Reading columns in Hi-Fi journals, i contextually extract from various reviews the ominous words " the demise of SACD and DVD-A". H Having recently acquired a pioneer DVD757 (which plays both the above formats) and AX 5Ai AV amp Ive discovered a new world admittedly late perhaps and possibly due to affordability ( Units perchased on Ebay) also. However I hope to shed some light on the word *demise*! I recently attended 2 live concerts and had the chance to have a brief word with the two soloists after their performance ( 1 jazz piano and tother Guitar Solo) and mentioned ,when buying their respective cds, the words SACd and asked if either were recording anything using this format..One replied Whats that? a multichannel format or something? and the other soloist replied similarly.. I presumed consequently, that neither of the two outstanding musicians , both seemingly content with selling CD issues had much interest in the format precisely because they hadn't cultivated an interest therein. Obviously, Their respective Recording Studios by way of extrapolation, hadn't much interest either-otherwise these two fine artists would be easily converted. Musicians, by default, and who can blame them are the weak link in the chain-they play real instruments that make real sounds in real time in a real acoustic and who would wish to dilute that? The Potential Difference is provided -ALWAYS- by the hi-Fi /Music Afficianado who demands the highest approximation of the recorded event in a Home enviroment.. Hence, when the coming of the "new" SACD and DVD-A formats arrived-not so long ago, there was MUCH, MUCH interest in the HI-FI press quite rightly..Nowadays, It seems the new HDCd and Blueray formats (again both competing formats) about to "explode" on the world stage will be the new kids on the block albeit with some apparently daunting copyright technologies built in..
Some recent DVD Recorders/Players have now it seems started to omit DVD-A and SACD from the spec sheet.. tho some may offer 2 channel outputs of DVD-A which is something. It seems the whole nature of improving technologies is that the market place does not stand still....things move on.( Its like doing 90 mph along the motorway but not seeing the scenery around you).However, there are many millions of consumers out there who have not yet heard of SACD or DVD-A.. (PLEASE TRY going to your local HMV shop (or similar) and asking the staff if you could look at their SACD section (Please, please try , then record the funniest comment?)
The whole nature of my admitted gripe..is .that when you've discovered a system that you're happy with.-SACD,DVD-A,DSD etc. (Wow)..The range of supporting software product appears to be limited ..cut off in its embryo stage so to speak. However,Like a fine wine or brandy,or even a maturing cheese, I believe that good product must have time to mature..in this case another 5 or 6 years before market establishment.Dropping meritable product Mr Sony et al, before maturation is folly and shows a lack of FAITH.One needs to build up a following!
Finally and I know you've heard all this stuff before..I have tried to attempt a structure whereby any launch of new product can fail in a specific area.(All you have to do is mark X where you think the system can fall down!).. Firstly, On the Technical side.. The Equipment manufacturers (such as Sony,Philips,Pioneer etc ( ); Studio equipment manufacturers ( ) and Recording Studios ( ); Software release companies ( ); And on the marketing Side the Buying Public who need to be informed( ) Hi-FI Magazines and their Reviewers ( ) who all to readily listen to Hearsay; HI-FI Equipment Retailers ( ) No comment; and Software retailers (HMV, Virgin etc Where's the Staff training? ( ) and finally Musicians themselves (we can chop these off the list,the weakest link,through no fault of their own!)... ( )..As you can see, there are weaknesses in all areas. In conclusion I may say that I am looking forward to this new world of multichannel sound, and would like to give thanks to all the afficianadios out there who make the Joy and Inspiration possible,directly or indirectly simply because they have FAITH...!
mikespace
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