Music Biz Pins Hopes on DualDisc
Is there a future for high-resolution audio? Will the music industry survive as a packaged-goods business? The answer to both of these questions is "Yes, probably . . ." if the DualDisc follows test market indications and become next year's must-have entertainment format.
Music Business News
BMG and SunnCommhttp://www.sunncomm.com">SunnComm; Technologies revealed last week that they have entered into a "strategic worldwide" licensing agreement and revenue deal to add restriction technology to CDs in an effort to reduce piracy and the unauthorized duplication of music. The companies report that the agreement will enable the use of SunnComm's newest proprietary CD restriction system, known as MediaMax CD-3 Technology, on BMG discs.
Music Business Targeted by California Assemblyman
Do offensive lyrics in pop music contribute to violent behavior and teen suicide? Some lawmakers believe so, and think public investment in the entertainment business is immoral.
Music by the Numbers
Media conglomerates have long hedged their bets by consulting demographics experts and marketing gurus. Now, music executives have real science to bolster their sometimes unreliable instincts about what will succeed and what will fail. It's an audio analysis program called Hit Song Science (HSS).
Music Choice, Fantastic Corp. Sign Deal for Europe
More European music lovers will soon be able to enjoy the offerings of Music Choice, a leading provider of audio and data services. Zug, Switzerland-based The">http://www.fantastic.com/">The Fantastic Corporation announced an agreement October 28 with Music Choice that will expand the musical options for computer-equipped music fans in Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and other countries.
Music City Records to Issue "Copy-protected" CD
More than a year after BMG Germany had to recallhttp://www.stereophile.com/news/10671/">recall; a massive shipment of "copy-proof" CDs, an American record label is preparing to attempt a similar experiment. In April, Nashville independent label Music City Records will issue Charley Pride: A Tribute to Jim Reeves, copy protection included.
Music Critics Discuss Hi-Rez Audio
The first National Critics Conference in US history took place May 25–29 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Subtitled "Critical Unity in Critical Times," the gathering brought together US and Canadian members of organizations devoted to visual arts, dance, jazz, classical music, and theater criticism.
Music Direct Buys Mobile Fidelity
Out of action for more than a year, Mobile Fidelty should be returning soon. Online retailer Music">http://www.amusicdirect.com">Music Direct has purchased the remastering and re-release specialty company, according to an announcementhttp://pages.prodigy.net/amicus1/end_los.htm">announcement; made April 24.
Music Direct Purchases Mobile Fidelity
One of the most esteemed labels in the audiophile universe should soon be back in business. Online retailer Music">http://www.musicdirect.com">Music Direct has purchased remastering and re-release specialty company Mobile Fidelity, according to an http://pages.prodigy.net/amicus1/end_los.htm"> announcement made April 24.
Music Downloads and Apathy
Certain ideas (or memes in Internet jargon) seem to achieve instantaneous critical mass, at least if you judge them by how frequently certain web URLs are transmitted among friends. One article that appeared in our inbox many times this week linked us to research by music psychologist Adrian North of the University of Leicester, who led a team of researchers who monitored 346 people for two weeks, evaluating how they related">http://www.toptechnews.com/news/Research-Claims-MP3s-Create-Apathy/stor… to music.