Recording format


A recording format is a format for encoding data for storage on a storage medium. The format can be container information such as sectors on a disk, or user/audience information such as analog stereo audio. Multiple levels of encoding may be achieved in one format. For example, a text encoded page may contain HTML and XML encoding, combined in a plain text file format, using either EBCDIC or ASCII character encoding, on a UDF digitally formatted disk.
In electronic media, the primary format is the encoding that requires hardware to interpret data; while secondary encoding is interpreted by secondary signal processing methods, usually computer software.

Recording container formats

A container format is a system for dividing physical storage space or virtual space for data. Data space can be divided evenly by a system of measurement, or divided unevenly with meta data. A grid may divide physical or virtual space with physical or virtual borders, evenly or unevenly. Just as a physical container is divided by physical borders, data space is divided by virtual borders. Meta data such as a unit of measurement, address, or meta tags act as virtual borders in a container format. A template may be considered an abstract format for containing a solution as well as the content itself.
A raw content format is a system of converting data to displayable information. Raw content formats may either be recorded in secondary signal processing methods such as a software container format or recorded in the primary format. A primary raw content format may be directly observable or physical data which only requires hardware to display it, such as a phonographic needle and diaphragm or a projector lamp and magnifying glass.