10 Reasons Why High Definition DVD Formats Have Already Failed

[emorphien]

Those formats have actually made it to the mainstream and SACD has the edge, and both formats will be here for a while.

You're joking right? Mainstream?

The majority of the public can't hear the difference between CD or SACD/DVDA mainly because they don't have the equipment to appreciate it. HD tvs are becoming more and more common so they will see the difference with Blu-Ray and HDDVD assuming the intended quality is being delivered (based on what I've read so far it's a mixed bag as expected).

I also suspect that with John Q Public, even if you have the proper equipment, it'll be easier to sell them on a pretty picture compared to better sound quality.

I think that this may annoy the public even more because unlike SACD or DVDA enough of the public might actually want to invest in the new formats. Not only do you have HDDVD and Blu-Ray but you have the annoying mess of all the HD component caveats and specifications that people can't make sense of. Then there's DRM issues too, and who knows where that's going. Certainly not the general public.

[croseiv]

You're joking right? Mainstream?
.

No, I'm not joking. They can be purchased at "mainstream" stores now instead of specialty dealers. I was surprised to see numerous classical SACDs at Borders book store just the other day, also at Circuit City. That is pretty mainstream. And the SACD choices are really expanding. The appeal of the SACD format is that they can be played in normal CD players, regardless of whether or not the average listener has the hardware to truly enjoy the multi-channel experience.

[Geoffcin]

No, I'm not joking. They can be purchased at "mainstream" stores now instead of specialty dealers. I was surprised to see numerous classical SACDs at Borders book store just the other day, also at Circuit City. That is pretty mainstream. And the SACD choices are really expanding. The appeal of the SACD format is that they can be played in normal CD players, regardless of whether or not the average listener has the hardware to truly enjoy the multi-channel experience.

DVD-Audio, and SACD have been "Mainstreamed" but are far from mainstream. I think the ratio is about 10,000 to one in sales compared to CD. Even Vinyl records outsell SACD, so calling them mainstream is really pusing it.

[emorphien]

No, I'm not joking. They can be purchased at "mainstream" stores now instead of specialty dealers. I was surprised to see numerous classical SACDs at Borders book store just the other day, also at Circuit City. That is pretty mainstream. And the SACD choices are really expanding. The appeal of the SACD format is that they can be played in normal CD players, regardless of whether or not the average listener has the hardware to truly enjoy the multi-channel experience.

They barely make a presence at B&M stores. And not every SACD is going to play in a regular CD player, only the hybrids. But you can say the same about DVD-A, dual discs can be played in a regular player, although the content and quality of the non-DVDA side varies wildly.

Every time I'm at our Best Buy I check the DVDA/SACD section (about 3' tall by 4' wide) and I've never seen much change in the stock there. They rarely get anything new in and when they do it doesn't move. I don't buy them at B&M stores anymore because I can find them significantly cheaper online.

[Geoffcin]

They barely make a presence at B&M stores. And not every SACD is going to play in a regular CD player, only the hybrids. But you can say the same about DVD-A, dual discs can be played in a regular player, although the content and quality of the non-DVDA side varies wildly.

Every time I'm at our Best Buy I check the DVDA/SACD section (about 3' tall by 4' wide) and I've never seen much change in the stock there. They rarely get anything new in and when they do it doesn't move. I don't buy them at B&M stores anymore because I can find them significantly cheaper online.

Hotel California in 192/24 stereo. Truly superior sonically to ANY previous pressing, vinyl or digital. Got to read the lyrics on my TV as we were listening too.

What a shame this format sits in the shadows, but the sad truth is that there's very few of us left who just sit and listen for enjoyment. Most music today is listend to on-the-go . Ipods, car systems, walkmans, muzak everywhere.

[emorphien]

Hotel California in 192/24 stereo. Truly superior sonically to ANY previous pressing, vinyl or digital. Got to read the lyrics on my TV as we were listening too.

What a shame this format sits in the shadows, but the sad truth is that there's very few of us left who just sit and listen for enjoyment. Most music today is listend to on-the-go . Ipods, car systems, walkmans, muzak everywhere.

While Hotel California isn't my favorite song, I'd love to hear the disc you heard.

[Bernd]

The sad truth is that there's very few of us left who just sit and listen for enjoyment. Most music today is listend to on-the-go . Ipods, car systems, walkmans, muzak everywhere.

Well said. Couldn't agree more. I believe that to be the reason that quality reproduction suffers.Our 17 year old offspring has absolutley no notion of quality reproduction. The PC and the i-pod to him are the be all and end all. Strange.
Are "we"a dying breed?

Peace

Bernd

[Florian]

Dont worry Bernd, with just a little over 23 i am carrying on the legacy. I had two friends here to hear the DIVA setup so far (i am selective of who enters this room) and so far Nr.1 sold all is Pioneer and Heco stuff and bought a Maggie MGI and is saving for a amp. Nr. 2 sold all his Denon and Yamaha (DVD player) combined with his B&W 604 for a Apogee Stage (and is looking for electronics now). My Austrian visitors (Infinity Kappa 9A and 9 with Accuphase) bought my restored Apogee Duettas for 5K on the spot.

Long live tubes, stereo, vinyl and "quality" over quantity.

[Geoffcin]

Well said. Couldn't agree more. I believe that to be the reason that quality reproduction suffers.Our 17 year old offspring has absolutley no notion of quality reproduction. The PC and the i-pod to him are the be all and end all. Strange.
Are "we"a dying breed?

Peace

Bernd

The PC and the Ipod CAN be used to get decent quality sound. My 2.1 PC system simply smokes any system that you can get out of the generic computer box. It didn't cost that much more either. Top quality lossless digital copies can sound pretty darn good on an Ipod. (connected to the right gear). No, it's not the hardware that's the problem, it's the LIFESTYLE.

Kids are brought up from a early age now to think that if you aren't doing something fast right now, you not having fun. So, if your not playing your Xbox, surfing the web, watching inane reality shows, or playing massive multiplayer game on your PC your not doing something worthwhile with your time. Listening to music is way down on the list for kids these days, even though most of them have Ipod buds surgically implanted in their ears.

[Florian]

or playing massive multiplayer game on your PC

I play World of Warcraft on my Lappy while sitting in the sweetspot :-)