New audio format, so they say?

No new format, just plain PCM in 96/24 or 192/24 resolution.

would have been better if they would just make the tracks downloadable instead of creating another carrier medium which requires yet again another type of player.

just marketing swindle.

cheers

Aleg

Exactly, why such hyperbole though, as these need ripping it does appear pointless unless they supply the ripping software on the disc for free, thats better marketing in my book than this approach.