News

Variety Of Hi-Res Digital Retailers Agree To Use New Logo

WASHINGTON – The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), in cooperation with DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group and The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing, today announced significant progress in the adoption of high resolution music branding materials  A number of hi-res music retailers – including Acoustic Sounds Super HiRez, Blue Coast Music, HDtracks, IsoMike Recordings, ClassicsOnline HD*LL (operated by the Naxos Group of Companies), PonoMusic, and ProStudioMasters – have agreed to adopt the Hi-Res MUSIC logo licensing agreement and have begun integrating the logo into their websites and branding materials.

“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, Chief Technology Officer, RIAA. “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. We thank those that have adopted the Hi-Res MUSIC logo, and encourage others in this space to follow suit, in order to help consumers enjoy the highest-quality digital recordings possible.”

The Hi-Res MUSIC logo, announced in June and developed by 2B Communications at the request of Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, was designed to help music fans identify those high resolution recordings that are available from digital music retailers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe for commercial downloads or streaming. High Resolution 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.”

The definition ensures consumers receive music delivered in a digital format that retains the highest sound quality available during the creative or transferring process. 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.

In addition to its use by digital music retailers, both major and independent record labels are able to feature the logo on advertising and promotional materials.

“The logo is a critical step in clarifying what qualifies as ‘Hi-Res Audio’,” said Marc Sheforgen, Chief Operating Officer, 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.”

“We at HDtracks are proud to be working with the RIAA, as well as all of the major labels, UMG, WMG, and SME, and the participating indies to promote true hi res quality music,” said Norman and David Chesky, Founders, HDtracks.

“In increasing numbers, consumers are enjoying better than CD quality audio and finding that the listening experience is tremendous,” said Jeff Van Driel, CEO, Naxos of America.  “Studio quality listening is now available to average consumers on services such as ours and can be enjoyed without massive expenditure on recordings or equipment.  For years, music fans have starved their ears with sub-standard MP3 and compressed downloads and streams.  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.”

The Hi-Res MUSIC logo is available to digital retailers and record labels. Interested parties should contact Cara Duckworth Weiblinger at cduckworth@riaa.com or Marc Finer at Finer@degonline.org.