A meeting of the House Judiciary Committee in US Congress has discussed whether government should take any measures to overcome interoperability in the digital music space. Some in the sector are concerned that customers are confused by the different file formats (or codecs) being used by competing download platforms, which is a problem because most digital music players won't play certain codecs. Some argue that confusion is holding back the development of the digital music market, while others say the fact the downloads sold by anyone platform can only be played on certain digital music players is a violation of consumer rights.
The
Committee considered a number of different proposals. Most ambitiously it was suggested that legislation should be introduced that ensures track compatibility across various services. On a lesser but probably more realistic level it was also proposed that authorities should force digital music players to clearly label the packaging of digital music players explaining any codec limitations - so an iPod box would have to state that the player does not support WMA file formats.
Many working on the inside of the download space share the concerns over interoperability, arguing that consumer confusion over competing codecs can persuade some music fans to stick with illegal P2P networks where they can music in the most compatible format - MP3. However, it is likely most of the key players would oppose government regulation. Napster CTO William Pence told reporters that any government intervention would be a mistake, adding that government had "historically not been a participant in competition between early-stage consumer technologies".