MP3 has been fine and a variable bit rate file with 320KBps max sounds perfectly fine with no clipping. It doesn't need a better format for the majority of audio users. For home PC's and media stations then the lossless formats can come into play for audiophiles and people with half decent amps.
I think the media companies should focus on an open format like MKA/MKV and then at least they can store both the lossless MP3 and lossy MP3 in the same file. If the music video was also included then it could store that also.
It doesn't surprise me one bit that their sales are collapsing.
The price of the electronic versions of CD's is a lot. Online purchases need to be made cheaper for the model to work - as you don't get any booklets, additional DVD's or anything with your ITunes purchase. The cost of buying a whole album will in most cases be greater than going to the local Asda/Tesco/Walmart and buying it.
The Store Lock-In has frustrated a lot of iTunes users as they can see straight away that they are getting ripped off.
For example, American Band X only have 1 album on the UK ITunes store, but have their earlier 3 albums on the US Store - however a UK person is blocked from purchasing these CDs (even though they probably exist on the same big file system). This means that you end up having to buy the actual CD when you eventually get over on holiday.
Another big rip-off was the IPod games. Games aren't music tracks, but again it is a lot more expensive to buy in the UK store than the US store.
Slashdot Mirror
MP3 has been fine and a variable bit rate file with 320KBps max sounds perfectly fine with no clipping. It doesn't need a better format for the majority of audio users. For home PC's and media stations then the lossless formats can come into play for audiophiles and people with half decent amps. I think the media companies should focus on an open format like MKA/MKV and then at least they can store both the lossless MP3 and lossy MP3 in the same file. If the music video was also included then it could store that also.
It doesn't surprise me one bit that their sales are collapsing.
The price of the electronic versions of CD's is a lot. Online purchases need to be made cheaper for the model to work - as you don't get any booklets, additional DVD's or anything with your ITunes purchase. The cost of buying a whole album will in most cases be greater than going to the local Asda/Tesco/Walmart and buying it.
The Store Lock-In has frustrated a lot of iTunes users as they can see straight away that they are getting ripped off.
For example, American Band X only have 1 album on the UK ITunes store, but have their earlier 3 albums on the US Store - however a UK person is blocked from purchasing these CDs (even though they probably exist on the same big file system). This means that you end up having to buy the actual CD when you eventually get over on holiday.
Another big rip-off was the IPod games. Games aren't music tracks, but again it is a lot more expensive to buy in the UK store than the US store.