February 2002–December 2006
The illegal sharing of digital music content across users at universities has generated headlines and lawsuits. However, the availability of legal access to university music libraries can enhance the quality of life and learning for students. The LAMP project explored the idea that the licensing rules governing analog transmission are very different than for digital, and thus, using the MIT cable network, music on demand can be provided much more cheaply than over the MIT digital network.
Using a large, legally acquired library of both classical and contemporary music, LAMP allowed students to play music on demand over the analog MIT Cable network, controlling track selection via a browser. Easy access was provided through 16 TV channels of music across the MIT Cable network. This project showcased how a single university music collection could be shared and enjoyed both efficiently and legally.
Student Participants: Keith Winstein, Josh Mandel