is flac input in opusenc. I'm contemplating changing opusdec to use the new opusfile library— which would give it seeking and integrated http(s) streaming support. Also already on my todo list are default comment packet padding so updating metadata doesn't require rewriting the files and adding a replaygain tool.

Some people would really like it if opusenc/opusdec supported taking multiple input files e.g. opusenc *.flac but the implicit output file naming is pretty ununixy, and would break the interface and I got flamed all to heck last time I changed the opusenc interface.... so I'm not sure if/how I want to accommodate that usage.

What other things have you found missing?

[Omicron]

It would be good to make a feature in encoder so user do not need to choose bitrate. Encoder chooses the optimal bitrate at which human couldn't distinguish encoded file from the original.

This post has been edited by Omicron: Feb 21 2013, 12:30

[db1989]

It would be good to make a feature in encoder so user do not need to choose bitrate. Encoder chooses the optimal bitrate at which human couldn't distinguish encoded file from the original.

Oh, here we go again. You have two things to realise:

(1) Allowing a choice of quality and a bitrate that varies depending upon the complexity of the input stream are basic features of modern codecs in VBR modes.

(2) Encoders are not psychic, perceptual modelling is not perfect, listeners are not identical, and these statements are all negative by definition.

It is impossible for an encoder to conclude that x file at y quality will be transparent to “human”, assuming you mean everyone. And it’s impossible for them to guarantee the same thing for any single human.

But encoders already provide sliding scales, based upon various psychoacoustic metrics and without worrying much about bitrate, that allow the individual user to choose from various levels of quality and find one that is generally transparent to him/her.

It would be much easier just to accept this, do a few tests, pick an encoder and quality level, and not worry about it unless anything ever sounds audibly different to you personally.