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CEA Weighs In On MGM v. Grokster

Wes Phillips Aug 08, 2005 First Published: Aug 08, 2005

As the Senate Commerce Committee began hearings on issues related to MGM v. Grokster on July 28, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) president Gary Shapiro issued a masterfully constructed statement reminding the Committee of the stakes involved. Why masterful? Essentially, we are struck by the concision of the CEA argument and its gentle reminder that a significant American industry will be crucially affected by the final resolution of this issue—and not the one that first springs to mind, either.

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Yahoo! Adds Audio Search

Jon Iverson Aug 07, 2005 First Published: Aug 07, 2005

For years now, Internet users willing to walk on the audio wild side have had access to millions of illicit music files via peer-to-peer file-trading services. But those who have tried to find locate of the commercial sources for online music files have found their choices limited.

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Sony Settles Payola Investigation

Wes Phillips Aug 01, 2005 First Published: Aug 01, 2005

On July 25, New York State Attorney General Elliot Spitzer announced that Sony BMG Entertainment had agreed to "stop making payments and providing expensive gifts to radio stations and their employees in return for 'airplay' for the company's songs."

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Michael Brecker Could Use Your Help

Wes Phillips Aug 01, 2005 First Published: Aug 01, 2005

Michael Brecker, the legendary tenor saxophonist, has been a staple in the recording scene for more than 30 years now—we were first bowled over by his work on drummer Billy Cobham's 1974 album Crosswinds, although we could have just as easily mentioned hundreds of titles where he supported other musicians as a first-tier studio player. Along with his brother, trumpeter Randy Brecker, he co-led the Brecker Brothers band in the 1970s and, since 1987, has released intelligent, challenging records as a headliner, including our favorite, 2001's The Nearness of You: The Ballad Book (Verve 549705 CD).

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Shop 'Til They Drop?

Jon Iverson Aug 01, 2005 First Published: Aug 01, 2005

Several recent">http://cgi.stereophile.com/cgi-bin/showoldvotes.cgi">recent surveys on the Stereophile website have uncovered a surprising trend among audiophiles: Many of you are heading online to both used- and new-product vendors to make equipment purchases that have traditionally been made at specialty audio retailers.

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Buy Hi-Fi and Feed the Hungry

Jon Iverson Aug 01, 2005 First Published: Aug 01, 2005

Once again, audiophiles can help themselves and help others at the same time by participating in The Cable Company's 10th annual "Summer Against Hunger" campaign. The">http://www.fatwyre.com/">The Cable Company and a wide cross-section of its vendors (listed below) have set up a program in which up to 10% of The Cable Company's August sales are donated to CAREhttp://www.careusa.org/">CARE; and the International">http://www.theirc.org/">International Rescue Committee, with contributions to be used to assist the worldwide disaster relief efforts of those humanitarian organizations. This year, the situation is more critical than ever.

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Anti-Piracy Czar Named by Bush

Wes Phillips Jul 25, 2005 First Published: Jul 25, 2005

President George W. Bush has created a new senior level position, aimed at combating the global counterfeiting and piracy of American intellectual property—a category that encompasses everything from copies of Hollywood films to faked auto parts. The new IP czar will be Chris Israel, currently deputy chief of staff for Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez.

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Linear Acquires Niles

Wes Phillips Jul 25, 2005 First Published: Jul 25, 2005

Linear, LLC of Carlsbad, CA, an innovative firm specializing in radio frequency products, has announced its acquisition of Niles Audio Corporation, the Miami, FL company best known for its whole-house audio and video products.

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Grooves On The Move

Jon Iverson Jul 25, 2005 First Published: Jul 25, 2005

Ready or not, here comes the audio download future—and a sizable portion of it may be wireless (think cellphones). Or at least that's what IDC is predicting in a new study called "US Wireless Music 2005-2009 Forecast and Analysis: Grooves on The Move."

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Stereophile Reader Survey

Stereophile Staff Jul 25, 2005 First Published: Jul 25, 2005

One thing we've learned about Stereophile readers is that, no matter the subject, they all have opinions. We'd like to hear yours and also enter you in a chance to win a $250 American Express gift certificate.