Re: good (and free) mp3 encoders?

[Keith Duthie <psycho@albatross.co.nz>]

On Sat, 22 May 1999, Michael Stutz wrote:

> IIRC there can't be an mp3 encoder that is free software because of patent
> problems; I seem to have heard of recent changes in the patent ownership but
> I don't think that the situation has changed. So if we want a free mp3
> encoder, we will have to either convince the patent holders that this is
> okay, or design a replacement format that we can use with free software
> (this is actually an item on the GNU Task List, but I don't think that
> anyone is working on it yet).
Not entirely true. Bladeenc is going to be released with source[1] if and
when some patent issues are dealt with. These patent issues are very
strange. Apparently software can't be patented is Sweden, but the mp3 guys
have a software patent in Sweden. Look at the bladeenc site
http://www.bladeenc.cjb.net for more details.

[1] apparently it will not be LGPLed as the author originally intended due
to the patent
-- 
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