Copyright Rulings and Legislation
The <A HREF="http://www.nab.org">National Association of Broadcasters</A> has lost a round in its fight to avoid paying royalties for music streamed over the Internet.
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FTC: Three Tenors—The Fix Was In
<A HREF="http://www.umusic.com">Universal Music Group</A> and <A HREF="http://www.wmg.com">Warner Music Group</A> are more than friendly competitors, in the view of the <A HREF="http://www.ftc.gov">Federal Trade Commission</A>. They are also partners in crime, according to charges filed against the two on July 31 in New York.
Playing Musical Fidelity Chairs
Although the deal was <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/11038/">announced</A> by both companies only weeks ago, it appears that <A HREF="http://www.audioadvisor.com">Audio Advisor</A> will in fact not be distributing Musical Fidelity products in the US after September 1. In AA's place, Musical Fidelity has chosen Kevro International as the exclusive US distributor for its complete line of electronic products. According to Kevro International spokesperson Kathy Ginn, "Musical Fidelity [has] chosen to market [its] products through independent specialists rather than [continue] their previous approach [of distributing the line] through mail order and the Internet. And, unfortunately, AA will no longer be a dealer."
Added to the Archives This Week
Wes Phillips is hesitant as he takes a listen to a revised version of the first speaker he ever reviewed for <I>Stereophile</I>. Will the new <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//loudspeakerreviews/386/">ProAc Response One SC loudspeaker</A> vindicate his original positive assessment of its predecessor, the ProAc Response One S? Phillips admits all.
Drums in the Rear Channels?
"He's putting the drums in the <I>rear</I> channels?!?"
Do you ever listen to music on your computer?
Here's another question that we haven't asked in a while: With the increase in decent sound card options over the last couple of years, have you found yourself using your computer to play music?
The Internet Audio Dilemma
News <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/news/11094/">last week</A> about SafeAudio CD copy protection indicates that while fighting pirates, the major record labels are also attempting to seal off the ability of users to place their own music from CDs onto computers. If they succeed, the only alternative for consumers who want non-pirated music on their desktops will be to buy content directly from the labels themselves, or companies set up to legally supply digital audio.
Satellite Radio About to Make Big Noise
If you haven't seen much in the mainstream press about the new satellite radio services from XM and Sirius, both poised to launch before the end of the year, you soon will. First out of the chute with the big media bucks, <A HREF="http://www.xmradio.com">XM Satellite Radio</A> unveiled last week its national advertising campaign called "Radio to the Power of X."
ContentGuard Wins Patent
A "digital rights management" (DRM) company has been awarded a patent for its "tickets" to Internet-based entertainment. Bethesda, MD–based <A HREF="http://www.contentguard.com">ContentGuard Holdings, Inc.</A> announced July 27 that it has been granted a patent for its "digital ticket" system, which allows users access to digital entertainment—music, video, graphics, and e-books—from any Internet-connected device.
Added to the Archives This Week
Larry Greenhill says he'll never forget his first encounter with the <A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com//loudspeakerreviews/382/">Krell LAT-1 loudspeaker</A> at a meeting of the Westchester Audiophile Society. Suitably impressed, Greenhill reports, "I'd been bitten. I made arrangements to continue the audition in my own listening room." His complete analysis awaits.