Encoding Audio on Mac Pro(FinalCutProHD)

Question

We are planning to encode a classical music television channel using Final Cut Pro HD. Our current channel encodes audio at 224k in standard definition but the standard mac HD software only provides for 192k audio encoding - have we been wasting our kb encoding at a higher bit rate or should we make arrangements for a higher encoding rate than 192k for high quality classical recordings in a HD environment or doesnt it make any difference? We dont want to have to come back later and reencode later. Many Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

We could well be talking at cross purposes because we have been encoding in the same format for fifteen years and now we have to sort it out again and out audio expert has long since left.
What we are doing is creating files that are program streams in MPG format - up till now been MPG2 MP@ML
for broadcast by cable operators and satellite channels who put the stream into their digital mux without us having to do anything elase.
Now we are moving to HD we have been told we should provide new program stream files in MP@HL format - the issue is what data rate should we provide for the audio to get the best sound whereby we will not have to go back at a later date and re-encode because people can hear that it isnt perfect in that environment bearing in mind that half our music content is classical.
There is the fiurther issue that broadcasters in cable television require the audio at 48hz for some technical standard and the software for editing is 16bit. We also need theend user to be able to pit the signal into their 5.1 surround sound system. Phew. Whate a minefiled for the uninitiated.