Next generation MP3 format will track its owners

Found on Digital Audio News on Sunday, 02 May 2004
Browse Computer

A new type of MP3 format being released in the next few months of 2004 will benefit audio enthusiasts with superb digital surround sound 5.1 playback, but will disturb the peer-to-peer file traders. Current MP3 files only use two channels, the "Super MP3", as I call it, will support four channel audio from a down-mixed 5.1 surround sound source.

Fraunhofer Institute, originator of the MP3, will add the Dubbed Light Weight Digital Rights Management (LWDRM) code to all new MP3 files. If the owner who originally purchased the rights to that MP3 file publishes it online in a shared environment, the file will display the original owners digital signature, thus allowing the individuals to be immediately identified.

This new trackable, un-sharable "Super MP3" may be an attempt by the Fraunhofer Institute to make amends with the disgruntled music industry.

I don't think people will happily switch over. After all, there are other formats out there for those who want high quality audio. They still can use OGG, AC3, the old MP3 or MPC for example. After all, every track released as in WMA with DRM can be found in MP3 too.