As long as a new format is backwards compatible and a quantum leap forward, I'll be interested. If not, I'll stick with CDs

or higher sampling rates. DTS if found to sound better.

This just don't matter much! When multi-layer discs are available there will be a sufficient bit budget to allow artistic freedom AND proper engineering/quality choices.

It is expensive enough to buy high quality speakers and amplification for two channels. I would have to spend at least two thousand dollars more to increase the number of channels to 5.1. Not to mention the difficulty of reorganizing my living space (read living ROOM) for 5 channels!

I don't really want shorter playing times, but I would accept them until technology progresses to the point where they improve.

Although I personally have a love affair with 2channel stereo, and do not yet have a multichannel system, I can read the writing on the wall, and acknowledge the appeal of surround sound. However, as an audio enthusiast and amateur recordist, I want the highest possible fidelity, and will gladly trade away extended playing time for better sound.

I would like to see the DVD platform used for audio as an ultra-high resolution stereo playback medium. I think that we should keep music in stereo and leave the surround sound stuff to the videophiles.

I'd love to see higher audio quality, but know that most users will want home theater capability not music only. Will we ever get an upgrade to 16/44.1?

VINYL WILL ALWAYS RATE NO. 1 IN MY BOOK. GIVE MF MORE ROOM. MORE TURNTABLE REVIEWS. AND CONGRATULATIONS ON HAVING A SONY MINIDISC ADD...THIS IS NOW THE MOST SENSIBLE DUBBING FORMAT: DAT: UNRELIABLE LONGEVITY METAL CASSETTE: CAN STILL BE "EATEN" -STILL WEARS OUT CD-R: PLEASE...FOR THE AUDIOPHILE DUBBING LP'S WRITE-ONCE IS RIDICULOUS & IT'S STILL 16BIT **READ THE MD WHITE PAPERS**

First of all, I think an LFE channel is a bad idea. I know consumes relatively little bandwidth, but it just provides another avenue to muck up the mix. Second, I think we need eight channels (3 on every side) to create an accurate soundfield.

Keep high end audio 2 channel

The best, obviously, would be 2 channels, 24bit/96kHz and/or 5.1 channels 24bit/96kHz. I appreciate the need for higher sampling rates (for digital quality reasons). But I doubt if I can even hear anything above 20kHz (I listened to Stereophile's test CD#2..and I suppose my B&W DM603s can go that far up). So what's really the deal with higher sampling rates as far as higher frequency sound goes?

Like any format it is all up to the way it was recorded an mixed.

I've heard higher bit-rate and sampling rate. It's much better! Let's not get greedy in the number of channels, otherwise, we'll get some "lossy" compression scheme. Keep It Simple Stupid!

This would be a good start!

A combo of highest quality/most channels is the only step which will strongly differentiate the product from current CD's. For long playing times, get a multi-disc unit (they currently make 300 disc changers. Isn't that long enough?)

QUALITY is the overriding issue!

Flexibility is key, but 5.1 channels of 24/96 is enticing. As a professional in the idustry, I can't encourage this enough.

Plenty good because of variable encoding.

Is there a point on having a center channel for high end audio only applications?

this is a test

Not sure if what i chose is highest quality, but i prefer quality over quantity.

I like the idea of Sony/Philips to put the DSD format and the usual CD format on the same DVD..

Let's go for the theater experience - 5.1 quality channels.

I would like to have the choice as I already have a Sony DVD 7000. However, a 5.1 24bit/96kHz would be the ultimate assuming Sony will not let first buyers in the dust!

Let the consumer choose.How can the industry dictate terms of requirements? I listen to stereo only but would hate to shell out more cash for a 5.1 system.

I just plain want an improved format over the existing one. At this time, I have settle for DTS. The DTS experience through my ADA SSD-66 (5.1) and its DTS decoder is awesome. I just wish that DTS would get their act together and have more releases and with a wider variety of music. I also pray for the day when the movie industry will market what I feel would be a true full surround, 7.2. Great site by the way. Just a suggestion, once a month, you guys should offer a back issue special and have it online for your Web visiters or at least list the components and when they were reivewed. Offering both would be even better

Always have a high quality 2 ch mix(24 bit 96kHz) with optional 5.1 channel second version.

I like the idea of at least four channels to help encourage the real spacial effect of a live event. Two channels are currently great, but the addition if presented correctly will further enhance the musical experience.

Six formats/potential standards identified above: Is the consumer really going to be the decisionmaker?