On Sunday 2004-06-27 22:03, Matt Alexander wrote:
> On Sun, 27 Jun 2004, Michael Havens wrote:
> > What could I use to convert a wav file to mp3? I ripped a bunch of audio
> > files to wav but I didn't have the encode to mp3 button checked. And I am
> > really hoping that I won't have to rip all the files again.
> >
> > Wait a second; xmms won't play the few mp3s I have. Neither will noatun,
> > nor plaympeg. What are mp3s played with? According to the MAN pages xmms
> > is supposed to play them!; There is no manpage for noatun; and plaympeg
> > just errored out (1-) but it also says that it can't find the beginning
> > of MPEG data (2)
>
> Mike, I believe that this website should have the answer for you:
>
> http://www.google.com/

Several popular formats are associated with software patents.  Of these the 
most notable are GIF and MPEG.  Thus, many freeware products do not provide 
access to patent-encumbered formats.  

-- Sometimes you can find gratisware that will work with the format.  For 
example, RealPlayer and Flash plug-ins are available for Linux.

-- Sometimes you can find patches or third-party products that let libertyware 
play patent-encumbered formats.

-- Sometimes multiple versions of libertyware are published for different 
jursdictions.  Some contries (notably the USA) restrict export of sensitive 
technology, so there will be different versions of the product for 
distribution inside and outside the USA.  Some countries (again most notably 
the USA) may forbid decrypting protections on commercial software.  Cracker 
software will only be available on servers outside the USA.  Most, but not 
all, industrialized countries respect software patents.  Therefore, sometimes 
you can find GIF, MPEG, or other patent-encumbered formats patched back into 
libertyware code served from outside the USA.

Of course, possessing, owning, or (god forbid) distributing the code in the 
USA may expose involved parties to civil or criminal actions. 
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