MDMM#1 - Clearing up content formats
So, for lack of other topics this evening, I thought I'd clear up the various types of formats that are out there for folks. I am calling a series of these Massive Digital Media Misunderstandings.
think of a media file as consisting of three parts -
- the internal a/v payload, usually encoded in a codec. Examples: WMV, WMA, VC-9, AAC, mp3, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, and DivX.
- an external file container. This is easily confusable with the codec in part because they're often confusingly named, but they're not the same. Examples include ASF (for WMV/WMA), MPEG-4 (for AAC, MPEG-4, H.264), mp3 (for mp3 audio), and AVI (for Divx and a ton of other random codecs).
- (sometimes) a DRM encryption scheme. These include Windows Media DRM, Apple's Fairplay, and Real's Helix.
The results can be confusing. But for a piece of software or hardware to be able to play a piece of content, it must integrate all the needed pieces. For example:
- A ripped CD in mp3 - must include mp3 container and decoding
- a ripped CD in wma - a wma decoder and asf reader (included in all copies of windows)
- a wmv file created in MovieMaker - WMV decoding and ASF reader
- a ripped CD from iTunes in AAC - AAC decoder and MPEG-4 container reader
- a song from Napster - a WMA decoder, ASF reader, and WMDRM decrypter.
- a song from itunes - AAC, MPEG-4, plus Fairplay (only available in itunes)
Hope this clears up the confusion! Maybe next time I'll take on the confusion of Standards and licensing. Maybe not ;)
19 Comments:
And which container formats and codecs will you support at launch?
Will your "MPEG-4" decoder play DIVX and XVID?
And what is the reason for not supporting WMDRM? Is it because the user experience can end up being so complicated (especially on subscription services)?
Do you not feel like Microsoft is now full-on competing with it's own customers (Napster, Rhapsody etc)?
How does your settlement with Real fit in with the marketing for Zune?
I can't really list the codec in particular for launch since this hasn't been announced.
Charles, good questions. I can only answer some.
the lack of support for p4s content is to make sure the experience is totally reliable, as you indicate. also, we have some innovative ideas like wifi send (and trust me, many more to come) that require rights negotiations that those providers haven't done. it would be bad to say "you can send *some* of your content via wifi".
I shouldn't comment on the Real settlement.
Thanks for the answers. I agree - limiting the sending feature to only some tracks would be infuriatingly complicated for users. I can see that as a genuine reason not to allow WMDRM.
Are you going to launch the device even in countries where you haven't negotiated the rights to content (and therefore there is no matching online store)?
Has Microsoft negotiated the rights to the music itself now, or is it still going through third parties like with MSN Music?
And one more..
I take it the Zune content store will go live day-for-day with the launch of the actual device, right?
Hey Zuneguy! :) I'd like to be able to link exchange with your site.
My website is.
Title: Wired Zune
URL: http://www.wiredzune.com
If you can add it, that'd be great! :) I'll also be adding it once I get confirmation that we can have a good relationship going. ;)
Thanks!
Let's hope that the Zune supports OGG playback... that would be a big reason to by over the ipod for me.
As someone who is in the know about Zune can you give us some info on the FM radio aspect of the Zune? This is probably the most important feature for me as I listen to music all day at work and get bored of my library quickly and use FM as an alternative.
Specifically, will there be support for FM recording? Any integration with the Zune subscription service (mark for download song I like on the radio)? Any integration with FM aggregates like yes.com (would be cool!!)?
Can't wait to try it.
FM is very cool; can't say more now but you'll like it.
Thanks David, this helps clarify the distinction between containers and codecs.
So, if I were to expand your list, which included iPod as
- a song from itunes - AAC, MPEG-4, plus Fairplay (only available in itunes)
would it be correct to guess that the entry for Microsoft Zune would be:
a song from ZuneMarket - WMA, MPEG-4, plus ZunePlay (only available in ZuneMarketplace)
Or am I misunderstanding some aspect of this? (highly likely :))
- Harvey
http://www.zunerama.com
So WAV will not be supported as of now?
will the Zune have OTG/on-the-fly playlists? if so, how will they be handled.
Can you delete/edit ID tags on-the-fly?
Is there gapless? An input interface (a search feature, etc.)? Will the controls be adjustable? Will the sensitivity of the directional pad be adjustable? I'm invisioning a registry-like feature that allows you to change all sorts of settings and make tweaks for advanced users. Is this possible?
Is it a possiblity to add codecs yourself (not through firmware updates)? Can I view album art by itself? Can I que up lyrics? What extras am I to be expecting?
You have to forgive me. I used to have a Zen Vision: M before it was stolen, and these were some things I liked that it had, or wish that it had. I've also noticed, however, that recently you've been swamped in comments (congrats on your newfound popularity), if ya wouldn't mind answering a few, if any of these, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm really looking foreward to this thing, so I hope you can help me out. Would an IRC chatroom for all to ask questions be a good idea? And if you can't answer these questions, would you mind putting me in touch with someone who can?
thanks muchly
Alright, I see now that there is a "quick list", but does it have the ability to re-order the songs within the Zune environment?
Sorry to be so annoying.
Adam, lots of good questions. The answer is that we have some of that stuff, but not others. But I can't say which now...
hey thanks for the reply. It's good to see that Microsoft is letting you guys out to talk with the customers once in a while. Will an announcement relating to the unfilled holes be made on any specific date?
And why doesn't Microsoft let the Zune have its own mini-site, if nothing else? The microsoft.com search engine asks if I meant to search for "zone", and only gives me the release announcement as a link. I think you'd better let billy or steve know so it can be fixed ;)
David,
Most sites are indicating that songs that I have previously purchased through MSN Music will NOT play on my Zune.
I have to repurchase these through Zune Marketplace.
Is this true?
I've seen different interpretations of this and am hoping you can give a definitive "yes" or "no".
There has been a lot of speculation on our forums about
this and if you can clear up the confusion, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
- Harvey
www.Zunerama.com
I thought J was pretty clear here, so I'll link:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/14/the-engadget-interview-j-allard-microsoft-corporate-vice-presi/
I love the Playsforsure platform vision, and in fact worked on that program too. It's alive and well and there will continue to be many p4s offerings.
But Zune will not be a P4S compliant device. If P4s is a high order bit for you, you should buy a p4s device and use a p4s service. That's great too.
What about DVR-MS files? This a deal-breaker for me. If I can't play my MCE2005 files, I am going to but a Toshiba Gigabeat S.
Jason
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