News

9/7/2003

Super Audio CD Forum Aims to Further Extend Implementation of New Surround Sound Format

More than 70 Hardware Companies, Record Labels, Producers and Audio Engineers Combine to Promote Super Audio CD

A new audio industry initiative sees companies throughout Europe come together to exchange information and develop new initiatives aimed at extending the establishment of Super Audio CD. After a successful two-day conference in London, all 70 attendees agreed to establish the Super Audio Forum, since it provides a supportive environment for the exchange of knowledge and marketing information, as well as providing a platform for industry-wide collaboration. "Super Audio CD is revolutionising the audio industry. The Super Audio Forum provides an opportunity for all interested companies, organisations and individuals to share knowledge and experience," so said Paul Reynolds, organiser of the Super Audio Forum at the conclusion of the conference in London.

The Super Audio Forum saw more than 70 representatives from consumer and professional equipment manufacturers, record companies, recording studios, producers and engineers come together to discuss new ways of working to promote and establish Super Audio CD. Delegates included senior representatives from Universal Music, Sony Music Entertainment and many of the leading independent record companies. Major studio participation included London-based Metropolis, Strongroom and Galaxy Studios from Belgium. The opinions of professional equipment manufacturers were represented by companies such as Merging Technologies, Sadie and DCS.

Over the two days, the Super Audio Forum discussed ways in which the audio industry can support and foster the rapid expansion in Super Audio CD. The conference explored new directions in marketing and product positioning for Super Audio CD. It looked at fresh ways in which companies of all kinds - from production tool manufacturers to record producers and audio engineers - can work together to exploit the unique potential that Super Audio CD offers to the entire industry.

"Over the past two days we have witnessed tremendous enthusiasm in this exciting technology," commented Joe Bull, chief executive of UK based audio post-production specialist SADiE. "I believe that this event will provide a launch pad for further growth with many co-operative initiatives emerging from the conference."

New creative dimensions explored

Alongside the equipment manufacturers, the Forum also brought together many of the leading creative minds in Europe that are currently developing new surround sound production techniques based on Super Audio CD and its key enabling technology, Direct Stream Digital (DSD).

"There are more than 100 record labels and a large network of recording studios actively producing Super Audio CD's in Europe. We are pioneering new surround sound production techniques and through this sophisticated technology we can see ways to revitalise and re-excite the music industry," stated Everett Porter, General Manager of Dutch-based Polyhymnia International. "At this event we have been able to sit down with professional colleagues throughout Europe and share our knowledge and experience. This kind of co-operation will help promote Super Audio CD and builds on the dramatic growth we are witnessing."

The Super Audio Forum heard of the outstanding growth that Super Audio CD has experienced in the last 12 months. There are over 900 software titles available in Europe and disc replication capacity currently stands at 150,000 units per day. With respect to consumer equipment, the Forum reported that there are more than 65 player models available from 25 manufacturers with more product launches planned this summer. "Super Audio CD has enjoyed a period of rapid expansion and extension," concluded Paul Reynolds. "This conference has seen a broad base of support and heard about some really exciting initiatives. All the participants were enthusiastic about the Forum's creation. At the next forum I'm sure that we will see further substantial progress."