New Technology Pushes the Limits and Future of Music Consumption

Confluent Technologies and Aporia Records have announced an agreement to incorporate Universal Media Extension (UME, pronounced "You-Me") technology into the label's latest CD projects. UME technology was developed with Aporia and other media partners to address the industry's ongoing piracy issues and to give consumers a compelling reason to purchase physical media such as CDs and DVDs.

By utilizing the technologies of the Internet, the UME software creates a secure, direct communications channel between content providers and their audiences. Aporia is planning to use the technology to contribute to their progressive image and to help build more one-on-one relationships between bands and their fans.

Gord Dimitrieff, President of Aporia describes the future benefits of the technology: "We are always trying to use technology to our advantage while helping spread the word about our artists, and the UME system provides a way of opening the door to new things that we might not have even thought of yet." UME technology allows the content provider to update and change the bonus media associated with a title anytime after the media has been manufactured.

The technology does not require the installation of software on the user's computer nor does it require plug-ins or even a web browser to function. It does, however, require the physical media for access. Steven Dryall, President of Confluent Technologies describes the use of the technology by music listeners: "It is as easy to use as the disc itself, so a lot of people will be able and want to use this technology," The CD will use UME technology to provide bonus tracks, exclusive footage, news of upcoming tours and offer other incentives to legitimate purchasers of the disc.

An audio CD with UME technology can be played normally in any CD audio player. When the disc is inserted into an Internet connected computer, the user gains access to exclusive, additional content that can be updated regularly by the content provider.

Confluent Technologies Inc., is a privately held, Toronto-based software company that has been building technology solutions for the media industry since 1999. Confluent Technologies has established a reputation for creating industry leading, media production tools with their critically acclaimed line of Fluition software products.
For further information contact;
Steven Dryall
Phone: 416-925-5325
Email: steve@fluition.com

Aporia Records Inc. is a niche-oriented label that focuses on innovative yet familiar music that stems from rock and song-based tradition. Rather than releasing numerous projects in a short amount of time, Aporia has chosen a path of building quality catalogue and developing artists over the long term. The label's active roster includes
Mellonova and Jonathan Seet.
For further information contact;
Gord Dimitrieff
Phone: 416-944-8034
Email: gord@aporia-records.com