RealNetworks backs MP3

Harlequin writes "These three articles from Yahoo center around RealNetwork's decision to support the MP3 format. In an interview between Rob Glaser (founder of RealNetworks) and ZDNet, Rob discusses what mp3s mean to RealNetworks and the industry. MP3 -- it has to change or die is a brief mainstream article about downloadable music and it's future. This article concerns the new product, RealJukebox, that was just released. Of course there's no mention of a Linux port... "

Comments

Getting sick of the hype

[hasse]

All this hype is really starting to annoy me. First it was Linux, now it's MP3. All this clueless mainstream coverage. Why would MP3 die if it doesn't change? Who cares? It's like some people forget the fact that mpeg is a compression standard, and not another hyped computer/multimedia company. If MP3 "dies", it would be the result of a new, better (non proprietal) format was introduced. Why else would people stop using something that works like a charm, for free? And finally, Real is probably going to make a profit on this move. Even if it's late to jump on the mp3 hype, a lot of non computer proficient people will probably love this product.

Glaser interview good read

[ken@audiosurge.com]

The interview with Rob Glaser is good but too short. I agree with him that the MP3 format is the best possible vehicle for unsigned bands to get their music head. I'm not so sure about the his prediction for DMI. A much longer and more informative interview with him is here:
http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/zdnn_display/0 ,3440,2242732,00.html
It's from a couple of weeks ago though.

a cd ripper? what a novel concept...

[Morpheous]

It is ridiculous that Real comes out with such an un-sensational product and receives all this hype. There are so many great FREE products out there that will do the same thing... Every article I've read treats Real as if they have come up with this fabulous new idea. It's a shame that other developers with better products don't get this kind of press. Unfortunately, their support of MP3 is not notable because they are not "major players" in the MP3 battle. Wake up, people - the major story here is that so many people have embraced MP3, and that there is already a large assortment of software devoted to dealing with this format. MP3 is here to stay; I don't care what anyone says. If RIAA and the rest are so concerned about piracy, they should be working hard to ban CD burners, VCRS, tape decks, minidisc recorders, etc... I don;t know what it is about MP3 that is so evil... The potential for Internet distribution, I guess. As people get access to higher bandwidth, you can bet they'll be clamoring to add copyright protection to existing standards for video. A CNET article mentions that Real is considering adding a trace to the song, to show who "ripped" it, but "that involves privacy issues." But in this day and age where we are giving away our freedom and privacy, I'm sure those issues will be overcome.