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Change is messy.  Paradigm shifts, revolutions, restructures – any way you phrase it, widespread change entails considerable effort and uncomfortable periods.  The same rings true with digital alterations.  Challengers to the ubiquitous MP3 format face serious challenges despite their technical superiority to the old standard.

The foremost contender is the MT9 format.  This upstart enables every user to split an audio file into six channels—vocals, guitar, bass, percussion and so on –- effectively making ordinary Joes into amateur recording producers.  The format provides unprecedented widespread technical access to users as they isolate specific channels in their audio files.

Known commercially as Music 2.0, industry pundits are supportive of the MT9 format.  The Motion Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) is even considering making it an international standard in their meeting this month. 

But the road toward this goal is long, hard, and riddled with industry realities.  Big and small labels would need to start using the new technology to sell their music –- not an easy thing, as the Blu-Ray/HD DVD war reminds us. 

Another critical hurdle is to convince audio device manufacturers –- phones, portable players, etc.—to start making products that support the format and its capabilities.  In short, replacing the old standard would require an unparalleled amount of collaboration among labels, digital retailers, and device manufacturers. 

The movement requires a strong leader that could force the issue and pave the way for others to follow.  Apple, for example, could use its iTunes/iPod clout to talk with major labels and start the revolution.

Via [REUTERS]