Austrian-based startup Rebeat Innovation has received a $4.8 million investment into its patented “high definition vinyl” technology. Founder and CEO Günter Loibl told Pitchfork that the “first “HD vinyl” albums could hit stores as early as 2019.”
The company claims that their records will have higher audio fidelity, louder volume, and longer playing times than conventional LPs, and that their techniques will also avoid the chemicals that are typically used in traditional vinyl manufacturing. Plus––and this is the most important part––these new HD vinyl LPs will still play on both your dad’s beat up Technics or that Crosley you bought at Urban Outfitters.
According to Pitchfork, Rebeat Innovation has already ordered a laser system valued at $600,000, and hopes to be able to produce test stampers for five to-be-determined “early mover” pressing plants as early as the fall. The company will then debut their test stampers at the Making Vinyl Conference in Detroit in October, and plans to have the first HD vinyls in stores the following summer.
The company claims that their records will have higher audio fidelity, louder volume, and longer playing times than conventional LPs, and that their techniques will also avoid the chemicals that are typically used in traditional vinyl manufacturing. Plus––and this is the most important part––these new HD vinyl LPs will still play on both your dad’s beat up Technics or that Crosley you bought at Urban Outfitters.
According to Pitchfork, Rebeat Innovation has already ordered a laser system valued at $600,000, and hopes to be able to produce test stampers for five to-be-determined “early mover” pressing plants as early as the fall. The company will then debut their test stampers at the Making Vinyl Conference in Detroit in October, and plans to have the first HD vinyls in stores the following summer.
