As a general policy MMA does not pre-announce nor publicly discuss projects under consideration by our members. This helps to prevent market confusion, especially since often proposals for new or redefined MIDI messages do not achieve consensus within the membership. However, for manufacturers and developers considering joining MMA, the following information provides an overview of the topics currently being discussed.

MIDI Visual Control

MMA and AMEI members recently collaborated to create a Recommended Practice for the use of MIDI to control visual presentations, such as might accompany a music performance.

High Definition Protocol

The concept of a High-Definition protocol comparable to MIDI is now being discussed. This would provide greater resolution in data values, increase the number of Channels, and allow for the creation of entirely new kinds of messages that will encourage future innovation. (Working Group: HDWG)

MIDI over Ethernet AVBTP

The IEEE is developing a specification for low-latency audio/visual data transport over Ethernet, and the MMA has reserved a packet type for MIDI 1.0 and HD protocols. For a brief explanation, click here. (Working Group: TLWG & HDWG)

MMA Working Groups are collections of participants with an interest in a market area or other topic. In addition to the HD Protocol Working Group, the following groups were formed in the past to create proposals addressing specific issues, and the groups continue to exist today to address new issues if and when they arise.

High-Definition Protocol (HDWG)

The HDWG is responsible for setting the requirements and direction for extending MIDI to provide more data resolution, a larger address space (e.g. more Channels and Controllers) and additional functionality.

Transport Layer (TLWG)

The TLWG makes recommendations and produces specifications for alternate transports for MIDI protocol (other than the transport defined in the current MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification). TLWG objectives are to insure continued high-quality performance, maximum interoperability, and consumer satisfaction with MIDI. The group is collaborating with the HDWG on IEEE-AVB at this time.

XMF (XMFWG)

The MMA's Extensible Music File (XMF) format encapsulates Standard MIDI Files with DLS and other content for synchronized playback and file interchange. The XMFWG supervised work on the XMF formats developed in MWG, and is currently supervising the iXMF project in IASIG.

Downloadable Sounds (DLSWG) [CLOSED]

This group assisted MPEG in harmonizing the industry standard DLS format with the Sound Fonts format (E-mu Systems/Creative Labs) for MPEG-4, and produced updates to DLS 2.1 to align it with MWG's Mobile DLS Specification. The group does not have any projects at this time.

Mobile (MWG) [CLOSED]

The MMA's Mobile Working Group created the SP-MIDI Specification and the 5-to-24 Note Profile for 3GPP which has been adopted for 3rd generation mobile phones, and completed Mobile DLS/XMF for mobile phones. Other projects include ID3 Tags and Audio Clips for Mobile XMF. The group does not have any projects at this time.

XML (XMLWG) [CLOSED]

This group works on enhancements and documentation for the MMA's XML Specification of MIDI events, names, and device features. The group produced the MIDI-XML DTDs and is expected to complete the written Specifications.

The Interactive Audio Special Interest Group (IASIG) brings together audio engineers, composers, programmers and product designers from the computing, entertainment and music industries to improve the quality of platforms and tools for interactive multimedia applications. Membership in the MMA is not required to participate in the IASIG.

The IASIG is currently working on Interactive XMF (iXMF), a Specification that allows audio assets and playback instructions to be stored in an iXMF file for exchange between compatible playback engines. More information can be found at www.iasig.org.