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concept

Generation loss

Cumulative quality degradation from repeatedly re-encoding lossy files.

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Generation loss explained

A lossy encoder makes decisions based on what it sees. On the second pass it sees artefacts as if they were real detail and preserves them while discarding new information.

The effect is invisible after one or two passes at high quality and obvious after ten. It applies to JPEG, MP3, H.264 and every other lossy codec.

The fix is workflow, not settings: keep a lossless master (PNG, TIFF, FLAC, ProRes) and always export from that.

Generation loss scores

Deterministic scores calculated from the structured facts above. Identical facts always produce identical scores.

Overall score

83/100

  • Archiving score

    100
    • it is a current, actively maintained format
    • it is actively maintained and current

    Confidence 33% · evidence coverage 56%

  • Longevity score

    89
    • it is actively maintained and current
    • it is a current, actively maintained format
    • it occupies a niche corner of the ecosystem

    Confidence 35% · evidence coverage 75%

Related to Generation loss

Key concepts

Data quality

Every claim on this page is classified as a verified fact, a derived fact or an assumption.

Overall confidence
85%
Verification status
verified
Last reviewed
2026-08-03
Verified facts
1

1 classified claim backed by 1 source.

  • Convert Always editorial review — Convert Always

Sources and review status

Review status: verified · confidence 85%

Last reviewed 2026-08-03 (revision 1).

  • Convert Always editorial review — Convert Always