> * "Rick Pali" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> | Is the MP3 format proprietary or is it available
for anyone to use without charge?<
As others have said, it is an open standard. However,
if you use the 'standard' encoder or one based on it
in a product or software, you'd owe Fraunhoffer (sp?)
some royalties. I understand there are more accurate
encoders that are royalty free, but I haven't checked
it out. The decoders are totally open and not subject
to royalties, AFAIK.
--- Stainless Steel Rat wrote:
> On the other hand, ATRAC is proprietary.
Some parts of this are patented too, the difference is
that it isn't an ISO standard, so you probably
couldn't look at any of the specs without a Non
Disclosure Agreement.
Jeff
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