The IASIG Web Audio working group operates from a position of enlightened self-interest. We all genuinely wish to see the web grow and thrive (and along with it, the tools that we use on a daily basis). It is our sincere wish that this document will find its way into the hands of like-minded individuals. Whether you are a composer, sound designer, software developer or hardware manufacturer, this document has been produced for you in the grand spirit of the IASIG: We wish to unite composers and designers with manufacturers in direct dialog for the sole purpose of helping to produce better tools for the creation of interactive audio on the web. This group began its work in the summer of 2001—a very volatile time for web audio delivery systems. Today the landscape is as confusing as ever. During the writing of this document formats have come and gone. Some formats have never even been given the chance to arrive. The audio side of the web is in a constant state of flux. We hope that this document can be used to aid the composer/sound designer in the field to make a bit of sense out of all this rapid movement. Ideally, it will also give manufacturers some useful ideas for future product enhancements. Each of the current leading web audio technologies is covered in its own section (in no particular order), providing pros and cons, as well as an overview of the features and capabilities. The text is heavy on technology, filled with no-nonsense facts, written from “one designer to another”, with a hands-on point of view. The technologies were chosen based on group discussion. We tried to address the major players on the web right now, as well as including a long list of new and emerging technologies. Multiple people worked on each section, to make sure that nothing said was just “one person’s opinion”, and as much as possible we have checked our facts (and opinions) with the companies that produced these products, as well as with other experts. A lot of work went into producing this document. I’d like to personally give a big round of applause to the folks that volunteered their time and effort to the cause of interactive audio. (Dramatic music plays here to fade….).

– Steve Horowitz Composer/Sound designer WAWG Chairman
Web Audio Working Group

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