Software And Hardware Companies Join Forces To Create DVD-Audio Marketing Council

10-Jun-03

Warner Music Group, Silverline Records, BMG, EMI Recorded Music, 5.1 Entertainment Group, Meridian Audio, Dolby Laboratories, and Panasonic (MEI) announced the formation of the DVD-Audio Marketing Council. The DVD-Audio Marketing Council will serve as a complete resource for all technical, press, and marketing information related to the DVD-Audio format in the United States and Europe. The council will also function to educate hardware and software retailers to the benefits and features of DVD-Audio, while simultaneously promoting consumer awareness of this new format.The DVD-Audio format is poised to become the next dominant packaged music format and the future successor to compact disc. Exponential sales of DVD products, sustained consumer interest in all aspects of the DVD format including on-screen bonus features, and rapidly increasing awareness of the benefits of surround sound and multichannel music are driving interest in this value-added, feature-laden format. DVD-Audio provides one of the most significant audio enhancements to packaged music delivery since the arrival of the compact disc. Music lovers are offered a host of new value-added benefits including Advanced ResolutionÆ 5.1 multichannel surround sound and stereo mixes on the same disc. DVD-Audio discs may include additional features such as music video and concert footage, artist interviews, on-screen displays of lyrics, liner notes, menus, and photo galleries, as well as Web-enabled capabilities. Full Compatibility With DVD-Video ProductsDVD-Audio software titles provide complete playback compatibility with the more than 75 million DVD-Video players and compatible game consoles such as XboxÆ and PlayStationÆ 2 sold to date in the United States.Unsurpassed Quality And PerformanceIn addition to high-resolution 192 kHz/24-bit stereo capability, DVD-Audio offers 96 kKz/24-bit multichannel audio performance--providing the consumer with a level of playback quality that is superior to compact disc and sonically transparent to the original studio master tapes. Importantly, DVD-Audio also addresses content security issues, a matter of concern today with artists and record companies alike.  Strong Growth PredictedThe majority of major music companies have announced their support for DVD-Audio. Currently there are over 500 DVD-Audio titles in the marketplace with a steady stream of titles expected for the remainder of this year. DVD-Audio playback is now available in tabletop and portable DVD players as well as PC-based and mobile (automotive) aftermarket products. Nearly 50 DVD-Audio capable players are presently available from more than 25 hardware manufacturers. In addition, car manufacturers such as Toyota and Acura have committed to factory-installed multichannel DVD-Audio systems.