MP3 (was Re: [linux-audio-user] ogg for Windows made really easy)

[Lee Revell]

On Sun, 2006-01-15 at 15:23 -0600, Jan Depner wrote:
> On Sun, 2006-01-15 at 14:55 -0500, Lee Revell wrote:
> > On Sun, 2006-01-15 at 13:48 -0600, Jan Depner wrote:
> > >     I don't have any problem using mp3 (as demonstrated) but ogg is
> > > superior in reproducing the sound of the original.  If it weren't for
> > > exactly what you pointed out I would much prefer using ogg. 
> > 
> > This reminds me, when do the MP3 patents expire?  Because at that point,
> > we'll have to switch everyone back to MP3...
> > 
> 
>     Good point, but I think Fraunhofer keeps extending them by adding
> minor changes.
> 

Hmm, can they really do that?  At least I don't think US patent law
allows it, otherwise the pharmaceutical companies would do the same
thing to block generic drugs.

And if so wouldn't an MP3 implementation based on the original expired
patents be in the clear?

Lee