The two new formats propelling the digital revolution in music, MP3 (MOVING Picture

Coding Experts Group-1, Layer-3) and DVD (Digital Video Disc) are being taken up by America's Christian music industry.

Essential Records made CCM history in November '98 when American band Mukala released the Internet single "Regret" via MP3.com. Other Essential artists subsequently releasing MP3 files include Silage and All Star United. Major campaigns are now planned for the new Watershed Records artist Bebo Norman and the new Jars Of Clay album.

Because MP3, a computer file format for audio, can be downloaded from the Internet, posted on the web, sent via email or stored on a hard drive, it has quickly gained popularity amongst computer users.

The Christian media world is now testing the water for DVD. The Prince Of Egypt movie is being made available on DVD while Tooth & Nail Records will be releasing four previous video compilations on one CD offering 30 band videos. CR

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