Error Correction for iTunes?

Question

When importing CDs into iTunes there is an option for Use Error Correction. There is a minimal explanation under Help as to what it does but not as to how. Does anyone know how the Error Correction process works. Is there a check against a data base comparing the rip against others to verify accuracy? Any details you can provide is appreciated.
My interest in knowing is maintaining the highest quality and most accurate iTunes library possible.

Answer 1

found in another discussion on another forum:
David Charlap
Don Hurter asks what "Use error correction when reading Audio CDs" does.
Audio CDs have error correction codes on the disc, so that errors (like manufacturing defects, scratches, fingerprints, and even some copy protection schemes) can often be played through without corrupting the sound.
When you rip a CD, the computer reads the raw audio data from the disc. Typically, it just reads the audio samples and ignores the error-correction codes, assuming that the data will be good. This means that if there are any errors on the disc, those errors will become defects in the sound (typically heard as pops or clicks.)
When you turn on the "use error correction" feature, iTunes will process the error correcting codes along with the audio samples, using them to correct any errors it finds. If your computer is fast enough (relative to the drive's audio-extraction speed), you won't notice a slowdown (but you may notice an increase in CPU usage.) If the computer is not that fast, using error correction will slow down the ripping.
JGG