Topic: Does MC9 support AAC? (Read 3622 times)

packyb · « **on:** May 30, 2003, 09:17:07 am »

Again, I preface my question with an apology, as I am sure that this has been discussed, but I have searched the forum and cannot seem to find the threads.

I have a new iPod and also a new pc. I am going to start from scratch downloading my music and am semi-intrigued with the idea of encoding music in AAC format. Does MC9 support this format?

Kurt Young · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2003, 09:29:03 am »

Nope. It don't.

Licensing dollars, I believe, is the reason.

DocLotus · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2003, 10:35:23 am »

I know it's about $$$ but AOL just announced they are dropping Real in favor of Dolby Labs ACC as it provides better compression, faster downloads. Also the MPEG industry has also accepted ACC as a new standard.

Sooner or later JRiver will be forced to "get on the boat" or be left behind.

JimH · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2003, 10:43:41 am »

Computer joke -- It's nice to have so many standards to choose from.

MP3 is the principal standard at this time.
WMA is a leading contender.

Ogg Vorbis is gaining ground.

Then there are Real formats, and I'm probably forgetting something obvious.

AAC is warming up at the moment because Apple is pushing it.

It remains to be seen whether it will become an important standard. If it does, we'll support it.

rocketsauce · « **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2003, 11:27:19 am »

Since AAC is already supported on some hardware players, that would certainly put it ahead of Vorbis and any Real format, wouldn't it?

Rob

MachineHead · « **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2003, 02:57:21 pm »

Quote

Since AAC is already supported on some hardware players, that would certainly put it ahead of Vorbis and any Real format, wouldn't it?

Not to mention the fact that MC doesn't seem to be tailored to the masses like WMP and Real. Once people grow up, or rather out, of those formats, they look to see what else is available. Where would you head if you wanted to check out a bunch of different formats, with one player? The one that plays it all?

KingSparta · « **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2003, 03:03:55 pm »

well is there an ACC external encoder aval?

and would the MC9 External Encoder plug-in support it?

if there is a external ACC encoder a user can buy and if the external encoder supports it then i don't see the problem.

MachineHead · « **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2003, 03:13:55 pm »

Try and get someone to port that to MC.

JimH · « **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2003, 03:41:02 pm »

MC
The one that better play it all or get whooped bad.

JimH · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2003, 03:42:16 pm »

Quote

Since AAC is already supported on some hardware players, that would certainly put it ahead of Vorbis and any Real format, wouldn't it?

Rob

I could be hallucinating but I think that Vorbis is supported on at least one.

KingSparta · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2003, 04:09:33 pm »

ogg hardware

http://rss.com.com/2100-1023-956540.html?type=pt%E2%88%82=rss&tag=feed&subj=news

rocketsauce · « **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2003, 04:41:36 pm »

Quote

I could be hallucinating but I think that Vorbis is supported on at least one.

Oh right, the Sharp Zaurus, and I think they're close to getting support in some of the iRiver players.

Quote

...and would the MC9 External Encoder plug-in support it?

You can probably get the Psytel AAC to work with MCs external encoder, but there are still issues with playback and tagging.

I definitely think AAC support should be added, but in actuality I agree with Jim. I think the format is still a little young. There are different implementations of it (Apple, Ahead, Phillips?, etc) as well as issues with a standard tagging format being developed. It seems that until one of the implementations becomes the de facto AAC standard, it might be a little premature for J River to support it.

Rob

KingSparta · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2003, 04:56:09 pm »

>> I definitely think AAC support should be
>> added, but in actuality I agree with Jim.
well if an external plugin is aval and can be bought from someone else them J river should support the external encoder, and maybe when they feel they should then support it directly.

MachineHead · « **Reply #13 on:** May 30, 2003, 05:21:55 pm »

Quote

You can probably get the Psytel AAC to work with MCs external encoder, but there are still issues with playback and tagging.

The encoder does a great job with EAC. Don't know if I would attempt external with MC.

It will playback the files (in_faad). Because it is a Winamp plug-in, more or less, MC does not return any info from the decoder. So, for example, vbr files just stay constant.

Tagging is just a no go with MC. MC will update its database though. Usually with a lot of teeth grinding effort.

Quote

I think the format is still a little young.

Been around 6 or 7 years now hasn't it?

And the standardization thing. This should be set up as an ISO certified deal. Either your all this way, or no certification. Tagging standards could then proceed without a lot of headbutting by all the developers involved.

rocketsauce · « **Reply #14 on:** May 30, 2003, 05:42:48 pm »

Quote

Been around 6 or 7 years now hasn't it?

I meant "young" in respect as to whether or not it's ready for the mass consumer market.

I guess this could change fairly quickly if the Apple Music Store is really successful, resulting in significant numbers of users ditching their MP3z for Apples' version of AAC, though. And, I think a lot of 3rd party developers will wait to see which implementation becomes the "dominator" before they start putting a lot of development effort into supporting AAC, since there will probably be significant licensing fees involved.

Rob

KingSparta · « **Reply #15 on:** May 30, 2003, 05:45:45 pm »

what would be better is if they charge less for the license to use AAC i hear it is allot more than others

MachineHead · « **Reply #16 on:** May 30, 2003, 05:53:14 pm »

Licensing Terms Are In Here Somewhere

fex · « **Reply #17 on:** May 30, 2003, 05:56:17 pm »

Quote

well is there an ACC external encoder aval?...

Try http://www.bonkenc.org/

Did NOT really check the legal situation.

KingSparta · « **Reply #18 on:** May 30, 2003, 05:57:37 pm »

seems a bit steep to me

Max annual $250,000 (per Licensee)

fex · « **Reply #19 on:** May 30, 2003, 06:03:51 pm »

Quote

... Max annual $250,000 (per Licensee)

Including CDDB? Impossible. Not enough.

KingSparta · « **Reply #20 on:** May 31, 2003, 05:34:21 am »

the way i read it was just for the encoder, the playback was another $25,000

And did not include CDDB.

That is another $60,000

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Author Topic: Does MC9 support AAC? (Read 3622 times)

MachineHead

MachineHead

MachineHead

MachineHead

fex

fex