The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced that it intends to promote the adoption of High-Resolution Audio (HRA) technology.
For more information visit: www.CE.org
Unedited press release follows:
CEA Announces Expanded Support of High-Resolution Audio
Arlington, VA – 09/03/2013 – Today, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® joins consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers, retailers, music labels and artists in offering expanded support for and promotion of high-resolution audio (HRA). CEA is exploring initiatives to corral support among consumers and retailers, and plans to leverage opportunities to promote HRA at the 2014 International CES®.
Adoption of HRA offers benefits for consumers as well as new market opportunities for the CE and music industries. HRA offers the highest digital sound quality while retaining the benefits of digital audio, such as portability and personalization. HRA music files provide greater clarity and detail than MP3s and other compressed digital audio formats, resulting in a listening experience that more closely represents the original recording.
“The time is right for our organization to explore new avenues to help promote this exciting audio technology. Recent market trends and research indicates that consumers are poised to embrace high-resolution audio, creating tremendous new market opportunities,” said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. “We expect major HRA announcements over the next year and believe that the technology will have a strong presence at the 2014 International CES.”
Consumers have embraced higher quality video over the past decade as they transitioned to high-definition (HD) television, and now ultra HD, the next generation of HD television. HRA enables consumers to bring the same immersive, high-quality experience to their audio listening.
CEA research shows consumers are ready to embrace HRA, and that the appeal of high quality audio electronics extends beyond enthusiasts. CEA research finds four in ten (39 percent) consumers with a moderate interest in audio indicate they are willing to pay more for high quality audio electronics devices. Nine in ten consumers say sound quality is the most important component of a quality audio experience. Other factors identified include compelling content (85 percent) and superior audio electronics (72 percent) as vital to consumer enjoyment of audio (Notions of Quality: Audio Expectations of Consumers, July 2011). CEA research has also confirmed that audio buyers and potential buyers focus on quality as a critical purchase factor, second only to price (Discovering the Motivations and Opportunities Behind Home Audio Upgrades, November 2012).
“Sony has always been on the forefront of exciting CE developments and feels strongly that a new approach is required to delivering the benefits of high-resolution audio to a much broader audience,” said Phil Molyneux, president and COO of Sony Electronics. “An approach that makes the entire digital music process more compatible, convenient, cost-effective and compelling.”
Music labels are expanding their HRA catalogues online with tens of thousands of HRA albums already available for download across every music genre. Every major music label has expressed support for HRA, including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, in addition to leading independent labels. HRA digital music stores are already online, with more being added each day.
More than 50 CE manufacturers now offer a growing array of HRA-capable products, addressing a variety of music lifestyle needs. An increasing industry shift toward offering more HRA options will present expanded market opportunities for CE manufacturers, retailers and music labels. Consumers increasingly have the ability to play HRA files across a variety of devices with the convenience they have come to enjoy and expect in digital audio.
“High-resolution audio isn’t about technical specs or bit rates, it is about thrilling fans with an incredible listening experience that places them in the studio with the artists they love. As our industry continues to help bring about ways of making that quality conveniently available for fans, there will be an explosion in new creative and commercial possibilities for artists, labels, device manufacturers and digital services alike,” said Mike Jbara, president, Alternative Distribution Alliance Worldwide, Warner Music Group.
“Music, in the form of high-resolution audio files, now gives us a complete range of playback options, including the highest quality that has ever been publicly available. High-resolution music files are truly superior to the sound of a CD, and are becoming more widely available,” said William E. Low, CEO and designer, AudioQuest. “Thanks to new initiatives in support of HRA, consumers will be more and more aware of the pleasures and practicality of high-resolution audio: One file, nearly infinite applications – seductive, stimulating, relaxing music available as never before.”
“It is a very encouraging trend that more people are seeking better quality music, and high-resolution audio is certainly the answer. Now music lovers can enjoy their favorite tunes with much more detail and a deeper soundstage by listening to high-res music files,” said Henry Park, CEO, iriver Ltd.
About CEA
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $203 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media.