Apple negotiating for 24-bit downloads

Posted by: Frank Abela on 23 February 2011

Apologies if you feel this should be in the Music Room, but after some consideration I think it should be here. 

One of the biggest arguments for the streaming audio paradigm has been that one can take advantage of high resolution audio. However, those who aren't in favour or sit on the sidelines of the argument have been arguing that high res audio serves only niche markets and specialist labels like Linn, Naim and hdtracks.com. Mainstream music isn't supplied in these formats and there's no sign that it ever will be.

Well, there's a sign now, and from one of the biggest download suppliers in the business - Apple! I can't give a link because of the silly rules but just google "apple 24-bit download" and you'll see the rumours flying about, including appleinsider dot com who are fairly good at this sort of thing.

Is it finally time for digital music to come of age and give us the quality we've been waiting for since CD was launched?
Posted on: 23 February 2011 by Nathaniel
Exciting rumour: even if you're not an iTunes user, should Apple attempt to differentiate themselves by offering hires, it shouldn't (?) be too long before other providers attempt to follow. I hope it happens!
Posted on: 23 February 2011 by realhifi
Look down the forum a few posts.  I think you'll see that this is on a number of peoples tongues right now.
What is amazing is the quotes from so many exactly like yours, "Is it finally time for digital music to come of age and give us the quality we've been waiting for since CD was launched?".

To say that this is interesting news is an understatement.  It would be ironic to say the least if it was Apple that brought high resolution digital into the mainstream after the years of bashing that they have gotten from the audiophile community for the iPod.

PS. Not ONE of the biggest....THE biggest.  Look up the numbers, Apple is huge.  This from a story in mid 2010; "Market research firm NPD today released data showing Apple continuing to hold a commanding lead in both overall and digital download music sales in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2010. According to NPD's data, Apple continues to dominate digital download distribution in the U.S. with 70% of the market, up from 69% in the year-ago quarter and well ahead of second-place Amazon's 12% share.

In the overall U.S. music market (physical CDs and digital distribution), Apple gained four percentage points over the year-ago quarter to snatch 28% of the market. Amazon surged by three percentage points to tie Wal-Mart for second place at 12% of the total market.

Overall, digital downloads now represent 40% of U.S. music sales, up from 35% in the first quarter of 2009.

By those numbers, it is clear that although downloads are big, physical media still has an edge.
Posted on: 23 February 2011 by Frank Abela
Ah - I see another thread at the top of the forum on this same subject - Richard can you close this topic please?

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.