February, 2008
Sony plans to implement support in upcoming PlayStation audio tools
The Interactive Audio Special Interest Group (IASIG) has released a public
preview draft of the Interactive XMF File Format Specification (iXMF),
which will allow game developers to more easily create cross-platform titles
and make it easier for audio professionals to develop interactive content.
"We're supporting iXMF in our new audio tools so sound designers can
take advantage of the incredible audio processing power of the PS3," said
Michael Kelly of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
The iXMF specification is the first open, non-proprietary file format available
for interactive audio content. The specification represents over five years of work
by dozens of respected composers and designers of interactive systems and content.
The draft document with reviewer's instructions can be downloaded at
quot; http://www.iasig.org/pubs/ixmf_draft-v091a.pdf".
About iXMF
iXMF (the Interactive Extensible Music Format specification) combines audio and
MIDI data with scripting that describes intelligent or adaptive playback behaviors.
Previously, audio development for interactive entertainment platforms has been
dependent on proprietary tools and middleware that require specialized knowledge
that is not transferable among the different platforms. iXMF supports all of the
functions of a typical interactive audio system and represents those functions in
a standard manner that enables the exchange of data between other tools and platforms.
With a standard file format, the tools used to produce audio for film, TV, and video
could also be used for game audio production. Because audio professionals will be
able to use familiar tools, iXMF could revolutionize game audio development.
About the Public Review
The IASIG invites all qualified and interested participants in the
interactive audio industry to obtain the draft
Interactive XMF File Format Specification (PDF), review it carefully, and submit
comments to the iXMF Working Group for consideration. The Working Group is
interested in receiving technical input of all kinds, from opinions on overall
architecture, to implementation concerns, to small details of behavior or data
structures. Comments will be collected for 90 days, and then version 1.0 of the
iXMF Specification will be released as an open and royalty free standard in the Fall
of 2008.
About the IASIG
The Interactive Audio Special Interest Group (IASIG, www.iasig.org)
formed in 1996 as a project of the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA, www.midi.org).
Its mission is to improve the performance of interactive applications by influencing
hardware, software, and tool design through consensus-building and technology specifications.
IASIG members are a diverse group of companies and individuals representing composers, sound
designers, audio programmers, educators, and audio hardware/software makers in the interactive
entertainment markets (Internet, mobile, computer and console games). A&G, Creative Labs,
Faith West, The Fat Man, France Telecom, Microsoft, and RippleEffect all have multiple participants
and are sponsors of the organization, with the remaining 60 individual members representing
composers, sound designers, educators, independent developers, and staff at other hardware/software
companies. Anyone with a commercial interest in audio for interactive entertainment is encouraged
to become a member of the IASIG.
About the MMA
The MIDI Manufacturers Association is the internationally-recognized non-profit organization
that develops the MIDI standards for musical instruments, computers, video games, cell phones,
karaoke, themed events and live shows. MMA members collaborate to develop consensus-driven specifications
that enable new uses of MIDI technology in a standard way to encourage broad usage and interoperability.
MIDI technology is in $2 Billion worth of musical instruments sold in the US each year, as well as every
copy of the Windows and Mac OS and most cell phones. Members of the MMA include Apple, Creative Labs,
Gibson Guitars, M-Audio, Microsoft, Nokia, Roland, Texas Instruments and Yamaha.
Media Contact
www.iasig.org/contact.shtml
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