AAC Support

Well, as unlikely as it seems to happen, I would like to see the ability to play AAC files including the protected AAC files from the Apple Music Store.

Don't know how feasible that its but as the windows version of iTunes is slated to come out in the near future, it might be a nice idea ...

Don't know how feasible

Two problems:

1. We'd need an AAC codec. This costs money. Unless there's a strong demand for it, we're not going to get one. Also, even if we did get one (for Karma, e.g.), we'd probably need a separate license to use it on the car player.
2. We'd need to deal with the DRM used on the iTunes store. This would require a licensing agreement with Apple. Again, more money.

In short: It ain't gonna happen for the car player.

Well, if you do do it for the Karma, please don't forget to ask if you can include it on legacy systems for a nominal fee. Apple may be more amenable than you think given that they are hoping to make money off of the ITMS and would probably like to see the protected AAC become a standard.

Probably isn't likely, but if Apple were smart they'd let you put it on the empeg if you get it for the Karma. If I could play AAC files I'd sign up for iTunes today (or actually whenever I could access it via Windows or Linux). Same goes for any of the other pay-per-song sites.

Okay, so people don't think AAC will happen for the Empeg.
Why not? AAC is Advanced Audio Coding! It really isn't an Apple except POSSIBLY the protected AAC. Yes, Liscensing fees exist, but you could charge a nominal fee for the download perhaps to cover the cost of liscensing. I'm sure most of us would be willing to pay to have our player support AAC! After all, it means more HD-Down time, and 1/3 more music on your empeg!

I would say to get a real feel for the opinion on this, you'll need to add a "not interested, $0" option.

Yeah, what he said:

not interested, $0

It costs less (for me and everyone else in Canada as far as I know) to buy a CD than it does to download the equivalent tracks from the iTunes store. What's the incentive to get stuck with a lossy AAC? I suppose you can make the argument for single songs... Well, you might as well just download singles from somewhere else. Then find the address for the band and send them a buck or two.

I don't have an iPod. But if I did, I doubt there would be any AAC tracks on it. iTunes is a vehicle to promote the iPod and I don't see that about to change.

Bruno

Yeah, what he said:


Ditto.

tanstaafl.

I actually sent Rio an e-mail about AAC support with one decent reason to support it. iTunes. Not the music store, but just the player software. It ships as the default player on all HP and Compaq branded consumer machines now, and by default rips to AAC. Consumers who buy a Rio portable music product will just expect it to work with their music, and not care how. If it doesn't support AAC, it's more likely to generate support calls, or worse, be returned to the store.

But as others said, I doubt it would make it to the empeg.