RIAA Sales Numbers Up Over 10% in The First Half of 2004 – SACD and DVD-Audio Flounder

While music downloading is still having an effect on the CD market, actual sales of CDs, as reported by the Recording Industry Association of America, increased about 10% in the first half of 2004. That is good news for the music industry; however, CD sales still were still lower than the peak year of 2001. Now, for the bad news. After several years on the market, SACD (Super Audio CD) and DVD-Audio still haven't impacted the market as hoped. Sales for each format leveled off at about 300,000. What is the future prognosis for CDs, SACDs, and DVD-Audio? For a perspective, check out the report from Audio/Video Revolution.