Spec: Vorbis I is a forward-adaptive monolithic transform CODEC based on the Modified Discrete Cosine Transform. The codec is structured to allow addition of a hybrid wavelet filterbank in Vorbis II to offer better transient response and reproduction using a transform better suited to localized time events.
lossy audio compression standard like MP3
but without patented algorithms (no license fees)
named after the Terry Pratchett character from the book Small Gods