Audio Video News

A number of hi-res music retailers have agreed to adopt the Hi-Res Music logo shown here and integrate it into their websites and branding materials, according to an announcement from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), made in cooperation with The Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) and The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing.

Participating retailers so far include Acoustic Sounds Super HiRez, Blue Coast Music, HDtracks, IsoMike Recordings, ClassicsOnline HD*LL (operated by the Naxos Group of Companies), PonoMusic, and ProStudioMasters.

The logo, announced in June along with guidelines that define Hi-Res audio, was developed at the request of Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group as a means to help music fans more easily identify high resolution recordings available for commercial downloads or streaming.

The Hi-Res Music logo must be accompanied by the name and resolution of the digital format, in order to provide consumers with as much information about the recording as possible. Hi-Res Music is officially defined as “lossless audio capable of reproducing the full spectrum of sound from recordings which have been mastered from better than CD quality (48kHz/20-bit or higher) music sources that represent what the artists, producers and engineers originally intended.”

“We are gratified that the Hi-Res Music logo will be used as the standard branding measure of optimal quality music by digital retailers,” said David Hughes, the RIAA”s chief technology officer. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that music enthusiasts can more easily identify their highest quality preferences, and this is a key step in that process.”

“The logo is a critical step in clarifying what qualifies as ‘Hi-Res Audio’,” said Marc Sheforgen, chief operating officer of Acoustic Sounds Super HiRez. “The proof is in the sound, of course, but having a visual signpost to alert someone to the opportunity for this enhanced experience should simplify consumer decision-making. There's now a means of visually shopping the highest-end digital format.”

“For years, music fans have starved their ears with sub-standard MP3 and compressed downloads and streams,” said Jeff Van Driel CEO of Naxos of America. “The rewarding experience of listening to high resolution music is one that must be made by those who want to truly hear what the artists intended us to hear.”