The technology allows consumers to copy the CDs—or at least, it permits them to make a limited number of copies (three, in fact)—however, copies cannot be made of those copies. First4Internet's website describes it thus: "Its methodology is an encapsulation process that wraps around the audio content…
search
Since March, Sony BMG has released "at least 10 commercial titles" employing XCP2 technology developed by UK-based antipiracy company first4Internet. Sony BMG claims that the 10 titles represent "over one million units," but the company steadfastly refuses to specify which titles have XCP2.
Manufacturers sometimes suspect that they have been intentionally slighted if they don't get mentioned in a Stereophile show report. The truth is that the overwhelming enormity of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) prevents even the most aggressive journalists from seeing everything. (SGHT editor Tom Norton may be the sole exception.)
This year, Wes Phillips and Jon Iverson dutifully trod many miles of Las Vegas concrete, but were able to capture only part of the show. In fairness to all exhibitors, they decided to write up only those demos they actually attended. This policy serves…
There are a variety of ways to empty a large bucket of water: The entire contents can be quickly dumped in a dramatic rush, or a small hole can be punched in the bottom, allowing a smaller but continual flow over an extended period of time. Digital data can be seen as the water in the DVD "bucket," with 24/192 multi-channel sound being the equivalent of a big audio splash.
Composer Robert Rich has decided to use the 4.7GBytes of storage allowed by the DVD format to create the equivalent of a steady seven-hour audio flow, instead. Possibly the longest continuous musical composition ever…
On March 10, Tymphany Corporation and Danish Sound Technology (DST) announced a merger of the two companies, funded by Vantage Point Venture Partners. The combined company, to be called Tymphany Corporation, will have its headquarters in Cupertino, CA.
Tymphany is best known for its invention of the Linear Array Transducer (LAT), a design that, according to the company's literature, "enables higher quality sound in space sensitive products." The LAT, described as a "balanced drive design," consists of a series of coupled diaphragms driven by motors housed in the end assemblies of the…
One of the hot items audiophiles were able to score at last month's 2005 CES was a hybrid SACD that Ray Kimber was handing out. Labelled IsoMike Tests 2005A, the disc is beautifully packaged and sports dozens of recorded snippets of vocal music, string quartet, piano, marching band, orchestra, blank pistol, and a local janitor.
Recorded with Kimber's home-grown IsoMike technique, employing a specially made heart-shaped baffle and microphone array, the piano excerpts are from an upcoming John Atkinson/Stereophile/Robert Silverman release, and the instrumental ensembles offer a variety of…
Larry Greenhill says he'll never forget his first encounter with the Krell LAT-1 loudspeaker at a meeting of the Westchester Audiophile Society. Suitably impressed, Greenhill reports, "I'd been bitten. I made arrangements to continue the audition in my own listening room." His complete analysis awaits.
While testing the KEF RDM Two loudspeaker at Stereophile headquarters, John Atkinson suggested that perhaps someone should take the speakers home for a more in-depth review. Wes Phillips volunteered on the spot, and as he reports, is glad he did.
Next, in Stereophile's February, 1996…
For the first time in more than 10 years, individual investors have a chance to own a piece of one of the oldest and most recognized names in the American electronics industry. As of November 1, RCA officially came back on the stock market, when parent company Thomson Multimedia made a successful initial public offering of 21 million shares. The stock (NYSE: TMS) debuted at $22.62 per share and closed Friday, November 5 at $29.25.
Founded in 1919, the Radio Corporation of America was the most successful maker of radio receivers, phonographs, microphones, amplifiers, and other audio…
Owners of Threshold electronics will soon have an expert service organization available for their amplifiers and preamps. Threshold Corporation national sales manager Chris English reports that he has assumed the presidency of a new company to be devoted solely to servicing Threshold equipment. Based in Texas, Threshold Service Company will employ factory-trained technicians and engineers, and will offer warranties on all their work.
"It's our intent to provide service on every piece of Threshold equipment manufactured from the beginning," English said near the end of December. Units…
Downloading audio files onto a computer's hard drive has proven a compelling way to collect content for many music lovers. But the weak link with computer-based audio systems is finding a way to play that music on a more traditional (and typically better-sounding) audio system. With a compatible CD or DVD player, you could burn the files onto a disc, or if you have a portable device such as an iPod, you could hook it up directly to your system.
But several consumer electronics manufacturers have decided that for Internet-based music distribution to ultimately succeed, there has to be a…
In apparent response to proposed federal legislation that would permit copyright holders to launch technological strikes against privately-owned computers, hackers launched an attack of their own over the weekend of July 27–28, rendering the website of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) unusable.
The RIAA, and its companion organization, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), are strong backers of proposed legislation introduced into the US House of Representatives by Southern California Democrat Howard Berman that would permit them to engage in electronic…