Vote

IT WOULD NOT BE AS IMPORTANT IF MANUFACTUERS WOULD STOP INTRODUCING SOMETHING NEW EVERY OTHER MONTH. WHO WANTS TO BUY SOMETHING IF ITS GOING TO BE OBSOLETE IN 3-6 MONTHS.

As a 22 year old college student I feel that back compatibility is very important just because I have many CD's and don't want to have to replace them with the new format, whatever it is. The new audio format will be very exciting but it must be backcompatible with current CD's. In my opinion if there is no backwardcompatibility there will be an alienation of non Audiophiles who are only the casual listener, and not concerned with the increase in sound quality

We audiophiles will go to great lengths to purchase separate components whenever possible. Witness the popularity of separate CD transport/D.A.C.vs.compact disc players of recent years,not to mention separate amplifier,preamplifier,phono-preamplifier&tuner vs. receiver. Would it not follow then that a multi purpose component be anathema to the audiophile?

New media can survive ONLY if there are customers to buy it. I think that most of the people won't have DVD-Audio player for at least 5 years. CDs will still be on the market. Now go and figure it out. ;)

What will I do with my CD collection if the new format is not backward compatible?

Back-compatibility is more important to the manufacturers than users! If they can get us to buy those pricier discs, sooner or later we will upgrade our hardware to get the full benefit. Without back-compatibility, they are creating niches that might remain just that, rather than becoming the mainstream.

I could care less. The only issue is whether my existing CDs can be played on a DVD-Audio or SACD player. Nobody wants to find that their existing music collection will be unplayable on a new player. Back-compatibility with respect to playability of a DVD-Audio or SACD disc on a CD player is a moot point for those who buy the new players. If you are a record company and want to release only a single, back-compatible format to avoid multi-format runs, it is an issue.

Having repurchased a lot of my lps again on cd I wouldn't be willing to buy them again on a new format.

The thought of new formats to just sell equipment makes you wonder if there shouldn't be separation of equipment manufacturers and record companies

With 2000 CDs, I would feel a huge loss if audiophilia adopted a standard that would shut me off from the ability to play my collection. Anxiety over formats has driven me back to an even earlier format, LPs, where I do not have to worry about format changes any more.

What's really important here is that DVD audio players can read the existing CD Redbook standard, so that one's music collection doesn't start from zero (again).

If someone will pay me $13 per CD that I currently own then back-compatible is not important....otherwise it is important

Compatibility is important not only from the point of view of protecting your investment in software (the CD's), but also from the standpoint that a great deal of audio gear - especially higher quality classic gear - do not offer multiple AUX inputs. If forced to make a choice, I'd stay with CD's for the forseeable future for this one reason.

This whole thing reminds me of quadraphonic/stereo compatibility issues years ago. I give this audio form the same chance of making 5 years. People don't listen to recordings, they listen to performances. Spend an evening watching an incredible still photograph of a boxing match and you might get what I'm talking about.

It's a moot point now. It won't be adopted as the resulting disc price will be too high. Who cares about backward compatibility as you'll still have your old CD player to play the older CDs.