On Thu, 25 May 2006 09:18:10 +0100, Anahata
wrote:

The interesting bit lies
in the dither: information storage is actually increased
by adding noise

Prompted by the universal rule that you can't get something for nothing,
I have to doubt this. I think the answer is that dither gets you more
resolution at low frequencies but less at high frequencies.

It just so happens that's acoustically desirable because it changes the
quantization noise from something signal-related to a constant white
noise that is aurally less distracting at the same level.

You and all subsequent posters understand the technique
perfectly, but until corrected I'll have to stand by my
assertion that dither allows us to hear (because of
critical bands) below the noise floor, just like in
analog recording.

Perhaps Bob Cain will weigh in here and, as so often,
open my eyes.

Much thanks, as always,

Chris Hornbeck