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A group of record labels announced on Tuesday plans to introduce a new disc format later this year that combines CD and DVD technology.
The consortium, which includes major labels EMI Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, said the DualDisc product has a full album on a CD side of the disc and the album in enhanced sound–such as DVD-Audio–on the other side. The DVD side also includes a range of features, such as music videos, interviews, photo galleries, Web links, concert footage and lyrics, the DualDisc Consortium said.
DualDiscs are compatible with nearly any device that can currently play a CD or a DVD, and will be available beginning in October, the consortium said.
The announcement comes as traditional music sales are under pressure from online file swapping and legal downloads from the Internet.
Advanced audio disc technology–including the DVD-Audio format–has been around for some time but has not taken off in the market.
DualDisc received an impressive response from consumers in test markets conducted earlier this year, according to the consortium.
“By combining video, surround sound and Web connectivity in a single disc, we are presenting our artists with a broader palette to express their creative vision, while at the same time giving consumers what they told us they want–greater value driven by unique content that brings them closer to the artist,” said a statement from Andrew Lack, CEO of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. “We’re confident that this groundbreaking new initiative will help to re-energize traditional music retail.”
