Harman announced it will offer one of the first hi-res (high resolution) audio streaming devices for the car.
The system permits hi-res audio files to stream to the car from the home over WiFi. It can achieve 96kHz/24 bit quality audio, which is roughly the equivalent to what you hear in the recording studio.
The system is called the HD Audio EcoSystem and it is being demonstrated by Harman during CES at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Harman said it sees strong potential for hi-res audio in the car. Phil Eyler, SVP and GM Global Automotive Audio said as more hi-res audio music is available, “it is very important that Harman being the leader in high end car sound, be ready for the material. We’re in a lot of discussions with OEM partners with the ability to integrate this into the vehicle. This, along with increasing demand for high quality audio by the consumer, is leading us to be very aggressive on this technology.”
The Consumer Electronics Association defines hi-res audio as “lossless audio that is capable of reproducing the full range of sound from recordings that have been mastered from better than CD quality music sources.”
Hi-res audio such as FLAC files provide demonstrably better sound. Hi-res files may be downloaded from web sites such as HDtracks.com.
Where CD tracks are recorded at 16 bit/44.1 kHz, Hi-res recordings capture more information from the original audio signal and at a faster speed, (at 24 bit/48 or 24 bit/96kHz).
See also
Sony Show First In-Dash Hi-Res Audio With Extended Range
Audison First With Standalone Hi-Res Audio for Car
Source: Harman
