Are you ready for Hi-Def vinyl?

[ArcamFan]

Found this interesting article on what is being termed as "Hi-Def Vinyl". Naturally, it doesn't state whether or not the new cutting process can still remain in the analog domain, something of importance as digitally mastered vinyl somewhat defeats the point of listening to the format.

http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2016/03/15/high-definition-vinyl-will-soon-become-a-reality/

 

[lovinthehd]

I think the term is just HD-Vinyl for now and a lot of people don't like it because....it ain't hi-def. http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=5622

The process seems to be quite digital in nature, what with the mapping and femto lasers and such. Supposedly gets played by a normal player so no real improvement in that sense. Still dragging a rock thru a plastic canyon in the end. I'd probably buy one to see what its like but unless they're generally going to be competitive...like $10 an album....probably not too interested. Haven't bought vinyl in ages already....

 

[ArcamFan]

I think the term is just HD-Vinyl for now and a lot of people don't like it because....it ain't hi-def. http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=5622

The process seems to be quite digital in nature, what with the mapping and femto lasers and such. Supposedly gets played by a normal player so no real improvement in that sense. Still dragging a rock thru a plastic canyon in the end. I'd probably buy one to see what its like but unless they're generally going to be competitive...like $10 an album....probably not too interested. Haven't bought vinyl in ages already....

The big deal about this new manufacturing process is that it takes less then half the normal time needed to produce a record, thus reducing costs and it can hold 30% more music without degrading sound quality which would bring it more in line with CD time length.

The only issue being that if the process is all within the digital realm then it's just essentially a huge lossy CD, really cool for the artwork and collectibility factor but misses the point musically. LP's should be analog!

 

[lovinthehd]

The big deal about this new manufacturing process is that it takes less then half the normal time needed to produce a record, thus reducing costs and it can hold 30% more music without degrading sound quality which would bring it more in line with CD time length.

The only issue being that if the process is all within the digital realm then it's just essentially a huge lossy CD, really cool for the artwork and collectibility factor but misses the point musically. LP's should be analog!

Well I don't think the process is even in actual production yet. 30% louder 30% more content is supposedly selling points for it....and that's even questionable if both are possible. Does vinyl even have enough legs again to support the investment/plant needed? People are going to start recording in analog again?

 

[Speedskater]

How do you get more playing time? Ever see a micro-photo of a track playing serious bass?

 

[lovinthehd]

How do you get more playing time? Ever see a micro-photo of a track playing serious bass?

Until it goes into production who knows? They claim up to 30% volume increase and 30% more playing time but this seems to be asking a lot of the format. Computer optimization of groove spacing I can see improving things....but that much? Or maybe it's more an either/or thing which would be more realistic. If it ever makes it to market....

 

[3db]

Question..what makes standard vinyl so nice is that its immune to the loudness war. Will this HD vinyl now become more susceptible to the loudness wars?

 

[j_garcia]

 

[lovinthehd]

I can think of some vinyl that was recorded badly, too. Those producing the music recordings always have the capability of not doing it well....and for the analog only fans will this be enough to get analog recording back as well?

 

[Steve81]

I can think of some vinyl that was recorded badly, too.

Indeed, you can constrain dynamic range on any format if you're willing to try. That said, my understanding is that the physical element of tracking/reading vinyl makes the loudness wars more difficult to implement on that format. On a CD, you don't have to worry about a laser jumping out of the groove.

 

[lovinthehd]

Bad recordings don't always relate to compression, altho vinyl does have inherent limitations in what you can put into a groove....but they are apparently addressing this "limitation" with an ability for additional loudness? How will the producers use that capability I wonder....

 

[j_garcia]

And here is the first test of HD Vinyl

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/a-laser-etched-tortilla-can-actually-play-music-like-a-1716377445

 

[Bizarro_Stormy]

 

[killdozzer]

Question..what makes standard vinyl so nice is that its immune to the loudness war. Will this HD vinyl now become more susceptible to the loudness wars?

How has this loudness war been conducted in digital media? This has been troubling me, I can't understand why some CD's play louder. Is there a piece of information telling the CD player how high the peak level should rise?

killdozzer

 

[lovinthehd]

How has this loudness war been conducted in digital media? This has been troubling me, I can't understand why some CD's play louder. Is there a piece of information telling the CD player how high the peak level should rise?

killdozzer

 

[killdozzer]

Does this mean the answer was in the question? And I know what you're gonna do, you're gonna just quot this again, aren't you?

killdozzer

 

[Irvrobinson]

You can use modern automotive suspension technology to build an awesome horse-drawn wagon too.

 

[lovinthehd]

Does this mean the answer was in the question? And I know what you're gonna do, you're gonna just quot this again, aren't you?

killdozzer

No, it means I fat-fingered something when reading your post earlier on my mobile....

The particular purpose many producers use dynamic range compression for is to make it louder....