Blu-spec CD: Sony's new CD boasts high quality, is based upon Blu-ray technology

Serkan Toto

Dr. Serkan Toto is an independent consultant and advisor focusing on Japan’s web, mobile and social gaming industries. Based in Tokyo, he works together with financial institutions and startups worldwide. Serkan has been the Japan contributor for TechCrunch.com since 2008. He is sept-lingual, holds an MBA and is a PhD in economics. → Learn More

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

Sony Music Entertainment Japan has used Blu-ray technology to develop an audio CD with higher sound quality, the Blu-spec CD [JP, PDF] .

Sony says the Blu-spec CD (what a name) complies with the standard for conventional CDs, so nobody interested in the new technology has to buy special players. The company claims it uses a new kind of machines to produce the discs. Supposedly, master CDs of a higher quality can be manufactured and then copied.

The first Blu-spec CDs will be available in Japan on December 24. Sony plans to initially release 60 titles of classical music, jazz and other genres (including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, an Aerosmith album and Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue). CDs in the new format will cost $25 apiece.

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