Group to form content-protection specs for audio players

Group to form content-protection specs for audio players
MANHASSET, N.Y. — A group of consumer electronics manufacturers and technology suppliers have formed the Digital Media Device Association (DMDA) and created a working group to draft specifications related to the use and exchange of digital audio content on portable and networked players.

The group intends to address interoperability and content-protection issues for digital audio devices that were left unresolved when the Secure Digital Music Initiative ceased activities last year.

DMDA will operate as a nonprofit corporation to "promote the acceptance and implementation of technology and applications for portable and networked digital entertainment devices, and to support the rapid advancement of a sufficient and compatible technology base that promotes a competitive marketplace," according to a statement by organizers James Fleming and Tom White.

The group's Interoperability Working Group (IWG) will identify and/or create specifications for the use and exchange of digital content on portable devices that "encourages competition and allows consumers greater freedom of choice," DMDA said.

Two organizational meetings have already been held, with 25 companies participating, the organizers said. DMDA is drafting terms for participation in the IWG and plans to hold an IWG meeting in April.