Saturday, May 17, 2008
MPEG Layer 3 Music (MP3)
Q: What is MP3?
A: MP3, or MPEG Layer 3, allows for CD-quality sound files at very high compression. Compared to .wav files, MP3 require approximately 1/20th of the space for the same quality of sound.
Because of these characteristics, MP3 has become a widely accepted, standard setting file format for encoding music. Hostwire allows clients to have MP3 files on their accounts. However, MP3s must not infringe on anyone's copyrights.
While MP3s have become very popular, they have also been abused by persons by means of music piracy. Please ensure that any MP3s on your account have encoded content owned by you or your organization.
Because of these characteristics, MP3 has become a widely accepted, standard setting file format for encoding music. Hostwire allows clients to have MP3 files on their accounts. However, MP3s must not infringe on anyone's copyrights.
While MP3s have become very popular, they have also been abused by persons by means of music piracy. Please ensure that any MP3s on your account have encoded content owned by you or your organization.
Q: Does Hostwire allow MP3 files?
A: Yes, as long as the encoded content does not infringe upon anyone else's copyrights.
Q: Can I use my Anonymous FTP account for direct MP3 downloads?
A: Yes, as long as the MP3s are in accordance with our Acceptable Uses Policy. In short, your account cannot be used for the primary purpose of file distribution, including MP3 distribution. MP3s available for download may not be copyrighted, except by the owner of the site.
Q: Can I have an MP3 distribution website?
A: Unfortunately, this type of website does not cohere with our Acceptable Uses Policy, given the primary purpose would be MP3 file distribution. Therefore, we do not allow MP3 distribution websites.
It is important to note the difference between having some MP3s on your website and having a site dedicated to downloading an assortment of MP3 files.
It is important to note the difference between having some MP3s on your website and having a site dedicated to downloading an assortment of MP3 files.
Q: Does Hostwire recommend MP3 files over Real Audio?
A: We recommend Real Audio over MP3 for encoded applications for the following reasons:
Real Audio will stream and therefore play immediately. MP3 files will have to be downloaded first, which could mean a 30 minute delay.
Overall, Real Audio files (G2) are smaller and have a better quality than the same content encoded in MP3 format.
Real Audio allows the client to have much more control of the delivery of the content, where MP3 files are nearly impossible to manipulate by the client
Real Audio will stream and therefore play immediately. MP3 files will have to be downloaded first, which could mean a 30 minute delay.
Overall, Real Audio files (G2) are smaller and have a better quality than the same content encoded in MP3 format.
Real Audio allows the client to have much more control of the delivery of the content, where MP3 files are nearly impossible to manipulate by the client
Q: Can I have copyrighted MP3s on my account if I have written permission?
A: No, Hostwire does not allow copyrighted MP3s on its servers, even with written permission from the copyright holder. This would be a violation of our Acceptable Uses Policy. We do not allow this due to our offering of unlimited bandwidth.
Exception: if the copyright for the MP3 is held by the owner of the virtual domain hosted on Hostwire web servers, this would not be a violation.
Exception: if the copyright for the MP3 is held by the owner of the virtual domain hosted on Hostwire web servers, this would not be a violation.
