7digital launching 'high-resolution' music streaming service

Digital music solutions provider 7digital confirmed it would power a forthcoming high-resolution streaming service from the founders of HDtracks, it said on Monday.

The AIM-traded company said the HDmusicStream service would use ‘MQA’ technology to deliver studio quality music, while 7digital would handle app development, host the music catalogue on its platform and deliver tracks to consumers.

Recent announcements by Sony Music Group and Merlin confirmed that MQA had secured major and independent label support for its technology.

Along with Warner Music Group and Universal, who previously revealed partnerships with MQA, those labels would make their music catalogues and new releases available in the hi-res MQA format.

The HDmusicStream service was expected to launch in the second half of 2017.

“We are excited today to be able to confirm our relationship with HDtracks,” said deputy CEO Pete Downton.

“The Grammy Award-winning label Chesky Records - from HDtracks founders David and Norman Chesky - has, for many years, set the highest standards in high resolution audio.

“Their pursuit of excellence will soon be available to audiophile music fans in a streaming service for the first time.”