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Show me a copy-protection scheme without negative effects, and I'll go for it.

Digital's promise is flexibility---by definition at odds with copy protection. Don't we all want to pass ALL the data through DSP and digital crossovers?

The end result is the sonic performance of the piece. If copy codes don't mar the sonic picture, it 's okay with me.

Most important is the quality.

I am unconcerned, if the method does not interfere with the sound.I am not prone to making custom discs, so it makes no practical difference to me if the manufacturers and publishers conspire on this. If economic theory holds true, we all will pay higher prices due to an iron-fist on distribution by those who would profit by such control. The added value of the format may not be worth the incremental cost. A potential tragedy for all of us who want better sound.

I have no problem with a business protecting its source of revenue and fighting piracy, if (and only if) it has no impact on the sound quality. The challenge will be to develop a scheme that allows me to exercise my right to fully use what I have purchased for personal use (i.e., full fidelity and allow personal copies) while preventing illegal usage.

Copy protection should not matter to honest audiophiles: 1) If you want a convenience (i.e., portable) copy, just record on tape or MiniDisc from the single-ended outputs (hey, they're good enough for your preamp, and who can use 24/96 in a car or Walkman?!). 2) If you crave D/A conversion options (as any real audiophile would), don't worry---FireWire is on its way. 3) if you want to make identical copies for your friends and family, you're not an HONEST audiophile (or don't understand the concept of copyright protection)!

What really bother me is that Philips sold their CD labels before they had a chance with Sony to impose SDCD. They are not going to recover from that mistake. DVD Audio will be THE Audio format.

Time and again, copy-protection schemes have proved to be ineffective (there's always a way around them), and just a nuisance for buyers of legitimate copies. If there is any degradation of the audio signal (as there would be for the proposed schemes that would stand up through analog copies), then I will have no interest in the format. A digital-only scheme supported by consumer gear (and possible to bypass with pro gear) would be more acceptable, but still, IMO, unnecessary and pointless.

I just looking forward to enjoying 24 bits, not copying it!

I might still buy a unit, but I resent someone else being so damn paranoid about it.

Imagine that one day in 2002 you drop your favorite SACD on the floor. You put this disc in your player but it won't play. Unauthorized Copy!!! scrolls on your display. #@#$% I should have made a backup copy on my reel-to-reel!

If DVD-Audio does not make available high-quality output of at least 24/96kHz without downsampling, as well as the ability to make your own "playlists" via the MP3 format, then I will not purchase the product. "Watermarking" does not bother me as long as the sound quality and the portability of the product are not hindered in any way. If they are, I will simply not purchase the product.

If the retail price of DVDs is reasonable---e.g., no more than CDs---then I see no reason for concern with copy protection. After all, the artists are entitled to royalties on their work. If the new medium is superior, I will contentedly purchase a single copy and not concern myself with dubs. DVDs are robust; one copy will suffice for multiple use. Who has time to make compliations? Certainly not me. Do you? If so, perhaps you have too much free time.

Haven't heard of any major record companies going bust lately!

Why do the large record companies feel that we are all out to rob them blind? The only recordings I make of music are for my own use.

Any copy-protection system that contaminates the material (e.g., watermarking) is a bad idea. A system that doesn't (e.g., the serial copy system applied to MiniDisc) is fine---I can live with that because I'm honest: I buy the disc, and make a copy to use only when I'm on the move.

Who cares about DVDs? Long live vinyl!

Treat people like criminals and criminals you'll get.

actually I am not the stockholder of any music company...

sound quality is all that matters.Whats really a disaster is the lack of software.

Either you intend to use the music seriuosly, (in your main setup) where you leave the master. Then you use a 44kHz/16bit copy in your car - perfectly ok - what is the problem ?

If I bought the original, I should be able to make a backup or a selections tape for my own use.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that FireWire, watermarking, etc., will only dilute the purity of the signal. To me, that seems anti-hi-fi.

How typical! Corporations will go to the nth degree to ensure that the freedom of music and the personal joy that it brings become privileges that they control. This is nothing short of neo-draconianism. Art should not belong to one group or class. Music should not be an advantage or favor that only a few obtain. Where are the music artists on this subject, hunh?

Record companies are digging their graves faster each day. With the Web---both MP3 and online retailers---they add no value in distribution anymore. With the waves of consolidation and dumping of even gold artists, they're adding no value in promotion any more. For a long time, there's been little or no value added through A&R. Technology and artists' creativity will fill these voids, and they will be history. Record-company strategies are fast becomming irrelevant. Like the railroads in the days the jet appeared, they fight back through monopoly and government bribes. And like the railroads, their reluctance to embrace technology rather than fight it is defining their death.

Let's hope DVD-Audio loses the battle. We've had enough of the format wars over the years.

As long as it would allow at least one digital copy to be made (like SCMS), it would be "alright."

Why bother if its not top quality.

I am concerned that manufacturers will be removing the digital outputs on the upcoming DVD-Audio players. I like to use separate DACs, especially Theta Digital!