Skip to main content

Technical Standards

As part of our mission, we support the music industry on a number of levels to standardize methods for the production, recording and transmission of music. Industry and technical standards help build consumer confidence and reduce costs for all participants in the music distribution chain. Read more about our efforts to develop standards for data publishing and exchange, recording technology and music data security.

Technical Standards

RIAA participates in technical standards work where creating a voluntary specification increases consumer confidence and reduces costs for its members. Some technical standards which RIAA has created or worked on include:

  • Global Release Identifier (GRid)
    • RIAA was instrumental in setting up GRid which is used to identify a release of music over electronic networks. Here a “release” means recordings and other media that are grouped together for commerce. For more information, visit the GRid International Agency.
  • Digital Data Exchange
    • Of great interest to RIAA, though now a free standing organization, DDEX specifies electronic messages relating to trade in music. These report, for instance, the sales of particular tracks in a period. For more information, visit the Digital Data Exchange.
  • Watermark Payload Specification
    • RIAA has prepared a specification detailing a standard payload format for data included in a watermark added to music tracks. This is intended to increase interoperability between different watermarking technologies. Payloads that conform to the specification do not include any information about consumers or allow consumers to be directly identified. Copies of the watermark payload specification are available to potential implementers by sending your email address for delivery of the watermark payload specification, together with your name and affiliation to specifications@riaa.com.

 

The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC)

ISRC, the International Standard Recording Code, is the internationally recognized identification tool for sound and music video recordings.

An ISRC uniquely and permanently identifies the recording to which it is assigned – regardless of the format on which it is used and independent of any changes in ownership. ISRCs are increasingly being used by major download sites, digital distribution companies and collective management organizations as a tool to manage digital repertoire and track commerce.

Please apply for your Registrant Code through the US ISRC Agency website.

 

DualDisc™

DualDisc™ is both a CD and DVD in one—allowing an artist to deliver audio, video, and computer content all on a single two-sided disc. One side of the DualDisc™ is a full-length CD audio album, while the other side offers DVD content—including enhanced album audio and features such as 5.1 surround sound, music videos, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, documentary films, photo galleries, lyrics, computer-ready digital song files, and Web links.

A record label is required to obtain a license to use the DualDisc™ logo on its products. To obtain a license for use of the DualDisc™ logo, please contact us via email at dualdisc@riaa.com or via phone at (202) 775-0101.