Petition for High Definition Music Downloads.

Mike,

It seems that Kate Bush is on your side as can be seen from the associated blurb for the 24/96 download of 50 words for snow on her website http://www.katebush.com/home Just go to the second page on the shop, select downloads, and then click on the title.

Good link. I particularly liked the bit, about they record the masters (?) using analog before transferring to 24 Bit digital. Reminds me of the Living Stereo SACD's I have, where the original tapes were running at 30 ips.I Dont have a SACD player, but i would love to hear the 24 Bit files, as they are some one my favorite recordings.

in the 80s the release of cds were re issues today the majority of downloads are also re issues  = rip off

Signed... The more publicity about this, the better. Keep it up!

Heads up for anyone interested, I have emailed all the people who signed the petition, to change the title to "Stop the loudness wars and release High Definition Music Downloads” - As from the comments made, its obviously that the majority of people feel that the compression used is more of an issue.

Assuming no one replies with any objections, that is my intention

Mike, 

Happy with any changes that will hopefully give the petition more momentum.  As I have said before I really can't understand why people who stream music don't sign.  A common comment seems to be that the quality of downloads is not consistent and therefore not worth the risk, and therefore the cost. However surely one of the benefits of getting high res downloads higher up the agenda is that quality will improve and be at a consistent and high standard.  Now back to Bob Marley at 24/96.

UPDATE:

After listening to the peoples comments on various forums the petition title has been changed to:

“Stop the loudness wars and release High Definition Music Downloads”

Petition Link: http://www.change.org/petition...tion-music-downloads

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/463034807076103/

I had emailed all those who signed the petition for comment before doing so

.

Please note that while many would like to see a fundamental change within the industry so that no record is heavily compressed, this is not realistic as no doubt the record labels / retailers would argue that many people prefer the music “louder” (Even though we may fundamentally disagree).

Instead the petition focus would be for record labels and retailers to offer uncompressed downloads alongside the “mainstream offering” in the download market in both 16 Bit & 24 Bit format. It’s not realistic to expect an uncompressed CD to be brought to market alongside the “normal” version.

My personal opinion is that if a new product market is created the focus should be on 24 Bit downloads and advertised as “the best”, as even modestly priced equipment is able to playback 24 Bit files and it’s also important for the industry to move forward.

If you agree and haven’t already done so, please sign the petition and ask your friends to do so too.

If change is ever going to happen then we need people’s participation. Thanks

Well done Mike, that's the first 100: let's hope the next and the next are a bit quicker.  Judging by the locations of those providing comments it has got people interested in a number of countries so hopefully they can spread the word.

I have been asked by a few people what my objective is with the petition and what I’m I going to do with it, for clarification my broad intentions are below. Bear in mind, it’s still very early days, which is why I intent to use the facebook group as a place to take on board peoples suggestions and advice.

Objective: To raise the issue of compression and availability of high quality downloads with major record labels and online retailers

When: Once I / others (facebook group) believe that the petition has reached its peak, or has reached a number that I believe would warrant notice, ideally between 2000 – 3000 people.

How: By letter to each of the major record labels and online retailers. The letter would bring to their attention the petition and ask them to take into consideration our views and ask them for comments (future plans etc).

I plan on using the facebook group to communicate draft versions of any final letter, to accompany the petition letter for people to comment on and who to write to. I will them email all those who signed the petition before it gets sent for comment.

P.S - Now over 200 signatures!

Great cause and have just added my name to the list.

It is a shame that the major labels have still to get their act together on this one. Last album purchased was obtained directly from artist's own label in 24/88.2 FLAC & only cost £12 (a mere £2 more than the CD). And I only had to wait an hour or so to play the music.

The sooner the major labels realise they are missing a trick here, the better. Obviously the copyright issue is the next hurdle. But CD is now no less secure in some respects, so the issue has been around for 30 years now.

Let's hope they sit up and take notice.

Tony

15 hours ago when the petition reached 100 I expressed the hope that the next and the next would be a bit quicker in coming.  Well it has now reached 300.  I have enjoyed reading the comments that people have added.  My favourite (from Canada) is 'Being able to hear is gift, why should we limit that gift': that certainly resonates with some of the other topics that have been discussed on the Forum.  For a strap line we have (from Texas) 'Set the bits free'.

This link has helped loads!

http://www.stereophile.com/con...etition-better-sound

It certainly has as 676 people have signed so far.  I still find it baffling that this topic seems to be getting so little support here, especially with the number of people who are now streaming music and have the ability to download high res music but have so few opportunities.

One more, I think the change to include loudness and mastering quality Is a good idea as high res files of some masterings is like digital zoom on a camera.

Let's hope someone will listen but fair play to you for trying something and not just moaning about it. 

SJB

I have had a few people tell me I am wasting my time, its all been done before. The sound of sound editor, threw a load of technical details as to why my petition is "ill conceived".

Do you know what I think, they are wrong! Who else has done a petition to show actual numbers that want change? If loads sign, surely they cant carry on ignoring us. I wont go on, about how I think they are missing a market opportunity and can they really afford to do that. 

I believe that change can happen, people just need to stop sitting on their hands. It looks as if the numbers signing the petition are slowing down after the initial boast from the stereophile link, but numbers are still growing, see what happens over the weekend.

I'm sure it would go further if I had more support from the media, as they have the audience but they are very reluctant, whether this is a reflection on it being an amature petition, or because they are afraid (pockets being lined, powers from above? - who knows)

The original plan was to go "grass roots" anyway, start with forums, then email retailers (do a poster) and manufactures, to spread the word. I'll do that and hope it will get somewhere.

Keep it up! Best of luck

I have read, and tried to understand, the comments made but in all honesty they are all above my head.  However if I paraphrase him correctly then people are wasting their time and money producing, selling and buying 24BIT recordings and the equipment that reproduces it.  I think that I prefer the comments made by Eric Whitacre in the video embedded in this link:

http://www.bowers-wilkins.co.u...cre-water-night.html 

All - The petition letter has now been revised. Let me know what you think, ideally through the facebook group. Please try not to burn me at the stake if there are grammar errors! Thanks

http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-the-loudness-wars-and-release-high-definition-music-downloads

Mike there appears to be a problem with the link.  No idea why as it is correct.  My first few attempts to open it produced error messages and more recent attempts have taken me back to your first post.  I have pasted the link as per your update on 20 November to see if that works.

Petition Link: http://www.change.org/petition...tion-music-downloads 

Mike,

You’re in danger of getting swayed by the techies… “24 bit offers no benefit over 16 bit DONE CORRECTLY”… their argument is persuasive, but ignores what we actually hear with our own two ears.  And of course just how often is 16 bit DONE CORRECTLY… never?

Stay with your original objective to get 24bit music published more widely by the record industry and don’t dilute it.  As I originally said…  Naim (or Rome) was not built in a day.   There’s more of the listening public out there that do care than anyone seems to give credit for… allow time for them to become aware; Facebook being a great vehicle for this.

And remember, there’s two sides to the record industry – those behind the mixing consoles and those behind the marketing department doors (I used to work there).

So don’t drop the words.

Roger

After reading the feedback, I'm leaving the wording as it is. The split I would say is 70 / 30 ish, and even those who support changing it, are only saying so to get more people on board, not because they agree with the comments!

Need to find a way to keep the momentum moving forward. Got a 1000+ signatures now though

Good luck with this!  The boundaries of music reproduction should be moved upwards!  If this didn't happen we'd all still be listening to 78s!  Maybe when/if Apple introduces higher res downloads, people will begin to realise what they're missing.  Alternatively, go to a live concert and see what live music really sounds like!

Mike,

Have added my name to the list.  Good luck - I hope we all get what we want!

Quote: "You might just get what you need ".