Why is SACD not really succeeding?

[dvda-sacd]

Given the ability of BRD to carry a DSD signal, SACD is technically already obsolete. They could theoretically put a full resolution SACD onto a BRD alongside a 1080p video at any time (well, as soon as they get the multilayer probs ironed out). In point of fact both of the current HD disc formats can do everything SACD or DVD-A can do, plus more.

Of course, there's no real consumer interest in such a product.

I think one of the appeals for audio purists is that there is no video on SACD.

 

[dvda-sacd]

I would like Blu-ray Disc were given the ability to carry DSD-128 (5.6448 MHz).

 

[Rob Babcock]

I think one of the appeals for audio purists is that there is no video on SACD.

By purist do you mean snob? There's no basis for believing that the presence of video will degrade the audio. Of course, there's also no need to include the video if the manufacturer opts not to- a disc is just a carrier. In a digital era it's irrational and shortsighted to maintain a bias for or against a carrier. The music is a ghost in the machine, it's the "spirit." The disc is just a shell. The music is data that can just as easily exist on a harddrive as it does on a round, shiny peice of plastic.

 

[dvda-sacd]

There's no basis for believing that the presence of video will degrade the audio.

It depends on your system. However, I must admit that it is not a real obstacle to audio quality, but I don't want DVD menus for my Hi-Fi system.

 

[Rob Babcock]

It depends on your system. However, I must admit that it is not a real obstacle to audio quality, but I don't want DVD menus for my Hi-Fi system.

Menues are unnecessary. The majority of my DVD-As (and all the newer ones) will play the MC track by default without turning on a monitor. This is purely a matter of how the disc is coded; it's just software. Any mfg'r could code their discs in this manner.

 

[dvda-sacd]

The majority of my DVD-As (and all the newer ones) will play the MC track by default without turning on a monitor.

I know it, but what about stereo? You have to navigate through the screen menu to switch the stereo mix. Furthermore, there are some DVD-As with no stereo mix. I think 192 kHz/24 bit stereo should be mandatory.

 

[shokhead]

It take less time to do the menu then to light a cig,just not a deal breaker for me.

 

[dvda-sacd]

It take less time to do the menu then to light a cig,just not a deal breaker for me.

OK, but what happens if you have a stereo audio only Hi-Fi system? I don't have a TV connected to every Hi-Fi system at home.

 

[Sleestack]

OK, but what happens if you have a stereo audio only Hi-Fi system? I don't have a TV connected to every Hi-Fi system at home.

I'm with you on that one. In my 5.1 system, the Pioneer Elite Pro1130HD and my cable box make a hum that I don't like to hear when listeing to music. I use the group switch on my surge protector to shut those things down dueing extended audio listening. When i listento DVD-As like Stupid Dream or Deadwing by Porcupine Tree, I have to turn on the TV to get to the proper menus for the extra 5.1 tracks. Also, if I happen to hit a wrong button, I can end up in menus and don't know where I am. I ususally end up having to turn on the TV. I don't think most people would care abut this issue b/c they don't listen to a ton of DVD-A and SACD, but you and I seem to share some concerns.

 

[shokhead]

OK, but what happens if you have a stereo audio only Hi-Fi system? I don't have a TV connected to every Hi-Fi system at home.

I see your point,i guess. I think most have there audio combined with there tv as for A/V. I'm pretty sure if you dont have your tv you see most the same menu stuff on your receivers screen.

 

[billy p]

The Fact

they cost around $30.00 plus(cdn) and the selection is so very limited and at the very least the BANDS I would pay for have no or few titles. I mean $30 bones for the sake of owning one of these unwanted titles I think not.
PS: I am picking up the FLOYD DVD (PLUSE) when released in a few weeks you got to start somewhere..

 

[dvda-sacd]

they cost around $30.00 plus(cdn)

What SACD does it cost $30.00 plus?

the selection is so very limited

That's true.

 

[shokhead]

What SACD does it cost $30.00 plus?


That's true.

I havent paid over $20 before tax on a single disc. Your getting bent over.

 

[JAD2]

Why??? Average Joe doesnt know even what it is.
It wasnt too long ago until I hit the forums that I even knew what it was. I had never heard it mentioned at all and found out about it when I looked over my DVD manual real good.
Average Joe uses Ipod and the likes for quick easy listening, but when is his vehicle and his home does try to get the best sound he can.
Myself, I hate malls, giant masses of idiotic consumers wandering mindless and endlesslyfor whatever. Try to find SACD's and when you do, something in your taste musically. Finally I find one, Pink Floyd, loved it, but now I cant find any others I like taste wise. Cost is a little bit too much to bear at times and I have to go to the net to get mine, which then the cost comes down when I ebay them. Joe Smo is so scared of the net and using his credit card, he wont even if he has net access and knows where to look.

Bottom line is its not known about.
Cost is high for some.
Cant find them.
Limited to crap most dont listen too.

 

[krabapple]

I havent paid over $20 before tax on a single disc. Your getting bent over.

He's in Canada, perhaps mostly buying imports.


I've paid over $30 for a Japanese SACD.

 

[BostonMark]

DVD Audio Menus

I do wish there was a way to select without an onscreen menu too!

In my main home theater setup, I don't use a TV, I use a projector and movie screen. Waiting for the projector to warm up, then using a few minutes of the $400.00 to replace bulb, so I can make sure that I get the mix I want can be a pain. Except on my Diana Krall DVDs, in which case I don't mind seeing her photo blown up to 105" screen.

However, as my dead format discs have grown, I do find that DVD audios have been outweighing SACDs

 

[Zer0beaT]

They do cost alot in Canada, and in my area the only place that carries them is Best Buy and Future Shop, and they've pretty much had the same stock for as long as I can remember and I've ran out of titles I want.

But I actually made a decision to give up SACD/DVDA buying.

I started to find that when I'd go out to buy new music, I'd be determined to find something on DVDA/SACD which meant I was letting the formats dictate my listening options, and frankly I think it's sad a pathetic to go about choosing what to listen to based on playback fidelity.

So I made a conscious choice to not give a crap about SACD/DVDA anymore CD titles are limitless. If it exists, it's probably on CD. And like others have mentioned, you take away Jazz and Classical, there really is hardly any selection at all on SACD/DVDA.

 

[supervij]

I've found a very small selection at the used record shops. In fact, all but one of my hi-res discs have been bought at such places. It's worth checking out, if you're the type to go to these shops often.

I'll never forget going into Future Shop, asking the salesboy in the music section, "Where' the hi-res audio section?" and seeing the blank look on his face! He truly had no idea what I meant. I pressed further: "You know, SACD and DVD-Audio?" The bulb went off: "Ohhh . . . audio on DVD!" and took me to the concerts on DVD section. I had to educate the poor kid on what hi-res audio really was, and even then he didn't know if they had any. When I finally did find the hi-res audio section, I was shocked at the (Canadian) prices: anywhere from $30 to $45 for a single disc! No wonder hi-res isn't really succeeding! The prices are ridiculous, the sales staff didn't know where in the store they'd be, didn't know anything about the formats!

One salesguy at a Future Shop was trying to convince me that hi-res audio can pass through optical or coax cable no problem. Poor guy -- he was really floundering, trying to sound like he knew all about it, when the opposite was true. Again, I had to educate him on All Things Hi-Res.

When I mention hi-res audio to my friends, generally their faces go blank. They have no idea what that means. Then I played Dark Side of the Moon (SACD) at a small party at my place (on my admittedly low-end equipment). The look of shock on their faces -- not to mention the quiet "wow"s and "whoa"s felt darn good. My girlfriend has no idea why I love it so much. "But it's multi-channel!" I say. "It puts you right inside the music! And even the stereo stuff SOUNDS so much better!" But she doesn't really hear it. I bristle when I hear the audio limitations in a 128 Kb/s encoded mp3, but it sounds just fine to her. And I suspect most people are like that. Sigh.

 

[Sarius]

Well, for my two cents:

I find that plain 'ol Redbook CD's though a properly setup system can provide a very involving and satisfying musical experience.

Pretty much everything that I want to listen to is available in that format, I can't say that for any of the 'super' formats.

In the cases where the same album's are available in both formats, the SACD/Hybrids cost about five bucks more, which isn't worth it to me as I'm completely happy with the CD.

Therefore, I haven't been in the least interested in 'upgrading' to any other format and remain committed to the Redbook CD format for the foreseeable future.

 

[Johnd]

But she doesn't really hear it. I bristle when I hear the audio limitations in a 128 Kb/s encoded mp3, but it sounds just fine to her. And I suspect most people are like that. Sigh.

And so it goes.