> There was an article in today's paper -
> http://www.digitalmass.com/columns/internet/0426.html
>
> Basically, MP3 compression is a patented item, and the patent holder
> wants money. So folks are developing new 'free' standards that have
> a real good shot at replacing MP3s... Now, as far as we are
> concerned...
This isn't that big a problem really (in the short to medium term). As MP3
is most significantly used for distribution of copyrighted works (long
winded version of "piracy" - a term I don't like), I don't think people will
be quick to change at all.
People who are totally legit, just ripping their own CDs, will pay for an
encoder (as they probably already do for a product like MusicMatch). People
ripping off artists will just not pay the fee by downloading a cracked
codec. What's changed?
There was a freeware program called MP3 Compressor back in 1997/98.
Frauenhoffer (rightly) had it stopped because it contained their "pro" - ie.
expensive - codec. People went on using it anyway and you can probably still
find a copy left forgotten in some webspace somewhere.
Same will happen here - the old free-ish encoders will still exist for ages,
not to mention the vast range of MP3-capable products already sold or being
developed (portable players and manufacturers adding the capacity to play
MP3s - Goodmans, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.). I wonder how many will be flash
upgradeable to a new format?
Plus anyone wanting to securely distribute music (ie. the labels) will look
elsewhere - they don't care about encoder costs and would shy away from a
format that they don't have control over. With the current Napster case,
there's a lot of "if you'd offered this legitimately to the public before.."
kind of feeling towards the record companies. I don't see a market for it -
certainly not at the kind of prices they'd want to charge - but I reckon
some of them will offer it soon.
Let's face it - MP3 is now a standard for compressed, computer-based music.
There's been many alternatives over the last few years with greater
benefits, and none have got very far.
but anyway.. :-)
> Would the falling out of MP3 be good for MD? A sign of stability?
I don't think the two are so related, or even rivalling one another that
much. When doing the MD sales pitch to friends, one of the big benefits I
point out is that you can record anything - stuff you can hear, you can
record. MD will always be a safer bet than the MP3 or <insert whatever new
format here> players, and I think Sony really needs to start advertising the
fact. Not so much stability as flexibilty.
> Is this an opportunity for Sony to get off their high horse and
> release ATRAC to the public for free - so MD and the computer crown
> could use the same compression scheme?
It'd be cool, but I really can't see it happening. Based on Sony's Music
Clip that's so annoyingly limited by SDMI, even if they did release an ATRAC
encoder it'd be too inflexible for most people.
> John McLachlan
--
Simon
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