High definition vinyl might officially become a thing thanks to this new Austrian startupVinyl

High definition vinyl might officially become a thing thanks to this new Austrian startup

Music snobs around the world may soon welcome another auditory deity into their aural pantheon: high definition vinyl.

After receiving a new investment of $4.8 million, Austrian startup Rebeat Innovation says it could have the very first high definition vinyl LPs in stores by summer 2019.

The making of Rebeat Innovation’s vinyl involves “3D-based topographical mapping combined with laser inscription technology” to burn the music directly to the stamper. The company has said this results in noticeably higher audio fidelity, louder volume, and longer playing times than conventional LPs. What’s more, record snobs around the world won’t need to change a thing about their in-home setup, as the records will be completely backwards compatible

For now, Rebeat has hopes to acquire a large laser system this July and have test stampers sent to a few “early mover” pressing plants by the end of the summer. Rebeat’s funder and CEO Günter Loibl said they plan to make an official appearance at the Making Vinyl conference in Detroit.

“Our goal is to officially present our test stampers at the Making Vinyl conference in October,” he said. “It will take another eight months to do all the fine adjustments. So by summer 2019 we shall see the first HD vinyls in the stores.”

H/T: Pitchfork

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