MP3 Obsolete Already?

While the debate rages on (sort of) regarding MP3 vs AAC vs Ogg vs LAME vs (insert CODEC here), one new format seeks to differentiate itself as the new "Music 2.0" system. This month, the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) will decide if MT9 - the new kid on the block - will be adopted as a new international standard.

MT9, also branded and referred to as "Music 2.0" splits an audio file into 6 channels. As a practical example, this means that if properly encoded, music can have separate channels for vocals, bass, drums, lead guitar, rhythm guitar and, I don't know - accordion.

Audizen, the South Korean company behind MT9, wants the format to replace MP3 as the dominant compressed music format on the market. But that's a lot like replacing the gas guzzling vehicle with hydrogen power. There are a lot of MP3 players on the market that can't support the new format. Still, MT9 has a lot going for it:

• Music stores and suppliers of digital content can easily modify or replace their inventories - after all, it's digital
• The new format is actually substantially different and just "gimmicky" enough that manufacturers and consumer alike might be tempted to want to "re-mix" their own music with the new format.
• MP3 players cycle new products into the market at a rate of 12-18 months - so refreshing hardware capabilities is hardly an insurmountable task.

Of course, MT9 has a lot going against it as well:

• Will the format end up being perceived as being "too gimmicky" by the public. After all, while you may want more bass, will consumer mixes of audio actually be more satisfying than those of professional mix engineers?
• How will this new technology be applied to older titles without having to re-mix and re-encode from master tracks - something that is hardly to catch on quickly.
• The level of cooperation between manufacturers, labels and digital retailers would be enormous - and all for a new format that doesn't necessarily promise improved quality.
• Thompson (think RCA) failed twice so far to introduce new MP3 formats as a dominant solution: mp3PRO and MP3 Surround. Both were marginalized by consumers, labels, retailers and manufacturers.

What makes all of this so interesting is that the digital music download business really needs a "kick in the pants". Offering MP3 is no better than simply ripping a CD - and those can be had for a reasonable price from several key retailers. The question is a) is MT9 that jump-start the industry needs and b) will the industry even lift a finger to help itself or rely (once again) on market forces driven by the likes of Apple Computer to deliver the next wave of innovation?

We'll have to wait and see.

Note: It certainly doesn't help that Audizen's Trial Downloads of the technology appear to be broken - at least for US-based users.