[Free-sklyarov-uk] British Federation of Audio // Univeral appoint anti-piracy guy

[Jim Peters]

Bits and bobs of news ...

Glancing at "Music Week" in town just now I noticed that Universal
have appointed someone dedicated to look at the 'piracy' situation,
apparently the first major to do so.  The guy seems slightly more
open-minded, and seems to have been reading what we've been writing --
he is thinking of trying to find more creative solutions, and not rely
so much on copy-protection.  He was saying something like "we are not
the enemy", and was talking about enabling downloads and CD-burning if
that is what it would take.  (This is all from memory, which is why it
is low on specific details).

I don't honestly know whether this is good news or not -- after all,
look what Midbar's creativity did to the CD format.  Cactus is
certainly a 'creative solution', but it is just completely completely
twisted.  Hopefully this guy's creativity won't be corrupted by the
corporate greed all around him.  There is a small chance for a move
forward here, perhaps, anyway.


Also, MK came across the "British Federation of Audio", who seem to
represent a whole load of audio hardware manufacturers in the UK,
mainly smaller 'expert' ones (but also including Sony).  They seem to
have been around for a while -- giving out awards in 1996.  Their
approach appears to be technically-based rather than political.

They have a 'problem CD' page, which covers the whole corrupt CD thing
technically, with links to us and FatChucks:

  http://www.british-audio.org.uk/problemcd.html

  "We are saddened that sections of the record industry should treat
  their customers with so little respect."

They have a press release on the watermarking situation: Jun-2000 
"BFA calls for listening test on audio watermarking system":

  http://www.british-audio.org.uk/press_releases/2000_06_verance.html

  "It is logical to assume that if the system is robust enough to
  withstand the data compression of MP3, for example, it would be
  audible when played on systems that should be state-of-the-art such
  as DVD-A or SACD."

And in this press release (Sep-2001 "BFA becomes independent") they
list some of their aims:

  http://www.british-audio.org.uk/press_releases/2001_09.html

  "Further Aims and Objectives of the British Federation Of Audio:
   ...
   * Improve the promotion of quality consumer audio.
   * Promote high standards of quality, design and workmanship.
   ...
   * Monitor and lobby government regarding UK and EC legislation.
   ... "

I'm glad they already know about us, so we don't have to approach
them.  It is good that there is someone looking at the technical
aspects from the industry side.  Maybe one to keep an eye on for new
articles and developments ... ?

Jim

-- 
 Jim Peters                  (_)/=\~/_(_)                 jim at uazu.net
                          (_)  /=\  ~/_  (_)
 Uazú                  (_)    /=\    ~/_    (_)                http://
 B'ham, UK          (_) ____ /=\ ____ ~/_ ____ (_)            uazu.net