MP3 'could radically restructure the way we select music' says Author Scot Hacker

Business Wire, March 8, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech & Publishing Writers

SEBASTOPOL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2000

In April 1999, the term "MP3" surpassed "sex" as the most-searched-for term on the top Internet search engines.

In a short time (even by Internet standards) MP3 -- a complicated digital music-encoding algorithm -- has changed the dynamics of music distribution.

"MP3.com proves that file-based digital music distribution could radically restructure the way we select music and choose our stars," says Scot Hacker, author of the just-released "MP3: The Definitive Guide" (O'Reilly, $29.95).

"Most of the music we hear is handed to us by the recording industry, and that industry treats music exclusively as a business. But amazing people making amazing music are all around us."

"I may be a hopeless idealist, but I believe that great music will bubble to the top on its own merits. We will discover great music, we'll tell our friends, and before long, the charts will be topped by artists chosen by listeners rather than pushed by record labels," says Hacker.

"Don't get me wrong. I don't think music and money are mutually exclusive. Far from it. I believe artists should be supported by culture, and that culture should be supported by society. The MP3 revolution might -- just might -- get us there, or at least part of the way there. For the first time in history, artists and musicians can potentially be heard by anyone on the planet with Web access, and those artists don't need any part of the recording industry to make it happen."

Hacker's "MP3: The Definitive Guide" introduces the power-user to all aspects of MP3 technology. It delves into detail on obtaining, recording, and optimizing MP3 files using both commercial and Open Source methods, and covering four platforms: Windows, Macintosh, Linux and BeOS.

In-depth chapters describe all aspects of the MP3 experience from distributing, streaming, broadcasting, converting and playing to archiving your collection. It shows you how to test your equipment, optimize your encoding times, evaluate playback options, control and organize a collection, even burn your own CD's or distribute your own music to a massive worldwide audience over the Internet.

In addition, the author fills readers in on the complex legal issues surrounding MP3 files. Everything you need to know to enjoy MP3 is contained in this single volume.

"The best technical and most complete book about the world of MP3 on the market; The Community, Format and Movement. A must have!" -- Sander van Zoest, High Geek, MP3.com

Scot Hacker's Top 10 Tips for MP3 may be found at: http://web.oreilly.com/news/mp3_tips_0300.html

Chapter 2,"How MP3 Works: Inside the Codec," and Chapter 6, "Hardware, Portables, Home Stereos, and Kits," are available free online at: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/mp3/chapter/index.html

For more information about the book, including Table of Contents, index, author bio, and samples, see: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/mp3/index.html

For an article by the author, see: http://web.oreilly.com/news/mp3_industry_0200.html

For a cover graphic in jpeg format, go to: ftp://ftp.ora.com/pub/graphics/book_covers/hi-res/1565926617.jpg

MP3: The Definitive Guide By Scot Hacker 1st Edition March 2000 1-56592-661-7, 400 pages, $29.95 order@oreilly.com 1-800-998-9938 http://www.oreilly.com

For more information, a review copy, cover art, or interview with the author, contact: Lisa Mann 707/829-0515 ext 230 or lisam@oreilly.com.