Understanding Music Formats and the Law

Music formats are the way a particular sound file is encoded. These formats can have different functions. The primary function of a music format is to allow it to be played on specific media players. Such music formats, like MP3 files, can be played on any computer's music player and most audio devices. Other formats, like AAC files, can only be played in iTunes and iPods.

There are three major types of audio formats:

- Common (such as, WAV or AU)

- Lossless compressed formats (such as, MP4 or WMA)

- Lossy compression (such as, MP3 or AAC)

Common audio formats, like the WAV format, is a type of uncompressed audio. Digital music files generally come uncompressed as are the music you rip from a CD to your computer. Formats such as AU, AIF, CDA and SND are all types of uncompressed audio. AU, standing for audio, is no longer used. AIF files are a type of Mac file similar to the Windows WAV format. CDA files, compact digital audio, is what is used to create commercial CDs. Home computers can not store music files in this format which is why you must rip the compact disc files to your media library before you can listen to them. SND is similar to the AU format as is primarily used on Mac systems. The MIDI format is also considered a common audio type and is used by professionals to recreate instrumentals. MIDI sequences can be opened on a variety of computers and in many different types of programs.

Lossless compressed formats, like the WMA type, are the way to go when creating a digital media library with high-quality sound. They work like ZIP or RAR compressions where bits that can be replayed within the file are linked and uncompressed during playback. Sound quality remains in tact within a smaller file size; those who love music will enjoy this type of playback and will find they can store thousands of CDs on their hard drives if it has the space.

Lossy compression on the other hand creates lower quality sound files with very small sizes. It removes bits and pieces of the sound of that an audiophile would pick up on but that the average listener would never miss. This type of compression should not be used to create a media library, but it can be used to create CD-Rs for disc mans and for some MP3 players.

Most music formats have their own pros and cons. Some work within the confines of a single media player and others will allow for high-quality audio playback. Some are compressed, others are not and some are run with multiple codecs as opposed to a single one for clearer playback. Depending on what type of features you are looking for in music formats, there is a format for everybody's liking.

When it comes down to it, illegally sharing music is very easy in today's world. CD burners, different file formats and file-sharing programs all make transferring music from one user to another seamless. However, when it comes down to it, sharing music in these ways is still illegal despite what format you rip your music into when putting it onto your computer.

Two years ago, the music industry came together, and created the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI.) Since the MP3 format ran rampant on the Internet, billions of dollars were being lost by the music industry, and they wanted to do something to stop it. They created the digital rights management system into CD releases to stop file-sharing. They want to be able to secure digital music through a variety of formats, media players and digital audio players without limiting music buyers ability to listen to music the way they want to and by what means they desire.

Such companies as Apple encode their iTunes downloads in a specific format that can not be copied from computer to computer without going through a lot of trouble. You can also burn the music a limited number of times. Windows Media Player will not burn copyrighted material even though their are ways around it.

Many CDs by artists are now digital encoded not to be burned to computer. This prevents people from burning the CD to their computer, making multiple copies or uploading them to the Internet. It also prevents buyers from changing the CDA format to MP3 format for easier file-sharing delivery. Some companies have even suggested creating a way to delete information from a CD if an attempt is made to rip it to a computer. The SDMI seeks to find ways that limit illegal sharing of music as well as compromise with buyers who want more from their music.

Eventually, the SDMI seeks to create an industry standard music format that all CDs will use when produced. This will cease the ability of computer users to distribute music, and it will allow the recording industry to sell music in a variety of different ways than just via compact disc. Many recording studios are already beginning to sell music online, in their own formats, and this is isolating margins of potential buyers into a so-called "format war."

We all have to abide by the law when it comes to music formats, file-sharing and CD ripping. Copyright laws prohibit CD owners and computer users from distributing somebody else's music without their consent. Every single time you share a file with someone else, you are breaking the law. Until the music industry comes to terms with the fact that file-sharing is not going anywhere and that they are continuing to isolate music lovers by coming after them, the situation will not be resolved on either side. Having said that, the law still stands that sharing music in any format is illegal and that law does affect each and every one of us. The recording industry does target individuals who continue to share despite its warnings, and until things cool down, music buyers should stick to create their own music libraries instead of filling other people's collections.