AUDIO-WATERMARKING
The BFA Calls for Independent Listening Tests

The British Federation of Audio
PO Box 365
Farnham
GU10 2BD
Phone: + 44 (0) 1428 714616
Fax: + 44 (0) 1428 717599

e-mail:
chrisc@british-audio.org.uk

The British Federation of Audio has learned that it is highly likely that most major record companies will adopt an audio-watermarking scheme for DVD-A from a company called Verance. It seems that the Verance Audio Watermarking system has been selected as the world-wide industry standard for digital delivery of music under Phase 1 of the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI).

Whilst the BFA respects the rights of all copyright owners to protect their property it is concerned that, if universally adopted, this scheme will not be totally inaudible.

It is logical to assume that if the system is robust enough to withstand the data compression of MP3, for example, it would be audible when played on systems that should be state-of-the-art such as DVD-A or SACD. It is also logical to assume that should an audio-watermarking scheme be established for DVD-A it would soon follow on to CD. In view of this, the BFA calls for some structured listening tests in the UK using a group of well-accepted and knowledgeable listeners chosen from hi-fi manufactures and the hi-fi Press. The BFA remembers COPYCODE and seeks to be as positive as possible to new copyright protection technology - but not if it compromises the concept of true high-fidelity

VERANCE website: www.verance.com

SDMI website: www.sdmi.org