Microsoft set pricing this week on the use of the MPEG-4 codec for use in Non-Windows operating systems. The company will be charging 10 cents per decoder, 20 cents per encoder, and 25 cents for both. MPEG-4 is the standard codec used by most cable providers and DVD manufacturers. This will probably affect cell phones PDA's and set-top boxes as well. ZDnet said:
Proponents of MPEG-4 are decrying Microsoft's new licensing fees for rival technology, saying that the pricing poses unfair competition and threatens consumer choice. In a first-ever move for Microsoft, it set pricing this week for licensing of its audio and video compression technology, or codecs, for use on non-Windows operating systems. The company says it will charge 10 cents per decoder, 20 cents per encoder, and 25 cents for both. |
In comparison, MPEG LA--a consortium of companies holding patents attached to implementations of the MPEG-4 standard--charges 25 cents per encoder and decoder, or 50 cents for both--a fee structure finalized in November. MPEG-4 is an emerging standard for the delivery of digital media on PCs, DVDs and consumer electronics.
It's an interesting article, I recommend you read it here.
Source: ZDnet
