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TIDM-LPBP-TCHMP3PLAYER: Use of MP3 codec in product

Part Number: TIDM-LPBP-TCHMP3PLAYER

Hello,

We are working on a product that will record audio to mp3 files on an SD card. A system comprised of the ICs on the "Audio Capacitive Touch" board (TIDM-LPBP-TCHMP3PLAYER) combined with an MSP430 mcu would fit our requirements and, with all the schematics and documentation available, looks like an attractive solution.

However, from the documentation it is not clear to me if the codec is available for use in a commercial product. We don't need access to the code, a black box, like in the Audio Capacitive Touch board, would be sufficient. The documentation states the following:

9.51
What
Should
I Do If I Have
Lost,
Broken,
or Formatted
the SD Card
That
Shipped
with
the ACTBP
Kit?
A: Contact
TI for a replacement
device.
A: The SD card
contains
BOOTIMG.bin
(bootloader
image),
MP3
files,
and the MP3
CODEC.
Only
the
BOOTIMG.bin
file is downloadable
due to royalties.

Perhaps this is because of the Fraunhofer patent on MP3? Because that has expired, meaning no royalties have to be paid anymore.

Looking forward to your reply,

Best regards,

Jim