Hi-Res Downloads from Chesky Records

Following a three-year development period, Chesky Records has launched HDtracks – a hi-res download service. The new improvements include the lack of DRM on the audio files and downloads that come from CDs can be bought as full-resolution lossless FLAC files and also as 320kbps MP3 files – considering that Amazon’s top resolution is 256kbps. This means that they will no longer play exclusively on iPods but on any portable digital player.

Though PCs are the initial target of the launch only Mac functionality is catching up and it’s expected that uncompressed AIFF audio files will be then included. It seems that they also intend to in due course provide 96K/24-bit FLAC hi-res files when accessible from some sources.

According to AudioNews Chesky has approached different other independent record labels with offers. Consequently, hereafter it will offer hi-res downloads also from Dorian, ASV, MDG, Acoustic Disc, Tzadek, Reference Recordings, Cryptogramophone, Black Box, New World, Sundazed etc.

As the company has declared the site will provide information about all the downloads, and there will also be available PDFs of all liner notes, composer bios, discographies, essays and not only for the Chesky downloads. To make the site even more appealing there will be a Cool Links section making available tools like Slim Devices, Media Monkey and MacFlac. In what regards genres you can find, jazz, classical, pop next to contemporary New Music, reggae, folk soundtracks, and even Broadway shows.