It looks as though DVD-A was down for the count but it looks as though it is saved by the bell thanks to Warner Records. This news is very exciting for those who have invested into DVD-A with the purchase of a receiver/ processor compatible with this format. We have to support Warner they have a great catalog and they are going against the current by giving us Hi-Res Audio rather that giving up and going compressed music MP3 and the likes. This is a great opportunity and maybe the other recording companies may want to compete (it's all about the money) and also give us DVD-A. This might be the spark that we need to get things going. Read this article. http://www.avguide.com/news/category/blog/

It looks as though DVD-A was down for the count but it looks as though it is saved by the bell thanks to Warner Records. This news is very exciting for those who have invested into DVD-A with the purchase of a receiver/ processor compatible with this format. We have to support Warner they have a great catalog and they are going against the current by giving us Hi-Res Audio rather that giving up and going compressed music MP3 and the likes. This is a great opportunity and maybe the other recording companies may want to compete (it's all about the money) and also give us DVD-A. This might be the spark that we need to get things going. Read this article. http://www.avguide.com/news/category/blog/

Not really news, but how I would love for that to be true. I'll believe it when I see/hear it.

But it's always great to read about how passionate folks are about hi-rez surround. If only record companies would listen (or license to those who listen).

After numerous comments to this web site by people begging for hi-rez DVD-A's, the people at Warner have seemed to back off. They state that it is too expensive " right now" for DVD-A's and for now they are going to focus on vinyl. Bummer !!!



Bill

I'll believe it when I see/hear it.
Exactly what I was thinking. :rolleyes:

My player will output both DVD-A and SACD. But, I gotta admit I love SACD so my DVD-A titles are very few. There are lots of SACD titles being released. I'm not so sure DVD-A can survive without some very critical marketing.

marcus

The becausesoundmatters.com web site is really all about captializing on the resurgence of interest in vinyl. WB is reissuing some of their classical albums on vinyl and will be charging $30 for them...it's already happening. It's a step in the right direction but falls short of really being HD Audio.

Sadly, interest in high resolution optical disc formats is relegated to a dedicated niche. AIX Records sells hybird DVD-Audio/Video products and I'm very pleased to say that every month is better than the last one...but the future is in HD Surround Music downloads..and soon iTrax.com will allow you access to the largest collection of REAL HD Audio content on the planet.

From what I read, isn't one of the codecs for BD/HD-DVD just DVD-A in a different wrapper?

Yep, the new formats include Dolby TrueHD [which is actually a ramped up MLP]. The problem is there is a war going on between formats, it is tremendously expensive to produce for the formats and the replication costs are prohibitive with minimum runs etc.

Just in reply to the other two formats.

At this point in time I think the best thing is for them to die and be replaced by something more mainstream that addresses the technical issues with SACD/DVD-A, ie bass management and 12-16 cables behind your rack.

Many people have said the same thing, they love the sound, then I tell them the cost to do it somewhat right and the excitement goes right away.

If they were to focus on an audio hi-res format once the BD/HD-DVD thing is settled hopefully we'll see a comeback for hi-res audio.

Maybe in another 3 to 3 years, when HD players are in the millions, the record companies can put out albums with Dolby TrueHD. For now, I would like some more DVD-Audio albums.

Just in reply to the other two formats.

At this point in time I think the best thing is for them to die and be replaced by something more mainstream that addresses the technical issues with SACD/DVD-A, ie bass management and 12-16 cables behind your rack.

Many people have said the same thing, they love the sound, then I tell them the cost to do it somewhat right and the excitement goes right away.

If they were to focus on an audio hi-res format once the BD/HD-DVD thing is settled hopefully we'll see a comeback for hi-res audio.

HDMI 1.2 allows for this. Actually, HDMI 1.1 allows for multichannel PCM from either format and 1.2 allows DSD. All you need are players to implement it. The Oppo 970HD can play both formats as multichannel PCM over HDMI, and there's a Pioneer universal player in Europe that supports DSD over HDMI.

I hope this is true. I love dvd-a, and SACD for that matter.
If anyone has a bluray player and appreciates good jazz, i would suggest you listen to Chris Botti Live. It is a 96 kHz/24bit uncompressed 5.1 pcm track and sounds quite incredible.

HDMI 1.2 allows for this. Actually, HDMI 1.1 allows for multichannel PCM from either format and 1.2 allows DSD. All you need are players to implement it. The Oppo 970HD can play both formats as multichannel PCM over HDMI, and there's a Pioneer universal player in Europe that supports DSD over HDMI.

That pioneer player will send out the dsd over hdmi but you have to have a receiver that will accept that signal and immediately do a D/A conversion. Otherwise, there is no benefit. The problem, from what i've read, is that there is no bass management and acoustic equalizers may not be applied to this signal.

HDMI 1.2 allows for this. Actually, HDMI 1.1 allows for multichannel PCM from either format and 1.2 allows DSD. All you need are players to implement it. The Oppo 970HD can play both formats as multichannel PCM over HDMI, and there's a Pioneer universal player in Europe that supports DSD over HDMI.

The Oppo can? Where have I been? I've been waiting for a player that would play multichannel PCM over HDMI for both DVD-A and SACD for years. That would eliminate my reliance on the I-link format, since Pioneer seems to be getting rid of it. I'd be great to be able to buy a new receiver without having to worry about denon link or I-link, and instead just make sure there's an extra HDMI input.

The Oppo can? Where have I been? I've been waiting for a player that would play multichannel PCM over HDMI for both DVD-A and SACD for years. That would eliminate my reliance on the I-link format, since Pioneer seems to be getting rid of it. I'd be great to be able to buy a new receiver without having to worry about denon link or I-link, and instead just make sure there's an extra HDMI input.


The new Oppo http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/dv980h_image.asp
does DSD over HDMI (it's HDMI 1.2a).
Just remember firewire has a lot less jitter than HDMI.

The new Oppo http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/dv980h_image.asp
does DSD over HDMI (it's HDMI 1.2a).
Just remember firewire has a lot less jitter than HDMI.

Audible jitter or just measurable jitter?

There are lots of SACD titles being released.

Define "lots", Marcus. Maybe if you're into Classical, Jazz, or music released on "boutique" labels you're seeing "lots" of titles. As a mainstream Rock/Pop fan, I'm not seeing "lots", just the handful that MoFi releases.

The new Oppo http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/dv980h_image.asp
does DSD over HDMI (it's HDMI 1.2a).
Just remember firewire has a lot less jitter than HDMI.

Thanks for the link and info. It's good to know this is at least an option if I decide to upgrade to separates or a new receiver that doesn't have an alternative way of connecting digitally to SACD/DVD-A players.

Define "lots", Marcus. Maybe if you're into Classical, Jazz, or music released on "boutique" labels you're seeing "lots" of titles. As a mainstream Rock/Pop fan, I'm not seeing "lots", just the handful that MoFi releases.
Well, I got more than 30 new releases this week alone. Of course, they are classical. Mebbe you should broaden your horizons. :)

I think it is an issue of Chicken or Egg... I listen to a broad range, and that got me into SACD/DVD-Audio, but there just are not too many Rock/Pop releases out there. People wont invest in the format if titles they want are not available, and companies wont release those titles if the market is not available.
When these formats were launched, they were expensive, so even if titles were available, the market wasn't there. Now that many dvd players come with support for these formats, it might be a good time to try and build that market with a wider range of titles.

People wont invest in the format if titles they want are not available, and companies wont release those titles if the market is not available.
When these formats were launched, they were expensive, so even if titles were available, the market wasn't there.

There you go. I got into Compact Disc when I saw the volume of titles that were available in the Spring of 1988. The market grew because the format was adopted and the studios were gung ho.

I got into DVD-Audio/SACD 15 years later because of titles available by artists I had an interest in and when I heard them, I was even more impressed than CD. Problem is, the rest of the market didn't follow and I question whether the studios were ever really enthused.

I'm glad for the titles I have, but it's been years since I've bought a new release. Sorry Marcus, I'll listen to Classical Music from time-to-time, but I don't invest in it.

Dr. Waldrep- Been meaning to ask you this for some time: My Panny S-97 DVD player plays DVD-As, and that is what I play your disks on. It came with an HDMI 1.1 cable. If I buy a new Onkyo TX-NR 905 receiver which can decode the Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio codecs, will it be able to play your disks in all their glory? IOW, I think Dolby True HD IS the DVD-A format, just in 7.1 instead of 5.1 channels. (As you say, it is MLP). If true, would it not be able to decode your disks and just be getting 5 channels instead of 7? I'm probably going to be using only 4 speakers and maybe a center channel, so would I hear your four main channels using the Panny S-97 and the Onkyo 905? What I mean is, the 905 is not advertised as being able to decode DVD-A, but if it can decode Dolby TrueHD and that IS the DVD-A format, just in 7 instead of 5 channels, won't the 905 decode your disks just fine? I don't see why you would have to produce for Dolby True HD if it is just the DVD-A standard only in 7 channels. Your disks will play in all their 5.1 channel glory on the 905, no? I agree that if you wanted to fully exploit Dolby True HD you'd have to add two more channels to your disks, but won't your current 5.1 channels play with my player and its HDMI cable into the 905? I think most Aix fans would be delighted if you just keep producing disks with 5.1 channels and so you don't have to produce for the Dolby TrueHD format by adding 2 more channels. The big question, again, is: Will a Dolby TrueHD receiver decode your 5.1 channels? And your video side has the audio in DTS, no? Then would not the DTS-Master Audio decoder in the 905 decode THAT audio?

Yep, the new formats include Dolby TrueHD [which is actually a ramped up MLP]. The problem is there is a war going on between formats, it is tremendously expensive to produce for the formats and the replication costs are prohibitive with minimum runs etc.

Dr. Waldrep- Been meaning to ask you this for some time: My Panny S-97 DVD player plays DVD-As, and that is what I play your disks on. It came with an HDMI 1.1 cable. If I buy a new Onkyo TX-NR 905 receiver which can decode the Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio codecs, will it be able to play your disks in all their glory? IOW, I think Dolby True HD IS the DVD-A format, just in 7.1 instead of 5.1 channels. (As you say, it is MLP). If true, would it not be able to decode your disks and just be getting 5 channels instead of 7? I'm probably going to be using only 4 speakers and maybe a center channel, so would I hear your four main channels using the Panny S-97 and the Onkyo 905? What I mean is, the 905 is not advertised as being able to decode DVD-A, but if it can decode Dolby TrueHD and that IS the DVD-A format, just in 7 instead of 5 channels, won't the 905 decode your disks just fine? I don't see why you would have to produce for Dolby True HD if it is just the DVD-A standard only in 7 channels. Your disks will play in all their 5.1 channel glory on the 905, no? I agree that if you wanted to fully exploit Dolby True HD you'd have to add two more channels to your disks, but won't your current 5.1 channels play with my player and its HDMI cable into the 905? I think most Aix fans would be delighted if you just keep producing disks with 5.1 channels and so you don't have to produce for the Dolby TrueHD format by adding 2 more channels. The big question, again, is: Will a Dolby TrueHD receiver decode your 5.1 channels? And your video side has the audio in DTS, no? Then would not the DTS-Master Audio decoder in the 905 decode THAT audio?

I know this wasn't directed at me, but I also have the S97, and it will send the decoded DVD-A as 5.1 PCM to an any HDMI 1.1 equipped receiver that will receive Mch PCM. I do this now with a Yammy v661. TrueHD and DVD-A do share the MLP compression algorithm, but the similarities stop there. The biggest difference being the encryption algorithms. I thought the same once, so I popped a DVD-A into my Toshiba XA2 HD-DVD, but no go. All I got was the DTS track or the stereo track.

Well, I got more than 30 new releases this week alone. Of course, they are classical. Mebbe you should broaden your horizons. :)

I'm on the Harmonia Mundi media list (they distribute numerous labels, including Channel Classics, Praga, their own label, etc.), and I get their catalog every month or so. For the past several months, I don't believe I've seen an SACD title in the catalogs I've rec'd. It appears as if the slowdown in SACD releases (to put it very nicely) is beginning to creep into classical titles as well.

The Dolby TrueHD algorithm is based on MLP with some extensions for additional channels. The DVD-Audio format is more than just a bucket for MLP just as HD DVD is more than a bucket for TrueHD. I believe your player will pass the decoded PCM tracks out the HDMI cable to a properly setup HDMI enable receiver...but it comes as no surprise the a Toshiba HD DVD player won't play a DVD-Audio disc. There are additional licenses [technologies] that would have to be implemented...and paid for.

AIX Records sells hybird DVD-Audio/Video products and I'm very pleased to say that every month is better than the last one...but the future is in HD Surround Music downloads..and soon iTrax.com will allow you access to the largest collection of REAL HD Audio content on the planet.[/QUOTE]


Dr AIX,
That is your thoughts on compromising quality of HD Audio by providing acceptable file size for internet downloading?

I'm on the Harmonia Mundi media list (they distribute numerous labels, including Channel Classics, Praga, their own label, etc.), and I get their catalog every month or so. For the past several months, I don't believe I've seen an SACD title in the catalogs I've rec'd. It appears as if the slowdown in SACD releases (to put it very nicely) is beginning to creep into classical titles as well.Only the last one lacked any SACDs.

Dolby TrueHD is MLP lossless, but it is not DVD-A. If it were it would be a patent infringement (not that this would stop an 800 lb corporation). It is just that there is so much money to be made in the new codecs that Dolby doesn't need to make waves. Also, no studio is mastering 7.1 lossless (yet).

At the same time DTS is moving towards a codec liscensing entity and scaling back on the produciton buisness model.

While we as users want "Beyond Hi-Fi", the market has spoken and it wants quantity over quality.

Looks like my DVD-A and SACD will be moving closer to my QS collection. However, the New Oppo does kick ass!

The new Oppo http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/dv980h_image.asp

Havent heard jutter yet, just my oppinion.

[QUOTE=Desmo888] Also, no studio is mastering 7.1 lossless (yet).

QUOTE]

"The Way to Paradise" HD DVD is comming in August with Electronic Music Produced for
7.1 Audio Experience. :cool:

A couple of points. Dolby was the licensing representative for MLP [from Meridian Audio in Cambridge, UK] as it related to DVD-Audio AND they've continued the relationship for the TrueHD rebranding of the same technology...there is not patent infringement or other intellectual property issues.

To the question about sacrificing audio quality when venturing into the download music service area...i.e. iTrax.com, I don't plan to compromise at all. The site will allow users to choose between 7 different encoding schemes [qualities] and 3 different mixing perspectives. That's right each file will be available in 21 different versions...why do you think it's been in development for so long?

At the low end of the quality spectrum will be MP3s at 192 kbps, Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless, FLAC and finally full 96 kHz/24-bits. The mixes are stereo, "stage" 5.1 and "audience" 5.1. The typical file ranges from a few megs to over 400 Megs...yeah a lot of time for downloading but doable with FIOS and the upcoming comcast technology [about 10 seconds!]. The future is pretty clear...at least to me. The audiophiles will have more choices...those that prefer vinyl will have there turntables, those that want to play their existing catalog via CD quality and in stereo will survive [at least for while] and those that are truely interested in the advancements offered by HD Audio in Surround will be able to download the files to whatever media they want...DVD-Audio or servers.

HD Surround Music is alive and well!

A couple of points. Dolby was the licensing representative for MLP [from Meridian Audio in Cambridge, UK] as it related to DVD-Audio AND they've continued the relationship for the TrueHD rebranding of the same technology...there is not patent infringement or other intellectual property issues.

To the question about sacrificing audio quality when venturing into the download music service area...i.e. iTrax.com, I don't plan to compromise at all. The site will allow users to choose between 7 different encoding schemes [qualities] and 3 different mixing perspectives. That's right each file will be available in 21 different versions...why do you think it's been in development for so long?

At the low end of the quality spectrum will be MP3s at 192 kbps, Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless, FLAC and finally full 96 kHz/24-bits. The mixes are stereo, "stage" 5.1 and "audience" 5.1. The typical file ranges from a few megs to over 400 Megs...yeah a lot of time for downloading but doable with FIOS and the upcoming comcast technology [about 10 seconds!]. The future is pretty clear...at least to me. The audiophiles will have more choices...those that prefer vinyl will have there turntables, those that want to play their existing catalog via CD quality and in stereo will survive [at least for while] and those that are truely interested in the advancements offered by HD Audio in Surround will be able to download the files to whatever media they want...DVD-Audio or servers.

HD Surround Music is alive and well!

Glad to hear that.
That format you will deliver 96 kHz/24-bits lossless 5.1 Audio that actually is HD Surround Music? How many titles you will feature and that price listeners need to pay for that?

Since the hi-def DVD players wont play DVD-A then, should I buy an extra Panny S-97 player just to have when the current one dies? I REALLY think that one can get 5.1 channels of DVD-A signal from such a player to the new receivers using 6 analog cables, if nothing else. People do that with the current receivers. I'm getting fabulous sound from the Aix disks now using two analog cables from the S-97 up to a stereo input on my Tandberg stereo receiver using a tape input on the Tandberg. So I guess I have not even ever heard an Aix in all its real glory, but even the way I'm doing it Aix are 10X better than a CD using the same set-up. I am surprised to learn that HD players won't play DVD-A. The Panasonic DMPBD10 listing at $599 used to say it will play DVD-A. It came out around Dec. 2006. BB had it and probably still does. I guess it's a Blueray player. I think it is one of the few Hi Def video players that will play DVD-A. I just googled this player and everybody has it for ~$599. It is Pannys main-line BlueRay player apparently. Vanns and CC and 6th Ave have it, with varying amounts of detailed information. One says it plays "all your CDs and DVDs". No one now specifically says it plays DVD-A, but they were saying that in Dec. 2006. One blurb says it plays Dolby Dig Plus and Dolby Digital and that it plays Multichannel uncompressed PCM. I think this thing plays DVD-As. Panny was committed to DVD-A and never made a player that played SACD. The latter was a Sony product, of course.
I know this wasn't directed at me, but I also have the S97, and it will send the decoded DVD-A as 5.1 PCM to an any HDMI 1.1 equipped receiver that will receive Mch PCM. I do this now with a Yammy v661. TrueHD and DVD-A do share the MLP compression algorithm, but the similarities stop there. The biggest difference being the encryption algorithms. I thought the same once, so I popped a DVD-A into my Toshiba XA2 HD-DVD, but no go. All I got was the DTS track or the stereo track.

There will be HD DVD and Blu-Ray players that can play DVD-Audio, it's just a matter of time. Both sides are trying to eliminate each other right now. With DVD-Audio, it's just another royalty you have to pay to include it on the player. i wouldn't be surprised if a few players show up this fall, and for sure next year.

DVD-A may be a niche market, but there are still millions of audiophiles who own the disks, and Dr. Waldrep is expanding that number all the time. See my edit above about the Panny BD10 Blueray player that I think can play DVD-As right now.
There will be HD DVD and Blu-Ray players that can play DVD-Audio, it's just a matter of time. Both sides are trying to eliminate each other right now. With DVD-Audio, it's just another royalty you have to pay to include it on the player. i wouldn't be surprised if a few players show up this fall, and for sure next year.

Since the hi-def DVD players wont play DVD-A then, should I buy an extra Panny S-97 player just to have when the current one dies? I REALLY think that one can get 5.1 channels of DVD-A signal from such a player to the new receivers using 6 analog cables, if nothing else. People do that with the current receivers. I'm getting fabulous sound from the Aix disks now using two analog cables from the S-97 up to a stereo input on my Tandberg stereo receiver using a tape input on the Tandberg. So I guess I have not even ever heard an Aix in all its real glory, but even the way I'm doing it Aix are 10X better than a CD using the same set-up. I am surprised to learn that HD players won't play DVD-A. The Panasonic DMPBD10 listing at $599 used to say it will play DVD-A. It came out around Dec. 2006. BB had it and probably still does. I guess it's a Blueray player. I think it is one of the few Hi Def video players that will play DVD-A. I just googled this player and everybody has it for ~$599. It is Pannys main-line BlueRay player apparently. Vanns and CC and 6th Ave have it, with varying amounts of detailed information. One says it plays "all your CDs and DVDs". No one now specifically says it plays DVD-A, but they were saying that in Dec. 2006. One blurb says it plays Dolby Dig Plus and Dolby Digital and that it plays Multichannel uncompressed PCM. I think this thing plays DVD-As. Panny was committed to DVD-A and never made a player that played SACD. The latter was a Sony product, of course.

The Panny S97 will play DVD-A over HDMI, and analog-out. I plan on replacing mine with the new Oppo 980H to add SACD to the mix. I'm keeping my S97 in the closet if for no other reason then it was probably the best bang-for-buck purchase I've ever made. Well, I guess the still working NAD 2200 I got off ebay 6 years ago might be better. I'm sure the Oppo will compete in the catagory as well.

Users will be able to download full 96 kHz/24-bit 5.1 mixes encoded with PCM audio...that's as good as it get in my opinion. We currently have encoded about 35 titles from out catalog with the range of pricing from about $.79 to $2.50 per track for a typical length track.

In the near future, we will be adding video of almost all of the tracks including HD Video. There will lots of choices of video quality, mix perspective and audio encoding type...another matrix of choices.

I bought mine in Oct. 2005. It is now about $50 less than I paid, so not real expensive at all, for what it is. It won heavily in an Audioholics shootout of DVD players and plays DVD-A too, so what a deal. I really still wonder why anyone would buy a hi-def DVD player, especially now that receivers like the upcoming Onkyo TX-NR905 with its Reon upscaler will upscale everything, surely any video the S-97 puts out, to 1080P. If that technology is there, and with the still very limited catalog of Hi def movie titles, and with them continuing to cost $25 and up, why bother with BlueRay and HD? I feel that most current movies are crap, their only advantage over movies from the 50's or earlier being the hi rez surround sound, and I for CERTAIN will never buy a BlueRay version of 1944's Double Indemnity. Only so many pixels there per frame and I can upscale it to 1080P with the Onkyp 905. I cant wait to see what that looks like. Last night I watched 1944's Destination Toyko with Cary Grant as a sub commander. Its a classic, probably cost $1 million to make, if that, and utterly blows out of the water a $200 million disater like Titanic. Movie making is a lost art for sure. The writing, directing, the special effects, the editing, all have gone straight to hell since the 50's.
The Panny S97 will play DVD-A over HDMI, and analog-out. I plan on replacing mine with the new Oppo 980H to add SACD to the mix. I'm keeping my S97 in the closet if for no other reason then it was probably the best bang-for-buck purchase I've ever made. Well, I guess the still working NAD 2200 I got off ebay 6 years ago might be better. I'm sure the Oppo will compete in the catagory as well.
X

Dr. Waldrep- What kind of a computer will I need to download Itrax tracks at 96 kHz/24 bit wordlength? You can buy a great media computer from HP for $2700. Will that do it? Would its burner be able to burn the hi rez standard we are discussing here? Maybe you dont need a special burner, maybe the denser information just takes longer to download and burn. But I'd like to know. What is the cheapest computer you would guess will work? I won't buy a real cheap one, but if we know the cheapest that will work, it gives us a base price to think about to start using Itrax. Is there some key piece of technology we should be sure any computer we buy has, some key spec? I'm essentially a moron wrt technology. Great to see you are busy encoding titles for Itrax. It really is coming, it seems.
Users will be able to download full 96 kHz/24-bit 5.1 mixes encoded with PCM audio...that's as good as it get in my opinion. We currently have encoded about 35 titles from out catalog with the range of pricing from about $.79 to $2.50 per track for a typical length track.

In the near future, we will be adding video of almost all of the tracks including HD Video. There will lots of choices of video quality, mix perspective and audio encoding type...another matrix of choices.

fresno, no need to buy a new/expensive computer to download/burn the Itrax tunes. You'd just need a burner and nero (or other program) to burn it. As far as playing back on the computer, that is dependent on having a capable audio card and software player such as powerdvd.

Good news. Thanks, David. The manuals that came with my current Gateway are so bad I cant even tell if I can burn disks. Geez. At worst I guess, Id have to buy a burner and download or buy Nero. Ill get back to you for more detail on that. I would never play hi rez on my silly little computer speakers. Theyll go into the Panny S-97. I have dial up but would go to hi-speed connection if needed for Itrax. Itrax really is exciting, when you think about it. Burn from net, and play on the big system.
fresno, no need to buy a new/expensive computer to download/burn the Itrax tunes. You'd just need a burner and nero (or other program) to burn it. As far as playing back on the computer, that is dependent on having a capable audio card and software player such as powerdvd.

The Oppo can? Where have I been? I've been waiting for a player that would play multichannel PCM over HDMI for both DVD-A and SACD for years. That would eliminate my reliance on the I-link format, since Pioneer seems to be getting rid of it. I'd be great to be able to buy a new receiver without having to worry about denon link or I-link, and instead just make sure there's an extra HDMI input.

The Oppo DV-980H can do pure DSD over HDMI 1.2a and can do a DSD>PCM conversion over HDMI. The DV-970HD can only do the DSD>PCM version over HDMI 1.1. Both can do DVD-A over HDMI.

Chris

A couple of points. Dolby was the licensing representative for MLP [from Meridian Audio in Cambridge, UK] as it related to DVD-Audio AND they've continued the relationship for the TrueHD rebranding of the same technology...there is not patent infringement or other intellectual property issues.

To the question about sacrificing audio quality when venturing into the download music service area...i.e. iTrax.com, I don't plan to compromise at all. The site will allow users to choose between 7 different encoding schemes [qualities] and 3 different mixing perspectives. That's right each file will be available in 21 different versions...why do you think it's been in development for so long?

At the low end of the quality spectrum will be MP3s at 192 kbps, Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless, FLAC and finally full 96 kHz/24-bits. The mixes are stereo, "stage" 5.1 and "audience" 5.1. The typical file ranges from a few megs to over 400 Megs...yeah a lot of time for downloading but doable with FIOS and the upcoming comcast technology [about 10 seconds!]. The future is pretty clear...at least to me. The audiophiles will have more choices...those that prefer vinyl will have there turntables, those that want to play their existing catalog via CD quality and in stereo will survive [at least for while] and those that are truely interested in the advancements offered by HD Audio in Surround will be able to download the files to whatever media they want...DVD-Audio or servers.

HD Surround Music is alive and well!

That is interesting news, when will it start happening? If you have mentioned it and I missed it or if that is just an unknown, I apologize.

Chris

The Oppo DV-980H can do pure DSD over HDMI 1.2a and can do a DSD>PCM conversion over HDMI. The DV-970HD can only do the DSD>PCM version over HDMI 1.1. Both can do DVD-A over HDMI.

Chris

You made my day man; I was looking for a reasonable priced SACD/DVD-A player (Im a student on budget after all) that could send DSD over HDMI and it seemed like there is no hope, till TODAY ofcourse.
Although im happy with my PS3's SACD playback but I wanted something that would consume less power and deliver DVD-A as well (my old panasonic HDMI-less DVD-A player is not as good nowdays) and Oppo seems to hit it again.
Wow man; very excited here.
Going for Pre-order!

PS: it's sad that nobody cares about audio quality anymore. Everybody seems to be happy with MP3 @ 128 or iTunes crappy AAC files! :(

Users will be able to download full 96 kHz/24-bit 5.1 mixes encoded with PCM audio...that's as good as it get in my opinion. We currently have encoded about 35 titles from out catalog with the range of pricing from about $.79 to $2.50 per track for a typical length track.

In the near future, we will be adding video of almost all of the tracks including HD Video. There will lots of choices of video quality, mix perspective and audio encoding type...another matrix of choices.

That is your view on building an audience for surround music downloads web site? I see some limitation to existing audience of people who have computers connected to hometheater sistems I am personaly cant wait to get my hands on your DTS tracks to make custom collection of music on DTS CD's but 35 titles are not anoth to attract new listeners without featuring major artists. Would you see iTracks to be primary your lable web site or you plan to develop the major surround music downloads outlet?

Can you believe that price? I do have to wonder how the DV-980H would do in the shootout Audioholics held though. The Panny S97 did very well. They tested on 30 or so parameters, most of which I had never heard of. Chroma etc. All sorts of famous brands did lousy. You cant just go by the big brand name. The S97 has indeed been a great performer both for vid and audio. I paid $274 and that was a discount from list in Nov. 2005. Now I see it for $225. The Oppo may be superior to the S97 for all I know, but I'd sure like to see an Audioholics shootout testing it.

The Oppo DV-980H can do pure DSD over HDMI 1.2a and can do a DSD>PCM conversion over HDMI. The DV-970HD can only do the DSD>PCM version over HDMI 1.1. Both can do DVD-A over HDMI.

Chris

Can you believe that price? I do have to wonder how the DV-980H would do in the shootout Audioholics held though. The Panny S97 did very well. They tested on 30 or so parameters, most of which I had never heard of. Chroma etc. All sorts of famous brands did lousy. You cant just go by the big brand name. The S97 has indeed been a great performer both for vid and audio. I paid $274 and that was a discount from list in Nov. 2005. Now I see it for $225. The Oppo may be superior to the S97 for all I know, but I'd sure like to see an Audioholics shootout testing it.

The 970HD set the bar in bang-for-buck digital audio. I would imagine the 980H will only improve on that.

The price is right for the 980H and I may buy one. The 970HD upconverted to 720P and 1080i. Now the 980H will upconvert to 1080P. Wow. Question for you, littlesaint: Have you found SACDs to sound better generally than DVD-As, other than Aix DVD-As of course, since they are pretty much the gold standard for hi-rez? I ask because I bought about 12 DVD-As before I discovered Aix, and they all sound pretty bad. My Panny S-97 wont play SACDs and I have never heard one. If SACDs sound better than non-Aix DVD-As, then I would really consider the 980H. Thanks.
The 970HD set the bar in bang-for-buck digital audio. I would imagine the 980H will only improve on that.

The price is right for the 980H and I may buy one. The 970HD upconverted to 720P and 1080i. Now the 980H will upconvert to 1080P. Wow. Question for you, littlesaint: Have you found SACDs to sound better generally than DVD-As, other than Aix DVD-As of course, since they are pretty much the gold standard for hi-rez? I ask because I bought about 12 DVD-As before I discovered Aix, and they all sound pretty bad. My Panny S-97 wont play SACDs and I have never heard one. If SACDs sound better than non-Aix DVD-As, then I would really consider the 980H. Thanks.I have found neither medium superior when the producers do their job well. The major variable is not the medium or technology, it is the humans using same.

I prefer SACD since there are many more well-done discs in that medium that have repertoire that appeals to me. If my tastes were otherwise, I might prefer DVD-A, such as represented by AIX.

fresno,

I agree with you on the AIX discs. They are incredible. My question is what other DVD-A's are you listening to ?? I can see a few of them being sub-par ( read Silverline ), but there are some very good DVD-A's out there. I really have no preference SACD / DVD-A as long as they are well produced. Getting a player capable of doing both is an extra bonus. And this Oppo is priced right.

Cheers,


Bill

Man, is it ever priced right. The way people have raved about Oppo, I always thought they cost $35,000 or something. This one is damned near free! I can see the big brown truck swinging in here with one in my future. Here are some DVD-A's that I thought were a giant disappointment and pissed me off re the DVD-A format until I found Aix.
Paul Simon You're the One, Dianna Krall The Look of Love, Linda Rhonstadt What's New, Bela Fleck The Blue Grass Sessions, worst of all maybe is The Eagles Hotel California, Fleetwood Mac Rumors, Carly Simon No Secrets (wow, listen to the track "Waited So Long"- sexy) The Blue Man Group The Complex(- extreme irritation and disappointment- the first DVD-A I bought), David Sanborn Timeagain, Fourplay Fourplay, Natalie Meerchant Tigerlily. Every one of these sounds awful to me. Bear in mind I am listening to them through a mighty Tandberg 2075 stereo receiver using two analog cables into a tape input on the Tandberg. (Two Allison One speakers). Conceivably that is hurting the sound, yet Aix all sound absolutely wonderful thru the same rig. So Waldrep at Aix is right that recording everything live and new using hard drives instead of the old tapes all of the above disks use, makes all the difference. That and his skill at mastering. Every single one of the above just sounds irritating and horrible to me. Then last fall I bought the Beatles Love DVD-A and was astonished to find that that disk, played on the rig I have described here, sounds great! A huge revelation. DVD-A CAN be great. Then I tried some Aix and yes, they sure can be when done right. I am not knocking the artists above or the music. It the lousy job the engineers did in remastering it all for DVD-A. Waldrep and his Aix must make them feel like a bunch of bozos. BTW, what are some of the very good DVD-As that you say are out there? I would be MOST interested in knowing. Thanks. Also BTW, I bought two Bowers and Wilkins CDM-9NT speakers off Ebay. Still in their boxes. A super-honest Jew in Dallas sold them to me. (Super-Jew?) His ebay ratings are stellar. He has a devastatingly good-looking wife and sounds like a great guy on the phone. I'll probably buy the Onkyo Tx-NR905 receiver when it comes out, so I'll soon be listening in glorious 4.0.

fresno,

I agree with you on the AIX discs. They are incredible. My question is what other DVD-A's are you listening to ?? I can see a few of them being sub-par ( read Silverline ), but there are some very good DVD-A's out there. I really have no preference SACD / DVD-A as long as they are well produced. Getting a player capable of doing both is an extra bonus. And this Oppo is priced right.

Cheers,


Bill

Just to comment on AIX: I had(!) their Bach Brandenburg Concertos 3 & 5 DVD-A from them and it was absolutely horrible. The artists had a hard time actually playing the music without grave errors and there was no artistic expression whatsoever. Every High School chamber orchestra would have been more qualified.

Since then, I kinda stayed away from AIX (did a lot of Deutsche Grammophon, mdg, & TACET). Does anyone here have an AIX classical recording they can really recommend?

A couple of points beuchelt. First would be strictly on the AIX classical offerings. I don't think it is quite fair to compare the performances on an AIX release to the extensive catalog of a Deutsche Grammophone for example. I am sure Mr. Waldrep does not have the resources to hire, or master, performances from the great conductors, orchestras or performers of the world. I know he has the Beethoven 6th symphony from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, but I don't recall too many other full orchestras, etc. It may not be Karajan, or Bernstein, etc., but it's still good.

That said, I own a few AIX classical titles, and I don't find any of them disappointing artistically. Though admittedly, I am not an expert on classical music.

Now, the sonics are a different story. I think Mr. Waldrep takes good performances and provides outstanding sound quality and mixes. Take it for what it's worth.

You say you have stayed away from AIX. Bear in mind, classical is just a portion of their catalog. If you are open to non-classical titles, they have a lot of good offerings, again with outstanding sound quality and mixes.

Does anyone here have an AIX classical recording they can really recommend?

I have the Beethoven's 6th/Pines of Rome AIX. I own a couple other versions of Beethoven's 6th in high rez formats. (Barenboim on DVD-A and Charles Munch/Boston SO on SACD) But the AIX version is the one I choose 95% of the time.

ymmv

I have the Aix Brandenberg and absolutely LOVE it. It's like cold, sparkling wine coming over a waterfall onto one on a hot day. But then I know zilch about classical music and the nuances of performances. So beauty really is in the ear of the beholder and ignorance really can be bliss. I've sat through a few performances at the Metropolitan Opera House, and I have always thrilled to the sound of the big orchestra coming up, but no doubt expert musicians have cringed on occasion while I was thrilling.

Just to comment on AIX: I had(!) their Bach Brandenburg Concertos 3 & 5 DVD-A from them and it was absolutely horrible. The artists had a hard time actually playing the music without grave errors and there was no artistic expression whatsoever. Every High School chamber orchestra would have been more qualified.

Since then, I kinda stayed away from AIX (did a lot of Deutsche Grammophon, mdg, & TACET). Does anyone here have an AIX classical recording they can really recommend?

Just looked at www.oppodigital.com and their DV 981HD is recommended if your screen is more than 50" in size. The 980 has component outputs but the 981 does not, so be aware of that if you need them. The DV 981HD lists for $229. One reviewer says you can see an improvement in the PQ over the 980 if you have a larger screen.
[QUOTE=fresno1232001]The price is right for the 980H and I may buy one. The 970HD upconverted to 720P and 1080i. Now the 980H will upconvert to 1080P. Wow.

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate the feedback. I will see if I can get my hand on the Beethoven 6/Pines of Rome DVD and take a closer look at that.

BTW: I would agree with everyone so far that the recording/mastering on the AIX disc was done well - it was just that I did not like the artists at all. I have a few versions of the Brandenburg Concertos and the one on DVD-A that I do like quite a bit is the Academy of St. James/Pini Silverline (yeah, I know) recording.

If any of you are interested in classical music DVD-As, I also recommend the TACET label. Most of what I heard so far was artistically well executed (not necessarily brilliant, but quite good overall). They are also experimenting with the Surround features: You will hear the musicians not only from the front in a traditional orchestra setting, but instead seated AROUND the listening position. A little odd in the beginning, but quite charming after a while, especially for small chamber ensembles.

Just looked at www.oppodigital.com and their DV 981HD is recommended if your screen is more than 50" in size. The 980 has component outputs but the 981 does not, so be aware of that if you need them. The DV 981HD lists for $229. One reviewer says you can see an improvement in the PQ over the 980 if you have a larger screen.
[QUOTE=fresno1232001]The price is right for the 980H and I may buy one. The 970HD upconverted to 720P and 1080i. Now the 980H will upconvert to 1080P. Wow.

I use the Oppo DV-980H with a 720p LCD front projector to a 100" screen. I think it is excellent for that use but I don't have the DV-981HD for a comparison which might even be better.

Chris

I have the Beethoven's 6th/Pines of Rome AIX. I own a couple other versions of Beethoven's 6th in high rez formats. (Barenboim on DVD-A and Charles Munch/Boston SO on SACD) But the AIX version is the one I choose 95% of the time.

ymmv

I have that one among my 5 AIX discs and dozen or so classical DVD-A's. I can't be trusted to judge classical music, I listen so infrequently, but I like this one as well. New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Zdenek Macal, Music Director doesn't exactly sound world class to me, but if that orchestra is acceptable to beuchelt, that might be better than the others he mentions.

Chris

If any of you are interested in classical music DVD-As, I also recommend the TACET label. Most of what I heard so far was artistically well executed (not necessarily brilliant, but quite good overall). They are also experimenting with the Surround features: You will hear the musicians not only from the front in a traditional orchestra setting, but instead seated AROUND the listening position. A little odd in the beginning, but quite charming after a while, especially for small chamber ensembles.


If you lake this approach you should definitely try Virtual 3-dimensional Classical Orchestrations by Jero. It will blow your mind away. I got couple of TACET discs by Kal's recommendation but Jero's stuff fare beyond that in this perspective.

If you lake this approach you should definitely try Virtual 3-dimensional Classical Orchestrations by Jero. It will blow your mind away. I got couple of TACET discs by Kal's recommendation but Jero's stuff fare beyond that in this perspective.


ENOUGH, ALREADY!!

Thanks everyone!

I'll report later.

ENOUGH, ALREADY!!

Enouth that already? :mad:
You have all this forum dedicated to AIX Records. Nothing bad about that but where is artist who is producing unique Records but you are talking about stuff that that making no significate difference. I have tons of music on DVD-A but no new ideas. THIS IS THE NEW IDEA.
　

You've already started two threads about Jero. I admire your enthusiasm for this product, but it doesn't belong in every thread.

You've already started two threads about Jero. I admire your enthusiasm for this product, but it doesn't belong in every thread.

Why you think it is not belong here?
person was describing Music produced by Tacet label that use some of principals Jero using in his work my small comment was most relevant to the subject discased.

You better go and attack somebody else, because
I am not going to tolerate bashing of my posts like that. I will tell you what is what.