Why do some MP3s have variable KBPS?

[edro]

I have found that some of my MP3s change from anywhere from 32kbps - 224kbps while I am listening to them in Winamp3. Next to the kbps it also says:
(209kbps VBR)

Is Winamp screwed up, or what?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

You just answered your own question. VBR = Variable Bit Rate. Only assigning the bits where they're needed, keeping quality high and filesize down.

Winamp is merely telling you the "average bitrate" of the file.

- M4H

 

[tweakmm]

http://www.r3mix.net/

 

[JetBlack69]

VBR 0wnz J00!!!

 

[edro]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
You just answered your own question. VBR = Variable Bit Rate. Only assigning the bits where they're needed, keeping quality high and filesize down.

Winamp is merely telling you the "average bitrate" of the file.

- M4H

OHHHHHHHHH! Wow, thanks a ton!