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Highest resolution stereophonic sound!
DVD audio standards are still up in the air, but promise (hopefully) to come down soon. For our inaugural question, we want to know what you prefer: fewer channels and longer playing times, or multichannel high-quality sound with shorter playing times.
Priorities from my perspective: 1) solve the jitter problem for audio on DVD 2) choose a sampling rate that syncs with the video rate rather than an arbitrary 24x96 spec, even if there are theoretical translation losses in the mathmatical approximations of the conversion 3) minimize compression [to lossless, worst case] for formats greater than 2 channels intended for high quality applications 4) use high data rate primary channels and compressed effects channels 5) put 2 formats on a single disk for compatibility with basic systems [happens even in the best homes]; possibly provide synchonization of high bit rate primary channels as second format that allows choice of primary channel data source in high quality applications [put the cost burden for time buffering on the more expensive systems]
I heard the Eagles on DTS at the SanFrancisco HIFI '97 show. It was extremely good music for the equipment used. And the scan frequency should be 88.2 to allow a single master without extreme effort to master CD 44.1. 24 bit is good, but won't be commercially viable for too long.
Why would anyone want longer playing times? I'm hard pressed to find a CD that uses the maximum time. On the other hand I only want a higher sampling rate if it's taken advantage of. It'd be nice to see a rock/pop CD that was as well done as Dire Straits Brother's in Arms Album.
I am interested in the very best 2 channel sound quality I can get for a given amount of money. DVD as I understand it has great capcity however and if it takes inclusion of various formats on a disk to make the marketing effort commercialy viable so be it to get at least some improvement over the 16/44 current red book standard. However it is accomplished I think it would be a big big help to have any new DVD music disks be playable on current CD players at 16/44 and also have the new DVD players be able to play the 16/44 CDs. Using these two approaches would sure make the transition to higher quality DVD sound less painful for the end users.
My second choice would be open standards. I don't trust the industry to come out with a 5.1, 24/96 standard with a lossless compression. And I think that, here in Europe, the average listening room is too small for a 5.1 installation - an audiophile one, I mean.
I really prefer the sound of vinyl. If the new DVD audio discs would bring the warmth and depth into the sound on the new DVD audio discs, this would be great. I'm sure in certain recordings one could want extra channels of sound, however the true live concert going experience can only be created if there is enough data bit imformation to match the vinyl versions. True the current CD is improving, but so are the Classic repressings of older recordings. If the new DVD will match the discs, I would be very happy. Until then, I try to stick with vinyl. Seth Lubin Brooklyn, NY