Why do cell phones and radios still have such crappy audio quality?
Lower-quality audio doesn't require as much bandwidth (like an audiobook recorded at 32 kilobits per second rather than 128 kbps or greater, such as we use for music). Unlike a web page or a Youtube video, conversation needs to go in both directions in *real time* without significant lag. The cel…
The Short Answer
Lower-quality audio doesn't require as much bandwidth (like an audiobook recorded at 32 kilobits per second rather than 128 kbps or greater, such as we use for music). Unlike a web page or a Youtube video, conversation needs to go in both directions in *real time* without significant lag. The cell phone companies may well be sacrificing sound quality for increased redundancy (and therefore, reliability) in the packets of voice data going each way. And to be fair, even sound quality on corded phones remains underwhelming.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Sound, quality, lower-quality
This explanation focuses on sound, quality, lower-quality and spans 84 words across 4 sentences. The depth is typical for Biology questions (category average: 72 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Lower-quality audio doesn't require as much bandwidth (like an audiobook recorded at 32 kilobits per second rather than “ It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.
How This Compares in Biology
Ranked #177 of 500 Biology questions by answer depth (top 36%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why cell phones and radios still have such crappy audio quality?
Lower-quality audio doesn't require as much bandwidth (like an audiobook recorded at 32 kilobits per second rather than 128 kbps or greater, such as we use for music). Unlike a web page or a Youtube video, conversation needs to go in both directions…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Biology questions?
This is an above-average answer at 84 words, ranked #177 of 500 Biology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are sound, quality, lower-quality.
What approach does this answer take to explain cell phones and radios still have such crappy audio quality?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 84 words. It is categorized under Biology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.