[x3d-public] [consortium] review question: adopting MIDI 2.0 in X3D4

[Andreas Plesch]

MIDI is supported pretty well in web browsers. In fact, after installing a
browser extension such as

https://github.com/jazz-soft/JZZ

x3dom and x_ite most likely play midi files from X3D scenes, unmodified. It
would be possible to add midi support directly to x3dom/x_ite but the
increase in complexity (cross-browser robustness)  and browser size though
limited may not be justified given the even more limited use of midi as a
sound file format.

I would expect MIDI 2.0 to also become supported by web browsers and
extensions.

My 2c, -Andreas

On Wed, Nov 25, 2020 at 6:39 PM Don Brutzman <brutzman at nps.edu> wrote:

> Summary: shall we upgrade X3D4 support for MIDI to now-available MIDI
> version 2.0?
>
> Dick and I have been reviewing X3D4 references and updating when
> appropriate.
>
> "MIDI is a technical standard that describes a communications protocol,
> digital interface, and electrical connectors that connect a wide variety of
> electronic musical instruments, computers, and related audio devices for
> playing, editing and recording music."
>
> * Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
>    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI
>
> Background soundtrack for this email:
>
> * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ented,_Nokturn_a-moll_-_Jesienny.ogg
>
> https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Ented%2C_Nokturn_a-moll_-_Jesienny.ogg
>
> The MIDI Association (originally MIDI Manufacturers Association) is a
> non-profit 501(c)6 with the goal to expand, promote, and protect MIDI
> technology for the benefit of artists and musicians around the world.
> There are two member classes, Individual and Corporate Memberships.
>
> * https://www.midi.org
> * https://www.midi.org/about
>
> They have been busy after all this time, and have approved MIDI 2.0 in
> 2020.
>
> * Introduction to MIDI 2.0 by MIDI Association
>    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klun6WMxryU&feature=emb_title
>
> * What Is MIDI 2.0? - How MIDI Version 2 Will Change Music Production
> Forever!
>    by Professional Music Technologies PMTVUK (Sam)
>    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TLxH_G-PcM
>
> Upon first scrutiny MIDI 2.0 technology appears unencumbered for free
> use.  No problems found.  I also subscribed as a member (free) without
> mishap.
>
> * MMA IP Policy
>    https://www.midi.org/mma-ip-policy
>
> * MIDI Terms of Use
>    https://www.midi.org/terms-of-use
>
> * Official MIDI Specifications
>    https://www.midi.org/specifications
>
> Of note, "MIDI 2.0 is an extension of MIDI 1.0. It does not replace MIDI
> 1.0 but builds on the core principles, architecture, and semantics of MIDI
> 1.0."  Further descriptions explain how over 30 years of stability has made
> seamless backwards compatibility paramount.
>
> X3D3 and X3D4 normatively reference the MIDI 1.0 specification, and MIDI
> 1.0 support is recommended.
>
> * X3D Architecture, Clause 2, Normative references
>
> https://www.web3d.org/specifications/X3Dv4Draft/ISO-IEC19775-1v4-WD3/Part01/references.html#[MIDI]
>
> ==================================================================
> * X3D Architecture, Sound component, 16.2.6 Audio encoding formats
>
> https://www.web3d.org/specifications/X3Dv4Draft/ISO-IEC19775-1v4-WD3/Part01/components/sound.html
>
> Browsers shall support at least the wavefile format in uncompressed PCM
> format (see [WAV]).
>
> It is recommended that browsers support the MIDI file type 1 sound format
> (see 2.[MIDI]). MIDI files are presumed to use the General MIDI patch set.
>
> It is also recommended that browsers support the following formats:
>
> - Format=MP3, container=MP3, compressed (see 2.[I11172-1]).
> - Format=AAC, container=MP4
> ==================================================================
>
> Please advise regarding support, further analysis, or if there are any
> known reasons to not upgrade X3D4 support for MIDI to now-available MIDI
> version 2.0.
>
> Our sound team (Efi Thanos Dick Don) will look closely at this candidate
> capability next week.  Absent objections, I'd expect us to add it to the
> final member-voting Committee Draft before the imminent ballot freeze.
>
> Thanks for considering the possibilities.  Have fun with MIDI!
>
> and Happy Thanksgiving as well, we all have much to be thankful for.
>
> * https://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/music
>
> and (earworm alert) knowing how everyone loves a good polka:
>
> * https://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/music/thanksgiving-polka.mid
>
> all the best, Don
> --
> Don Brutzman  Naval Postgraduate School, Code USW/Br
> brutzman at nps.edu
> Watkins 270,  MOVES Institute, Monterey CA 93943-5000 USA   +1.831.656.2149
> X3D graphics, virtual worlds, navy robotics
> http://faculty.nps.edu/brutzman
>
> _______________________________________________
> consortium mailing list
> consortium at web3d.org
> http://web3d.org/mailman/listinfo/consortium_web3d.org
>


-- 
Andreas Plesch
Waltham, MA 02453
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