MQA Ltd. , behind the MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) digital audio format widely used in the TIDAL Masters library of the TIDAL streaming audio service , is coming under external control. Apparently, the future of the MQA format hangs in the balance, as the main financial backer of MQA Ltd. expressed his intention to leave the project.
Latest financial reports of MQA Ltd. show a loss of more than £4 million, and also announce the termination of the powers of the director of the company, Anthony Edward Rupert, effective March 17, 2023. At the same time, on April 3, an official announcement of the appointment for MQA Ltd. appeared. external management.
The news could have major implications for the firm’s partnership with TIDAL, as the streaming service uses MQA technology to broadcast its content in high definition. Can TIDAL buy this technology? If successful, will it retain its MQA status?
This is a question for manufacturers, as many companies, such as Innuos, have already licensed the MQA logo for their products that decode. Also, what will become of MQAir (SCL6), a new high resolution scalable format for mobile devices, is not clear?
Meanwhile, MQA Ltd. continues to work with its partners as usual. We will follow further developments.