How does the AAC program differ from the original MPEG-2 AAC and MPEG-4 Audio programs?
AAC, both in its original MPEG-2 form and then within the MPEG-4 standardization activity has evolved significantly. In the past, licensees that practice MPEG-2 AAC, MPEG-4 AAC, and MPEG-4 HE AAC and have had to execute multiple agreements. Although these closely related and backwards compatible, technologies are truly a product family, the previous licensing regime had become complex and fragmented. The AAC program removes barriers for companies practicing multiple “flavors” of AAC and allows them to consolidate the sales volume of multiple types of AAC products, including HE AAC v2. In addition, the newly composed AAC program simplifies the reporting of and accounting for licensed products.
