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`AT&T's a2b music Joins the Online Stampede
`
`By Barry Willis • Posted: Mar 29, 1998
`
`Telecommunications giant American Telephone and Telegraph announced March 16 that it too,
`now, has technology for digital music delivery. AT&T's system, called a2b music, is based on
`MPEG Advanced Audio Coding.
`
`According to an AT&T press release, a2b music's audio compression technology delivers the
`"best-sounding music currently available through digital distribution." Highly rated by
`independent audio institutes including BBC Research, Canada's Communications Research
`Center, and NHK Science and Technical Research Labs, MPEG AAC was jointly developed by
`AT&T Labs, Dolby Labs, the Fraunhofer Institute, Lucent Technologies, Sony, and others. The
`International Standards Organization (ISO) has designated AAC as the next-generation MPEG
`standard, to supersede MP3.
`
`While Liquid Audio claims to be the first Internet company to focus on the needs of the music
`industry, a2b music claims to be the world's first to implement AAC technology for downloading
`and purchasing music over the Internet. AAC reduces the download time for a 3-minute song
`from 21 minutes to 9 minutes using a 28.8kbs modem. (Implied, but not stated, is that downloads
`approach real-time using 56.6k or faster modems.) a2b music claims its platform is also secure,
`protecting distributors, artists, and consumers from electronic theft.
`
`BMG Entertainment has endorsed a2b music, and is running promotions of free downloads of
`songs by groups like The Verve Pipe and SWV as a way of creating interest in the groups'
`albums. "The response has been very good and we are very pleased with the results," said BMG
`Entertainment senior vice president of marketing Kevin Conroy.
`
`The basic technology behind the a2b platform is used for the 17,500-selection "ultimate jukebox"
`in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
`
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