The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announces an increased focus on next-generation high-resolution audio (HRA) technology in response to growing market demand. To address the topic, CEA has planned a new TechZone, the Hi-Res Audio Experience, and several conferences at the upcoming 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Produced by CEA, the Hi-Res Audio Experience will showcase the latest high-resolution audio content coming to market and the latest technologies that will give consumers the highest quality listening experience. The 2014 International CES, will showcase the latest high-resolution audio content coming to market and the latest technologies that will give consumers the highest quality listening experience. The show will take place January 7-10, 2014, in Las Vegas, NV.
“Market trends indicate that consumers are poised to embrace high-resolution audio, creating tremendous new opportunities for CE manufacturers and the music industry,” says Karen Chupka, senior vice president, International CES and corporate business strategy, CEA. “With recent HRA announcements from a number of music labels, digital retailers and CE companies, we’ve created this new TechZone to help drive category growth and give our attendees the opportunity to explore the game-changing quality of high-resolution audio. Visitors also will meet leading creatives from across the industry.”
Located in The Venetian’s Bellini Ballroom, the Hi-Res Audio Experience is anchored by HD Tracks, a high-resolution digital download pioneer and industry leader .The TechZone also features companies including Acoustic Sounds’ Super HiRez Store, Blue Coast Music, Mytek Digital, and Native DSD.
A variety of high-resolution audio products also will be demonstrated or on display and several manufacturers will have products on display in their rooms in the Venetian Tower and at their booths across the CES show floor.
“For the past 25 years, my brother and I have dedicated our lives and our company to pushing the envelope in sound quality and we apply this same passion to music downloads,” said David Chesky, co-founder and CEO of HD Tracks. “Now we are pleased to join with a number of other artists, music stores, and electronic companies at CES to take high-fidelity music reproduction to a new level that was never before even imaginable.”
In addition to cutting edge exhibits, the Hi-Res Audio Experience will feature its own conference track at the 2014 International CES:
- Welcome to the Hi-Res Music World, 1:00–2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2014: Top executives from major and independent labels, along with their digital retail partners, will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with licensing and distributing high-resolution music.
- Meet the Hi-Res Music Creators, 3:00–4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2014: Explore several topics including the key advantages to working in high-resolution formats, the availability of recording tools, and the importance of metadata to enhance the overall listening experience.
- Hi-Res Audio for Every Lifestyle, 1:00–2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2014: Examine the variety of high-resolution devices that are available today and the challenges related to marketing and promoting them.
CEA research shows consumers are ready to embrace high-resolution audio. The research indicates the appeal of high-quality audio electronics extends beyond enthusiasts and that the appeal of high-resolution audio extends far beyond higher quality audio devices. CEA found 4:10 (39%) of consumers with a moderate interest in audio indicate they are willing to pay more for high-quality audio electronics devices and that nearly 6:10 (60%) of consumers with a moderate interest in audio are willing to pay more for higher-quality digital music. Nine in 10 consumers say sound quality is the most important component of a quality audio experience.
Companies interested in exhibiting in the new Hi-Res Audio Experience should contact Kristen Nafziger at knafziger@ce.org or 703-907-7648. For more information, visit CESweb.org.
