DVD Audio

11 Jan 2003, 18:04

As you might be or not be aware, a new audio standard exists, it's DVD Audio.. while doing a research for another thread (the collection one), I managed to find that there are already many DVD Audio albums available.. some from Rhino or Warner.

What is DVD-Audio?

DVD-Audio is a format specifically designed to provide the highest possible audio fidelity capable on DVD. The audio fidelity of DVD-Audio far exceeds the quality of conventional CD's and audio on DVD-Video.

DVD-Audio takes advantage of the large storage capacity, speed and flexibility possible with DVD. DVD-Audio provides for audio in stereo and in multi-channel surround in a wide range of specifications. In addition to audio, a DVD-Audio disk can contain a limited amount of video, which can be used to display text, such as lyrics or notes; or stills such as a photo album. Up to 16 graphic stills can be associated with each track and on-screen displays can be used for lyrics and disc navigation. As an option, a DVD-Audio disc can also include audio tracks recorded in the DVD-Video specification (Dolby Digital and DTS) for compatibility with DVD-Video players.

A DVD disc is capable of recording video, audio and data information of many different types and formats. An industry group, named the DVD Forum has responsibility for establishing the industry standards and formats for DVD. In 1996, The DVD Forum released the DVD-Video format, which was designed to deliver video at a quality exceeding VHS tape with surround sound and better than CD audio. Before defining a DVD format optimized for audio, the DVD Forum sought the opinions of the music industry and audio equipment manufactures. In January 1998, the DVD Forum’s Working Group 4 released a draft DVD-Audio standard. In July 1998, the DVD Forum released the preliminary 0.9 version. In March 1999, the DVD Forum released the final version 1.0 of the DVD-Audio specification.

BTW, I didn't follow the news to check if DVD Audio won its battle over SACD.

You can check http://www.dvdaudiopreview.com for a list of DVD Audio Discs available, as well as http://www.digitalaudioguide.com/buydvdnow/dvd-audio.htm for info and buy DVD Audio Discs as well..

The DVD Audio FAQ

BTW, a DVD Audio at top quality can store 64 mins of music, but they did a standard that "zips" the music hence you have 2 hours of audio on the DVD.

12 Jan 2003, 04:41

DVD's can be dual layered and 2-sided. That quadruples their capacity.

12 Jan 2003, 05:28

Difficult question. I don't know well that format, so i'm not going to confirm anything. Maybe DVD Audio it's the future and we all buy it.

12 Jan 2003, 05:29

I say no...but there was a time that I would have told you I wouldn't be buying into this new fangled CD thing either...

12 Jan 2003, 13:37

I'm certainly not paying for the same stuff again for a third time!
One thing I don't get:

When people rip off stuff as mp3s they sometimes try and claim that its OK because they aren't depriving anyone of a physical item. The record companies then retort (quite reasonably enough) that its the 'intellectual property' thats important and that is being taken without payment. But if you've already bought something in one format, why do you have to pay for the 'intellectual property' again just to get it in a different form?

12 Jan 2003, 15:54

For the most part, DVD-Audio's releases are multichannel remixes. If the album is meant to be multichannel from the start, with the Artist involved in the multi aspect, then OK. As for digging up Beatles(or new order)tapes and adding multichannel effects, NO WAY. As for SACD, those releases seem to be focusing on two channel and if there is a multichannel remix, the disc will have the two channel on one layer and multi on the other.
As for replacing my collection, I would run out and buy whichever format the New Order catalogue came out on, buy every release and wait for future releases. I heard a demo of each format and they both sound amazing. The funny thing is, the industry is set on replacing the CD format, which when released was said to provide "pefect sound forever", with new formats that sound more analog. In other words they are trying to match the sound of vinyl!!!!

12 Jan 2003, 16:33

wouldn't it be funny if DVD audio rendered CD's the modern-day equivalent of records?

12 Jan 2003, 16:40

Originally posted by film586 wouldn't it be funny if DVD audio rendered CD's the modern-day equivalent of records?

:nonono:

...and yet Records STILL sound better!!! than poor little ca-rappy CDs...which have frequecy lose during the digital transfer process...vinyl forever!

12 Jan 2003, 16:51

Originally posted by Chunks > Originally posted by film586> wouldn't it be funny if DVD audio rendered CD's the modern-day equivalent of records?

:nonono:

...and yet Records STILL sound better!!! than poor little ca-rappy CDs...which have frequecy lose during the digital transfer process...vinyl forever! Must admit that i am playing VINYL all the time at the moment and it still does sound a lot richer and FULLER in a better way than all others.I love minidisc for the editing and size but would still have to go out and get this NEW format just for the chance it is going to be THE BEST.Plus with DVDs enhanced picture quality i think it could be a winner. :nod: Rocket Mick

12 Jan 2003, 17:38

Well.. DVD Audio is meant for purists mostly, but I think the music industry sees a new way of making us buy what we already have...

Hence recycling is very profitable, with DVD players for less than 100$, CD players will get lost quite easily sooner or later, as well as CD-ROM drives..

I'm guessing the audio tracks on the DVD singles (Crystal 60MAH and HTS) are in DVD Video Audio, but I must tell the quality is quite incredible when played with my 5.1 Surround Speakers ;)

Will you rebuild your entire collection when it will be available on DVD Audio?

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📊Will you rebuild your entire collection when it will be available on DVD Audio?

Will you rebuild your entire collection when it will be available on DVD Audio?