We saw Chris Botti Live along with Diana Krall a few weeks ago at the Fox in Detroit.

I had canceled Netflix about a month ago when we joined BB Online. I picked Chris Botti's live concert without even knowing who he was. It was coincidence we bought Dianna Krall tickets a few weeks later and he was opening.

He was incredible live, for those not familiar he is a Jazz Trumpet player. We liked his show more than Diana's which was disappointing in the incredibly small set she played.

Either way we enjoyed Chris so much we bought one of his CD's...it was so horrible I actually sent an email to his website and producer. Worst production I've heard in a long long time, sounded like a CD mastered from scratchy LP's stored in a basement since the 70's...ok well not that bad but you get the idea.

So I cancel BB Online and switch back to Netflix. I move the Chris Botti BD upto the top of the list and it was delivered today.

Its amazing...PCM 5.1 at 13.8mbps. Its pretty close to being there. This is the best audio I've heard on anything, BD, HD-DVD, DVD-A, SACD, etc.

The soundstage is incredible even in my acoustically poor room. I've been wanting to do the room to increase the presence but if all my music sounded like this I'd leave it alone.

Its so close to the concert hall sound. You can close your eyes and the only thing missing is the 'airy" sound of a large venue. I have pretty sensitive hearing and have a good feeling for the sound of open space. If it were not for that I'd say I was there.

I'm listening to it and cannot believe how great it sounds.

Its a Sony/Columbia release so I hope they continue this quality of release.

PQ is OK, good at times, DVD quality at worse. Video is AVC at 28mpbs average. They could get away with the same PQ at 20mbps.

Seriously this is enough for me to be happy with my PS3 purchase by itself.

I've only been wowed a few times. Love on DVD-A, my first Porcupine Tree DVD-A, and a very very select few others.

This tops them all. Even if your not a fan check it out, its phenomenal. If your a fan of Blade Runner's music then you'll like it, its the first thing to come to mind :)

Its $14.95 at Amazon right now, this should be a blind buy for anyone interested in good SQ.

I like his music overall. I'm trying to remember if Chris Botti Live is the performance with Sting, Shawn Colvin, Karen Teperberg, Jason Rebello and Shayne Fontaine? That was an awesome concert I admit.

Of course if you're listening on a PS3 the airy quality you mention is more likely the noisy fan ;)

Its with Sting, Paula Cole, Gladys Knight, and a few others.

I'm just listening to the finishing act and am still amazed. Everything else is going to sound like crap now :)

My PS3 fan is louder than I'd like but the fix for that is the volume knob....Its never bothersome unless the room is DEAD silent which has not been a problem so far.

Its a fantastic piece and there is a level of detail in the music that is so far superior to anything else I've heard. Technically Love is close, very close but this is live and the mix is perfect.

We saw Chris Botti Live along with Diana Krall a few weeks ago at the Fox in Detroit.

I had canceled Netflix about a month ago when we joined BB Online. I picked Chris Botti's live concert without even knowing who he was. It was coincidence we bought Dianna Krall tickets a few weeks later and he was opening.

He was incredible live, for those not familiar he is a Jazz Trumpet player. We liked his show more than Diana's which was disappointing in the incredibly small set she played.

Either way we enjoyed Chris so much we bought one of his CD's...it was so horrible I actually sent an email to his website and producer. Worst production I've heard in a long long time, sounded like a CD mastered from scratchy LP's stored in a basement since the 70's...ok well not that bad but you get the idea.

So I cancel BB Online and switch back to Netflix. I move the Chris Botti BD upto the top of the list and it was delivered today.

Its amazing...PCM 5.1 at 13.8mbps. Its pretty close to being there. This is the best audio I've heard on anything, BD, HD-DVD, DVD-A, SACD, etc.

The soundstage is incredible even in my acoustically poor room. I've been wanting to do the room to increase the presence but if all my music sounded like this I'd leave it alone.

Its so close to the concert hall sound. You can close your eyes and the only thing missing is the 'airy" sound of a large venue. I have pretty sensitive hearing and have a good feeling for the sound of open space. If it were not for that I'd say I was there.

I'm listening to it and cannot believe how great it sounds.

Its a Sony/Columbia release so I hope they continue this quality of release.

PQ is OK, good at times, DVD quality at worse. Video is AVC at 28mpbs average. They could get away with the same PQ at 20mbps.

Seriously this is enough for me to be happy with my PS3 purchase by itself.

I've only been wowed a few times. Love on DVD-A, my first Porcupine Tree DVD-A, and a very very select few others.

This tops them all. Even if your not a fan check it out, its phenomenal. If your a fan of Blade Runner's music then you'll like it, its the first thing to come to mind :)

Its $14.95 at Amazon right now, this should be a blind buy for anyone interested in good SQ.


Great review for music lovers. I have watch this Blu ray around 10 times already. The drum Solo is awesome. This is a blind buy for any one who loves music, your Blu collection can't only be action movies. We are telling the studio that we don't want music when we do not support Music Blu and we lose in the end.

Pick Up:

Legends or Jazz , John Legend, Destiny's Child etc.

Legends or Jazz .

I have to agree... I thought LoJ was even better that the CB disc. Although, I really liked the CB disc. Both are worth a blind buy! :)

I love this disk too. I bought it for $10.60 free shipping from deepdiscount.com. Even CDs are more expensive than that !

This and legends of jazz are two bds i've watched multiple times. More than any other movie I bought.

Bought this today from Best Buy. It is great.

Also the fact that it fills the entire screen w/no black bars.

Never understood why a lot of movies are transferred to DVD/Blu ray in 2:10 aspect ratio. (Please do not explain, especially the answer that it was shot that way and meant to be seen that way by the director!)

I have Legends of Jazz and Chris Botti Live. LOJ was my audio reference previously, an amazingly good disk with a variety of jazz (and blues) but this CB disk just plain rocks at 13.8Mbps. I fully agree about the last track on the disk... The drum solo. I can't wait to play this for my dad who is a real jazz and blues fan.

Well I bought it today at Best Buy as it is the first time honesty I remember seeing it on this store's shelf.

I cannot wait to try this one. It clocks in with much more playing time than the Legends Of Jazz BD which I never bought. I admit that one is very good but I came away wanting more music! :)

This is actually one of my very favorite BDs. I think Botti's been unfairly labelled as a 'smooth jazz' type of player, and admittedly there's some truth to that, but this BD shows that he's much, much better than that, IMO. As others have said, the audio quality is great (even in old-fashioned 2-channel stereo), but I think the PQ is fantastic as well.

Nice seeing you on this forum, Robert! :)

Russell

I own this disc and love it. The sound quality is superb, but the PQ doesn't come close to the PQ of Legends of Jazz.

My favorite performance on the Botti disc: "Good Morning Heartache"! Wow! :eek:

The drum solo at the end is pretty amazing as well. Heck, the whole disc is great! :)

This is going to a blind buy for me.
I'm a huge fan of concert disc. I actually prefer them to movies because I love music and truthfully, for this one reason I'm glad Bu-ray won the war.
It has capacity and bandwidth tp offer superb sound which is a must for music. After listening to Blu-ray concerts, it's hard for me to listen to concert DVDs that I have.
Thanks for good review. I'll be picking this one up.

I had no idea who Chris Botti was, but I was going to buy this title for the excellent audio quality. Then I saw a concert of his on HDNet, and I just did not enjoy it.

Steve,

What I can recommend for you to try is a Botti recording on CD entitled "When I Fall In Love" It is currently on sale at Boders for $11.99. Try samples on the listening station if you feel you must.

I sit in my comfy chair with my favorite bevarage I most like to sip with this CD recording cranked up. A no brainer IMHO! :)

Just wanted to say thanks to the OP and everyone else who rec this disc. Blind bought this yest at BB, but had never listened to Chris Botti before. Fantastic disc, and phenom audio. Awesome blind buy. What is amazing about this audio track is how much detail you can hear. You can feel the sound when the bass players fingers slide across the strings and hear each little sonic characteristic of this movement. Its almost too revealing at times, but of course its not as I love it.

hell yeah, chris botti :D
i like the one with paul buchanan, are u lonesome tonite.....

No doubt, this is one of my favorite BD purchases to date. Just opened it up this afternoon, and I can't wait to give it a more careful listen. Some fantastic playing on this BD. Beautiful to watch as well.

A few basic questions for you guys.

(1) Is the PCM surround sound audio option a higher quality than the Dolby Digital?

(2) Does anybody else find the overall mix to be a bit too heavy/hot on the trumpet, relative to the piano and orchestra? While I would of course expect the Chris' solo/melody playing to be out in front of the mix, there are times where I find the piano/strings to seem almost muted.. too much so. I am wondering if others are hearing this on their system? Maybe I am hearing a problem in my own speaker setup?

Newsflash: NEW ! -- "Chris Botti Live in Boston" BD coming on Mar 31st....160 mins of trumpet goodness....hopefully, PQ & AQ will be on par with the current BD release. :cool:

This is a good BD,you can see his skin tone with hair in very details,great sound.Also I wish David Foster and friends,The Hit Man will come out as a BD,this one is also good one in cd and dvd combo in DTS.I think it will be better if in TrueHD or DTS-HD MA.Please release this David BD,I like the St.Elmo's fire theme with Kenny G.

No doubt, this is one of my favorite BD purchases to date. Just opened it up this afternoon, and I can't wait to give it a more careful listen. Some fantastic playing on this BD. Beautiful to watch as well.

A few basic questions for you guys.

(1) Is the PCM surround sound audio option a higher quality than the Dolby Digital?

(2) Does anybody else find the overall mix to be a bit too heavy/hot on the trumpet, relative to the piano and orchestra? While I would of course expect the Chris' solo/melody playing to be out in front of the mix, there are times where I find the piano/strings to seem almost muted.. too much so. I am wondering if others are hearing this on their system? Maybe I am hearing a problem in my own speaker setup?

1. Yes, the PCM track is 5.1 uncompressed (lossless), therefore, it is much better than standard DD.

2. That I noticed, but it has been several months since I watch this Blu-ray.

For some reason on my combination of a BH 200 and Onkyo 705, I shows up as a 7.1 PCM mix on my receiver and it the mix sounds like the trumpet is coming out the back speakers. Very weird! Other than that, the audio is pristine. I personally hate the stylised video.

I've always been on the fence about getting this BD. But I did borrow it from the library a couple weeks ago and loved that "airy" sound, as you said. It sounds pretty amazing, very realistic reproduction of the concert sound. I'll probably be getting this soon just to hear Cinema Paradiso and Renee Olstead's voice (an excellent discovery from this concert!).

EDIT: Oops. Misread OP's post. I thought the concert had a nice airiness to it. Well-balanced and lively.

I've had this BD for a few weeks, and just had the chance to watch it now. It was a blind buy, but the reviews I read after buying it essentially said "reference quality sound; video quality merely OK". As a sound guy first, I was really pleased to see that it's done in 96/24 - as good as it gets.

I think it is an excellent BD. Maybe not QUITE as open and transparent as the best audio tracks I've heard, but it is very close. But what surprised me was the video quality. I thought it was really good, if not quite reference quality. Maybe lacking a touch of detail, but the contrast and colour saturation were superb, and the overall presentation was quite sharp. Much better than what the reviews claimed.

Now here's the part I would like explained. "Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Live at Radio City Music Hall" has been proclaimed to be one of, if not the, finest concert BDs ever for sound and video quality. I also own that one, and I can't figure it out. On my system, it looks OK, but it is somewhat flat and lacks contrast and colour saturation. The video quality of "Chris Botti: Live" is much better in every respect. I'm quite disappointed in the video quality of "Live at Radio City" - but the reviews say it is great. PQ for "Chris Botti" is supposed to be not so great, but to me it's much better than "Live at Radio City". :confused:

I've had this BD for a few weeks, and just had the chance to watch it now. It was a blind buy, but the reviews I read after buying it essentially said "reference quality sound; video quality merely OK". As a sound guy first, I was really pleased to see that it's done in 96/24 - as good as it gets.

I think it is an excellent BD. Maybe not QUITE as open and transparent as the best audio tracks I've heard, but it is very close. But what surprised me was the video quality. I thought it was really good, if not quite reference quality. Maybe lacking a touch of detail, but the contrast and colour saturation were superb, and the overall presentation was quite sharp. Much better than what the reviews claimed.

Now here's the part I would like explained. "Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Live at Radio City Music Hall" has been proclaimed to be one of, if not the, finest concert BDs ever for sound and video quality. I also own that one, and I can't figure it out. On my system, it looks OK, but it is somewhat flat and lacks contrast and colour saturation. The video quality of "Chris Botti: Live" is much better in every respect. I'm quite disappointed in the video quality of "Live at Radio City" - but the reviews say it is great. PQ for "Chris Botti" is supposed to be not so great, but to me it's much better than "Live at Radio City". :confused:

I will chime in on the video aspect and say that your observations are in complete contrast to mine. The Dave Matthews disc has much better video than the Chris Botti one. It's not even close, really. The Botti disc has all kinds of problems, including many artifacts, jaggies, and an overall lack of detail. The Dave Matthews disc is not perfect, but it sure doesn't have the same issues that the Botti disc has.

I own both of them, and really enjoy the heck out of each. I just wish the Botti disc had better PQ.

Geez - that is crazy. I can't even begin to imagine how to explain this contradiction. I saw only one review, in Sound & Vision, that came close to describing my experience with the "Dave Matthews" PQ. Otherwise, all the others said the same things you did.

Greetings,
I set up my Onkyo SR706 and speaker setup using the Audyssey feature on my receiver.

Not only does the trumpet sound overally hot in the mix, but I also find the upright bass to be too loud/dominant as well. Perhaps it is my setup/system? Others hear this as well.. or is it just my crazy ears/system?

Wanted to agree with earlier post in this thread. Chris may be most famous for being a "smooth" jazz player, but this DVD clearly shows has both taste, soul, swing, and chops.

When folks listen/watch this DVD, do you choose the Dolby Digital or the PCM surround option?

As a sound guy first, I was really pleased to see that it's done in 96/24 - as good as it gets.


No actually that accomplishment goes to the Divertimenti disc!

5.1 Channel 192 Khz 24 Bit PCM, DD-TrueHD, and DTS-MA.

It is like nothing you have ever heard before. Well…… unless you were there for the actual recording of that disc.

http://www.amazon.com/Divertimenti-Hybrid-SACD-Blu-Ray-Blu-ray/dp/B001DDY6US/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1232136955&sr=8-1

When folks listen/watch this DVD, do you choose the Dolby Digital or the PCM surround option?

Definitely PCM.

No actually that accomplishment goes to the Divertimenti disc!

5.1 Channel 192 Khz 24 Bit PCM, DD-TrueHD, and DTS-MA.

It is like nothing you have ever heard before. Well…… unless you were there for the actual recording of that disc.

http://www.amazon.com/Divertimenti-Hybrid-SACD-Blu-Ray-Blu-ray/dp/B001DDY6US/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1232136955&sr=8-1

Well, I THOUGHT that was as good as it gets :o

So how many other discs are recorded at 192/24? I would be very interested in them. I see this one comes with an SACD and a Blu-ray. How is the SACD recorded? Does it sound significantly better than other SACDs? How much better does the Blu-ray sound? I'm really curious now!

Well, I THOUGHT that was as good as it gets :o

So how many other discs are recorded at 192/24? I would be very interested in them. I see this one comes with an SACD and a Blu-ray. How is the SACD recorded? Does it sound significantly better than other SACDs? How much better does the Blu-ray sound? I'm really curious now!

The 2L label is releasing a second disc recorded like this one. The subject matter may not be as "likeable" as this one, though.

Chesky Records is offering a limited edition of Jazz Side of the Moon in 24/192 as well. This is an SACD from the master.

Here's the link:

http://www.chesky.com/core/details.cfm?productcode=SACD338H&productcategoryid=12

If you look at the Chesky site, they offer several more 24/192 limited editions in the "recent releases" category. They state "multi-channel", but I'm not sure if the 24/192 editions are multi or 2 channel.

Hope this helps,

Lee

I've always been on the fence about getting this BD. But I did borrow it from the library a couple weeks ago and loved that "airy" sound, as you said. It sounds pretty amazing, very realistic reproduction of the concert sound. I'll probably be getting this soon just to hear Cinema Paradiso and Renee Olstead's voice (an excellent discovery from this concert!).

EDIT: Oops. Misread OP's post. I thought the concert had a nice airiness to it. Well-balanced and lively.
agreed,this BD did sound airy with good surround presentation.

Blu-ray.com just posted the announcement of a new Chris Botti release, this one sporting a 7.1 TrueHD track.

Click here for the news (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2385)
Click for cover image (http://images.blu-ray.com/movies/covers/3965_front.jpg)

Are there 7.1 Tru HD tracks? I have only seen 7.1 DTS MA.

Are there 7.1 Tru HD tracks? I have only seen 7.1 DTS MA.

The only one I know of is THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Blu-ray.com just posted the announcement of a new Chris Botti release, this one sporting a 7.1 TrueHD track.

Click here for the news (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2385)
Click for cover image (http://images.blu-ray.com/movies/covers/3965_front.jpg)

Just pre-ordered it from Amazon!

The 2L label is releasing a second disc recorded like this one. The subject matter may not be as "likeable" as this one, though.

Chesky Records is offering a limited edition of Jazz Side of the Moon in 24/192 as well. This is an SACD from the master.

Here's the link:

http://www.chesky.com/core/details.cfm?productcode=SACD338H&productcategoryid=12

If you look at the Chesky site, they offer several more 24/192 limited editions in the "recent releases" category. They state "multi-channel", but I'm not sure if the 24/192 editions are multi or 2 channel.

Hope this helps,

Lee

Thanks. I have a Chesky sampler CD, and you know you will always get high sampling rate, audiophile-quality recordings from them. As a jazz fan, I will definitely need to look into the one you mentioned on the website. I'm always happy to see high sampling rate audio featured on audio discs or Blu-ray - that's why I bought "Dave Matthews Live at Radio City" without being familiar with his music at all. Great to see (or hear, I suppose) that "Chris Botti: Live" features 96/24 as well.

This and legends of jazz are two bds i've watched multiple times. More than any other movie I bought.

Exactly!

This is why I want more quality concerts to be released on Blu-ray. They get much more repeated viewings that my movies do, so they are worth buying (instead of renting).

Do you guys really think you can hear a difference between the 192/24 recordings and 96/24?

Of course not, but that doesn't stop some to claim as such.

Do you guys really think you can hear a difference between the 192/24 recordings and 96/24?

IMO, a well-done redbook CD will typically sound close to "as good as it gets" if the recording and mastering are superbly done. The reason that one often gets better sound from the 24/96 and 24/192 discs is that more care is taken in the recording and mastering steps, not that the difference in sampling rate is audible to most.

My two cents',

Lee

Do you guys really think you can hear a difference between the 192/24 recordings and 96/24?


Rob, I defintely can hear a difference between 48khz and 96khz and there is a great demo that will convince anyone that it is true.

In the beginning of W. And a couple of other Lion'sgate BD's, there is a DTS MA 7.1 96khz/24 intro demo. One movie when it begins switches to 48khz 7.1 DTS MA. The difference there is very noticeable. It is even more noticeable when you hear the DTS MA 7.1 96/24 intro and then the movie track is a DTS MA 5.1 48khz.

I would compare the noticeable difference to DD 5.1 as compared to DD Tru HD or DTS MA. :eek:

Yes that different. We want 96khz/24bit tracks.

Rob, I defintely can hear a difference between 48khz and 96khz and there is a great demo that will convince anyone that it is true.

In the beginning of W. And a couple of other Lion'sgate BD's, there is a DTS MA 7.1 96khz/24 intro demo. One movie when it begins switches to 48khz 7.1 DTS MA. The difference there is very noticeable. It is even more noticeable when you hear the DTS MA 7.1 96/24 intro and then the movie track is a DTS MA 5.1 48khz.

I would compare the noticeable difference to DD 5.1 as compared to DD Tru HD or DTS MA. :eek:

Yes that different. We want 96khz/24bit tracks.


I agree that (just as with wanting lossless audio on all BDs) I'd like to see all 24/96 or 24/192 audio on BDs.

The examples cited above, however, are not always from the same track (mastering, etc.) so we're not comparing apples to apples there. If we actually had a disc that contained both 24/48 and 24/96 copies of the exact same master, then we'd have a basis for comparison.

For instance, the THX demo sequence on the beginning of the Indiana Jones disc sounds fantastic, and is "just" Dolby Digital. The movie that follows (in TrueHD) does not compare to that intro sonically.

As long as the other links in the chain are present (and optimized), I'd prefer high-rate audio just to be sure we get everything as pristine as possible. High-rate on junk = junk.

Lee

Do you guys really think you can hear a difference between the 192/24 recordings and 96/24?

No.

As far as the demo mentioned above (which I have listened to on one of these LG films) there is just way to many variables to come to ANY conclusions based on that IMO. Unless the ONLY variable is 192/24 vs 96/24 I dont think any conclusions can be made and in this case this is FAR from the only possible variable. The Indiana Jones example above is a great example of just the opposite in which one could come to the conclusion (wrongly) that DD is better than TrueHD because the DD demo sounds better than the TrueHD film....again way to many variables to draw ANY conclusions as far as the diferences between DD and TrueHD.

Well coming from listening to DVD-Audio, I do feel that there is a an audible difference between 24/96 and 24/192. I don't think it's so much in the area of clarity, but of smoothness.

On DVD-A I only have a couple of 24/192 stereo tracks: Marvin Gaye- Let's get it on and Grover Washington- Winelight. Both stereo tracks are outstanding and present a resolution and mostly a smoothness i'd not heard before on other 24/96 tracks.

Rob, I defintely can hear a difference between 48khz and 96khz and there is a great demo that will convince anyone that it is true.

In the beginning of W. And a couple of other Lion'sgate BD's, there is a DTS MA 7.1 96khz/24 intro demo. One movie when it begins switches to 48khz 7.1 DTS MA. The difference there is very noticeable. It is even more noticeable when you hear the DTS MA 7.1 96/24 intro and then the movie track is a DTS MA 5.1 48khz.

I would compare the noticeable difference to DD 5.1 as compared to DD Tru HD or DTS MA. :eek:

Yes that different. We want 96khz/24bit tracks.

The recordings as far as motion picture goes is 20/24bits/48khz, anything studios might use for demo that has higher sampling rate is either an up-conversion[which yields nothing] or something that was produced for that particular purpose and may not even be the same material as far the mix goes. As Toe pointed it out using that as any indication of "quality" is simply misleading. Of course DBT would be the only way to determine just how good is you auditory system, but first all other variables must be removed.

Well coming from listening to DVD-Audio, I do feel that there is a an audible difference between 24/96 and 24/192. I don't think it's so much in the area of clarity, but of smoothness.

On DVD-A I only have a couple of 24/192 stereo tracks: Marvin Gaye- Let's get it on and Grover Washington- Winelight. Both stereo tracks are outstanding and present a resolution and mostly a smoothness i'd not heard before on other 24/96 tracks. Once again you're not comparing the same material. For instance all CD's are 16/44.1 yet they don't sound the same do they, and not because of anything of the technology itself limits, but rather artistic intents.
All the Porcupine Tree DVD-As I have are only 24/48 and they are among the best I've heard on that format, but comparing those to any of my 24/96 DVD-As would be just erroneous and pointless since it's not the same material.

Once again you're not comparing the same material. For instance all CD's are 16/44.1 yet they don't sound the same do they, and not because of anything of the technology itself limits, but rather artistic intents.
All the Porcupine Tree DVD-As I have are only 24/48 and they are among the best I've heard on that format, but comparing those to any of my 24/96 DVD-As would be just erroneous and pointless since it's not the same material.

Exactly.:cool:

Once again you're not comparing the same material. For instance all CD's are 16/44.1 yet they don't sound the same do they, and not because of anything of the technology itself limits, but rather artistic intents.
All the Porcupine Tree DVD-As I have are only 24/48 and they are among the best I've heard on that format, but comparing those to any of my 24/96 DVD-As would be just erroneous and pointless since it's not the same material.

I can't help but mention this as it just occurred the other day: someone mentioned that they thought that a certain (deceased) format had much more consistently good picture quality than the rival format. But this "comparison" was not with the same movies! Valid comparison/observation? Of course not.

P.S. I gotta get me some of those Porcupine Tree DVD-A's. They are very highly regarded recordings.

I can't help but mention this as it just occurred the other day: someone mentioned that they thought that a certain (deceased) format had much more consistently good picture quality than the rival format. But this "comparison" was not with the same movies! Valid comparison/observation? Of course not.

P.S. I gotta get me some of those Porcupine Tree DVD-A's. They are very highly regarded recordings.



Agreed. I read that "observation" as well Rob and that comparison could be thrown right out the window IMO since you dont even have the most basic of variables eliminated which is having identical material.

P.S. I gotta get me some of those Porcupine Tree DVD-A's. They are very highly regarded recordings.


I have In Absentia by Porcupine Tree. It is indeed a very good recording.

Lee

The recordings as far as motion picture goes is 20/24bits/48khz, anything studios might use for demo that has higher sampling rate is either an up-conversion[which yields nothing] or something that was produced for that particular purpose and may not even be the same material as far the mix goes. As Toe pointed it out using that as any indication of "quality" is simply misleading. Of course DBT would be the only way to determine just how good is you auditory system, but first all other variables must be removed.

I am not arguing technical aspects that would lend to differences claiming therefore it HAS to be better. I am simply saying the 96khz intro sounds better than the movie and is much closer to how Chris Botti sounds which also has a 96khz track and "sounds" better than other BD movies @48khz.

My point was and is that it sounds better. Please don't respond with just because it seems like it sounds better doesn't mean it is better. I "hear" you! :D

I am not arguing technical aspects that would lend to differences claiming therefore it HAS to be better. I am simply saying the 96khz intro sounds better than the movie and is much closer to how Chris Botti sounds which also has a 96khz track and "sounds" better than other BD movies @48khz.

My point was and is that it sounds better. Please don't respond with just because it seems like it sounds better doesn't mean it is better. I "hear" you! :D


The comparison is pointless though since you are not comparing the same material. Way to many variables to conclude anything from this example Hughmc. Unless we can compare Chris Botti at 48khz with Chris Botti at 96khz AND eliminate all the other variables this is not a valid comparison. The fact that Chris Botti at 96khz sounds better than a 48khz movie concludes nothing except that you prefer the sound of one piece of material compared to another piece, but we cant assume (IMO) that the khz dif has anything to do with it in this comparison as there are too many variables the main one being that we are comparing an apple to a orange.

The comparison is pointless though since you are not comparing the same material. Way to many variables to conclude anything from this example Hughmc. Unless we can compare Chris Botti at 48khz with Chris Botti at 96khz AND eliminate all the other variables this is not a valid comparison. The fact that Chris Botti at 96khz sounds better than a 48khz movie concludes nothing except that you prefer the sound of one piece of material compared to another piece, but we cant assume (IMO) that the khz dif has anything to do with it in this comparison as there are too many variables the main one being that we are comparing an apple to a orange.

I agree with you about the comparison not being technically valid and that I prefer the sound of one piece to another, but you are still missing my point. It sounds better is all I am saying. I said it before and now it is becoming redundant. Call it placebo, call it that it technically is better or worse, because of more hertz, or better or worse because of less hertz, I don't give a damn. Sometimes we can get so caught up in all the technical aspects of AVS, we can't accept a common sense fact when someone makes a simple statement trying to get the point across.

This brings me to another important point. Just because two tracks are not the same technically and aren't an apples to apples comparison of the same material, doesn't mean it can't sound or be better, but because it is an apples to oranges comparison it seems the reverse of what you are saying is true as well, that some assume we aren't hearing better and that we are just imagining it, because we have no technical proof .

Let's also assume that it is just coincidence that several of the 96khz tracks I have heard on BD's sound better than the 48khz. For now until I hear and am shown actual proof saying I am hearing placebo, I will take coincidence and placebo of 96khz tracks over 48khz if they sound better. :D Wouldn't you?

It reminds me of what The Bland used to say more or less. Who cares if the lossless tracks are not technically better and just placebo or the more room on BD 50's is better for PQ is just placebo. We want the best we can get and in general we have found that technically higher khz for sound and higher Mbps for video do represent better quality in apples to apples comparisons. Why would we want "less" even if it isn't actually less when we can have more that has at least the potential to be better and technically in a true apples to apples comparison should be better? Answer: We wouldn't if we claim we are enthusiasts who want the best possible audio and video.

I too listen to DVD Audio and SACD's. On my HTPC I have a soundcard that can playback DVD audio and has the ability to change from 48khz to 96khz if the track is 96khz. We are talking the same track. Am I now hearing placebo as well if I tell you beyond a reasonable doubt the 96khz sounds better? If I am great, but I will set the soundcard for 96khz just because I can and really because I know what I am hearing and I like it better.

I agree with you about the comparison not being technically valid and that I prefer the sound of one piece to another, but you are still missing my point. It sounds better is all I am saying. I said it before and now it is becoming redundant. Call it placebo, call it that it technically is better or worse, because of more hertz, or better or worse because of less hertz, I don't give a damn. Sometimes we can get so caught up in all the technical aspects of AVS, we can't accept a common sense fact when someone makes a simple statement trying to get the point across.

This brings me to another important point. Just because two tracks are not the same technically and aren't an apples to apples comparison of the same material, doesn't mean it can't sound or be better, but because it is an apples to oranges comparison it seems the reverse of what you are saying is true as well, that some assume we aren't hearing better and that we are just imagining it, because we have no technical proof .

Let's also assume that it is just coincidence that several of the 96khz tracks I have heard on BD's sound better than the 48khz. For now until I hear and am shown actual proof saying I am hearing placebo, I will take coincidence and placebo of 96khz tracks over 48khz if they sound better. :D Wouldn't you?

It reminds me of what The Bland used to say more or less. Who cares if the lossless tracks are not technically better and just placebo or the more room on BD 50's is better for PQ is just placebo. We want the best we can get and in general we have found that technically higher khz for sound and higher Mbps for video do represent better quality in apples to apples comparisons. Why would we want "less" even if it isn't actually less when we can have more that has at least the potential to be better and technically in a true apples to apples comparison should be better? Answer: We wouldn't if we claim we are enthusiasts who want the best possible audio and video.

I too listen to DVD Audio and SACD's. On my HTPC I have a soundcard that can playback DVD audio and has the ability to change from 48khz to 96khz if the track is 96khz. We are talking the same track. Am I now hearing placebo as well if I tell you beyond a reasonable doubt the 96khz sounds better? If I am great, but I will set the soundcard for 96khz just because I can and really because I know what I am hearing and I like it better.

Hugh I agree that of course we should hope for the best audio possible for our listening pleasure and I would definately rather have the higher spec audio as well, but that is not the argument.


I guess what confuses me is I dont know how else to perceive this quote of yours below other than you are implying that 96khz is better than 48khz and this "demo that will convince anyone" (your exact quote) is proof...:confused: You are trying to imply that 96khz sounds better than 48khz through this "demo" that is not even the same material! My only point is this "demo" is a very poor persuader in trying to convince somebody of the supposed superiority of 96khz sound over 48khz due to the fact that the material is not the same. It has also been pointed out that the THX intro before Indiana Jones 4 sounds better than anything else in the film (in the opinion of 2 people in this thread one of which is myself) even though the intro is lossy/standard DD and the film is lossless TrueHD.....by your logic I could try and convince people that lossy DD is "better" than lossless TrueHD and this "demo" proves it which of course is ridiculous.

Rob, I defintely can hear a difference between 48khz and 96khz and there is a great demo that will convince anyone that it is true.

In the beginning of W. And a couple of other Lion'sgate BD's, there is a DTS MA 7.1 96khz/24 intro demo. One movie when it begins switches to 48khz 7.1 DTS MA. The difference there is very noticeable. It is even more noticeable when you hear the DTS MA 7.1 96/24 intro and then the movie track is a DTS MA 5.1 48khz.

I would compare the noticeable difference to DD 5.1 as compared to DD Tru HD or DTS MA. :eek:

Yes that different. We want 96khz/24bit tracks.

Once again you're not comparing the same material. For instance all CD's are 16/44.1 yet they don't sound the same do they, and not because of anything of the technology itself limits, but rather artistic intents.
All the Porcupine Tree DVD-As I have are only 24/48 and they are among the best I've heard on that format, but comparing those to any of my 24/96 DVD-As would be just erroneous and pointless since it's not the same material.

I'm not understanding your point at all?

On both DVD-A's there is the stereo 24/192 and the multi-channel 24/96. Of course i've also had both disc on CD @16/44.1. I can say that the 24/192 is a significant upgrade over the CD and though there is not a comparative 24/96 track. What I can say is that I heard more smoothness and a bit more detail in the instruments in the stereo mix at 24/192 than in the multi-channel 24/96.

I know what I hear. It may not be definitive for some, but i've listened to enough DVD-A's to know that 192khz is more than placebo.

Hugh I agree that of course we should hope for the best audio possible for our listening pleasure and I would definately rather have the higher spec audio as well, but that is not the argument.


I guess what confuses me is I dont know how else to perceive this quote of yours below other than you are implying that 96khz is better than 48khz and this "demo that will convince anyone" (your exact quote) is proof...:confused: You are trying to imply that 96khz sounds better than 48khz through this "demo" that is not even the same material! My only point is this "demo" is a very poor persuader in trying to convince somebody of the supposed superiority of 96khz sound over 48khz due to the fact that the material is not the same. It has also been pointed out that the THX intro before Indiana Jones 4 sounds better than anything else in the film (in the opinion of 2 people in this thread one of which is myself) even though the intro is lossy/standard DD and the film is lossless TrueHD.....by your logic I could try and convince people that lossy DD is "better" than lossless TrueHD and this "demo" proves it which of course is ridiculous.

It simply sounds better. I will keep reiterating the same point each time you respond until you get it, because it seems you aren't understanding and keep focusing on the 96 vs 48 issue. You keep saying I am saying or implying 96khz sounds better. YES in the example I am using it does sound better. I am NOT saying it is better that is what you are trying to imply I am saying when I am not. Again, it sounds better. It really seems what you are trying to say is that what I heard didn't sound better and please correct me if I am wrong. You are telling me what I am hearing and that is why I am saying what I heard sounds better and why I keep repeating it over and over. Forget the technical aspects, forget placebo, just accept that I, I am saying what I am hearing what sounds better.

I'm not understanding your point at all?

On both DVD-A's there is the stereo 24/192 and the multi-channel 24/96. Of course i've also had both disc on CD @16/44.1. I can say that the 24/192 is a significant upgrade over the CD and though there is not a comparative 24/96 track. What I can say is that I heard more smoothness and a bit more detail in the instruments in the stereo mix at 24/192 than in the multi-channel 24/96.

I know what I hear. It may not be definitive for some, but i've listened to enough DVD-A's to know that 192khz is more than placebo.

I cannot speak for you or anyone, but I think we have the same issue here. You are saying one sounds better than the other and simply saying 192 sounds better. Whether is actually is better or not or even sounds better or not is irregardless of the fact you think it sounds better, therefore to you it does.

It simply sounds better. I will keep reiterating the same point each time you respond until you get it, because it seems you aren't understanding and keep focusing on the 96 vs 48 issue. You keep saying I am saying or implying 96khz sounds better. YES in the example I am using it does sound better. I am NOT saying it is better that is what you are trying to imply I am saying when I am not. Again, it sounds better. It really seems what you are trying to say is that what I heard didn't sound better and please correct me if I am wrong. You are telling me what I am hearing and that is why I am saying what I heard sounds better and why I keep repeating it over and over. Forget the technical aspects, forget placebo, just accept that I, I am saying what I am hearing what sounds better.

I should probably stay out of this but..........

WHAT sounds better?

I don't think that you have a point of reference in your example.

It simply sounds better. I will keep reiterating the same point each time you respond until you get it, because it seems you aren't understanding and keep focusing on the 96 vs 48 issue. You keep saying I am saying or implying 96khz sounds better. YES in the example I am using it does sound better. I am NOT saying it is better that is what you are trying to imply I am saying when I am not. Again, it sounds better. It really seems what you are trying to say is that what I heard didn't sound better and please correct me if I am wrong. You are telling me what I am hearing and that is why I am saying what I heard sounds better and why I keep repeating it over and over. Forget the technical aspects, forget placebo, just accept that I, I am saying what I am hearing what sounds better.

OK Hugh, fair enough, BUT you were using that example to respond to Robs question about being able to hear a dif between 48 and 96 which again is a bad example trying to convince somebody of any possible dif between the two (for reasons that dont need to be repeated again). I must have perceived your quote wrong, but I dont know how to take it any other way. :confused: I understand that it "simply sounds better", but were you not trying to use this example to show the dif between 96/48 as far as your response to Rob? Please tell me how to perceive this quote because I simply dont see any other way.....

Rob, I defintely can hear a difference between 48khz and 96khz and there is a great demo that will convince anyone that it is true.

In the beginning of W. And a couple of other Lion'sgate BD's, there is a DTS MA 7.1 96khz/24 intro demo. One movie when it begins switches to 48khz 7.1 DTS MA. The difference there is very noticeable. It is even more noticeable when you hear the DTS MA 7.1 96/24 intro and then the movie track is a DTS MA 5.1 48khz.

I would compare the noticeable difference to DD 5.1 as compared to DD Tru HD or DTS MA. :eek:

Yes that different. We want 96khz/24bit tracks.

You quoted "Rob, I definately can hear a difference between 48khz and 96khz and there is a great demo that will convince anyone"

I hope nobody is convinced of any possible dif between 96khz and 48khz from this "demo" for reasons allready cited and repeated multiple times. I would be open to a good example, but we need to eliminate the variables and there are WAY to many in the "demo" you are using for your argument the main one being, again, dif material.

I'm not understanding your point at all?

On both DVD-A's there is the stereo 24/192 and the multi-channel 24/96. Of course i've also had both disc on CD @16/44.1. I can say that the 24/192 is a significant upgrade over the CD and though there is not a comparative 24/96 track. What I can say is that I heard more smoothness and a bit more detail in the instruments in the stereo mix at 24/192 than in the multi-channel 24/96.

I know what I hear. It may not be definitive for some, but i've listened to enough DVD-A's to know that 192khz is more than placebo.

Well if you used the same album on different formats, that is far more credible then using different material. However the variables between producing those recordings are can't be discounted when comparing even the same recording. Namely, new more advanced equipment being used, different master is used or created, new mix, less dynamic compression or eq being used, etc....
So the point isn't if you can hear the difference but rather if you can be certain that any differences you hear is the product of the higher sampling rate, and not the obvious variables I stated above that almost always a part of a new re-issue.

I am not arguing technical aspects that would lend to differences claiming therefore it HAS to be better. I am simply saying the 96khz intro sounds better than the movie and is much closer to how Chris Botti sounds which also has a 96khz track and "sounds" better than other BD movies @48khz.

My point was and is that it sounds better. Please don't respond with just because it seems like it sounds better doesn't mean it is better. I "hear" you! :D

See above.

Oh I almost forgot, I'm watching this BD right now,and totally agree that it sounds awesome, especially for a concert. I like the mix too. I plan to write a few word on this in the "Audio tier thread". ;)

I happened to see the new Chris Botti Concert, "Chris Botti Live in Boston" last night on PBS. It was amazing. Can't wait for the BluRay release at the end of the month.

In the meantime, here's a link to a video of the "The shape of my heart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpYYJgvgDmo)" from this concert. it's a duet with Sting and Josh Grobin - along with Chris Botti on trumpet.

I happened to see the new Chris Botti Concert, "Chris Botti Live in Boston" last night on PBS. It was amazing. Can't wait for the BluRay release at the end of the month.

In the meantime, here's a link to a video of the "The shape of my heart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpYYJgvgDmo)" from this concert. it's a duet with Sting and Josh Grobin - along with Chris Botti on trumpet.

Thanks for that link -- it gave me chills. I already had the BD pre-ordered on Amazon; now I'm truly thankful. Does anyone know if the BD comes with the CD? The regular DVD does, and it'd be nice if they included it with the Blu-ray as well.

Thanks for that link -- it gave me chills. I already had the BD pre-ordered on Amazon; now I'm truly thankful. Does anyone know if the BD comes with the CD? The regular DVD does, and it'd be nice if they included it with the Blu-ray as well.

I agree. It's an exceptional performance. The CD does not come with the BluRay as far as I can tell. It seems to either be available for purchase separately or in a combo package with the DVD.

I bought this blu-ray blind, based on recommendation in this thread and the fact that Botti performed at the Blue Note in NYC.

Blue Note does not invite slouches.

After the first two songs I go - oh no, another Kenny G-like, soft jazz performer.

But it does get better later on on the disc.

For my taste, Botti still has too much soft jazz in him, but Billy Childs, the pianist in his band, said in the bonus features that he's working hard on him to lose it and embrace the straight-ahead jazz.

The problem is that straight-ahead jazz does not sell as well as the melodic soft/pop jazz, so I don't know if we'll ever see it happen.

But Botti has admirable chops and technique, and it was a pleasure to see Jill Scott and Gladys Knight all fired up and on top of their games with Botti on the horn.

Next time Chris Botti is at the Blue Note, I will be there, too.

I couldn't believe how bad Sting was on this. Off key half the time, and his voice just isn't all that great for this type of music IMO. I did like Botti's take on American Idol though. ;)

I couldn't believe how bad Sting was on this. Off key half the time, and his voice just isn't all that great for this type of music IMO. I did like Botti's take on American Idol though. ;)

Don't get me started on Sting.

Sting is one great misunderstanding.

Chicks dig him though, as my wife was quick to remind me when I was puking my guts out in the corner...

;););)

Sting can't sing jazz standards. However, Chris Botti owes his present popularity to him so I can't blame him. BTW, Chris Botti is one down to earth guy and he deserves all of his present success. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet him socially and couldn't believe how nice he was. I am looking forward to this BD release as his prior BD release is excellent and I am hoping that this one will be even better. I know that the video on the last release could have been better.

I bought this blu-ray blind, based on recommendation in this thread and the fact that Botti performed at the Blue Note in NYC.

Blue Note does not invite slouches.

After the first two songs I go - oh no, another Kenny G-like, soft jazz performer.

But it does get better later on on the disc.

For my taste, Botti still has too much soft jazz in him, but Billy Childs, the pianist in his band, said in the bonus features that he's working hard on him to lose it and embrace the straight-ahead jazz.

The problem is that straight-ahead jazz does not sell as well as the melodic soft/pop jazz, so I don't know if we'll ever see it happen.

But Botti has admirable chops and technique, and it was a pleasure to see Jill Scott and Gladys Knight all fired up and on top of their games with Botti on the horn.

Next time Chris Botti is at the Blue Note, I will be there, too.

Do you consider the Jill Scott (and even Gladys Knight) performances to be "soft jazz"? Just asking.

I do agree with you to a point, but I don't know that all of his songs are soft jazz (not that you were saying they were).

Jazz is a obviously a very broad genre.

I couldn't believe how bad Sting was on this. Off key half the time, and his voice just isn't all that great for this type of music IMO. I did like Botti's take on American Idol though. ;)

I didn't think he was very good on Botti's first BD release either.

Do you consider the Jill Scott (and even Gladys Knight) performances to be "soft jazz"? Just asking.



No.

Jill Scott was magnificent in the Heartache tune.

No.

Jill Scott was magnificent in the Heartache tune.

Pretty damn amazing! She can really belt it out, and she does it with style and emotion.

Chris Botti in Boston (DD-THD 7.1 24 Bit 96 Khz)

Stop the presses! I never thought a disc could surpass Divertimenti for audio quality. Well one finally has! This new Chris Botti disc is just stupid realistic. Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, Katharine Mcphee, and of course Botti have never sounded better.

The disc includes both 7.1 24 bit 96 Khz DD-THD and PCM tracks. I listened to both of them with some ERA Design 4, Design 3 speakers, a SVS PB-10 sub, a Rotel 5x100 amp, and the ASUS HDAV HDMI 1.3 card that can bitstream all codecs to a receiver from a computer.

This disc has a similar affect of absolutely putting you there on the stage like the Divertimenti disc does. However, the content on this disc is much more appealing. Especially the Katharine Mcphee song since this disc includes some pretty high quality video as well.

Overall this disc is as perfect as I have ever seen. It just doesn’t get any better unless you don’t like this type of music. However, who doesn’t like Sting?

If you don’t believe this disc could be that great then prove me wrong. Go out and buy or rent it from Netflix. You won’t be disappointed!

Chris Botti in Boston (DD-THD 7.1 24 Bit 96 Khz)

Stop the presses! I never thought a disc could surpass Divertimenti for audio quality. Well one finally has! This new Chris Botti disc is just stupid realistic. Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, Katharine Mcphee, and of course Botti have never sounded better.

The disc includes both 7.1 24 bit 96 Khz DD-THD and PCM tracks. I listened to both of them with some ERA Design 4, Design 3 speakers, a SVS PB-10 sub, a Rotel 5x100 amp, and the ASUS HDAV HDMI 1.3 card that can bitstream all codecs to a receiver from a computer.

This disc has a similar affect of absolutely putting you there on the stage like the Divertimenti disc does. However, the content on this disc is much more appealing. Especially the Katharine Mcphee song since this disc includes some pretty high quality video as well.

Overall this disc is as perfect as I have ever seen. It just doesn’t get any better unless you don’t like this type of music. However, who doesn’t like Sting?

If you don’t believe this disc could be that great then prove me wrong. Go out and buy or rent it from Netflix. You won’t be disappointed!

just receive this BD yesterday,with such a highly expectation and it was true,according this review and overwhelming impression,thanks.:)

This BD spec.is awesome,Dolby TrueHD 7.1(96khz/24 bit)and very long runnig time 160 mins.

This BD spec.is awesome,Dolby TrueHD 7.1(96khz/24 bit)and very long runnig time 160 mins.

I watched every second of it twice yesterday!

However, who doesn’t like Sting?


I know quite a few people who cant stand him actually, with 2 of those guys being accomplished bass players ironically, but I like him myself. ;)

Thanks for the rec, I should have this tom from Netflix and looking forward to it!:)

I know quite a few people who cant stand him actually, with 2 of those guys being accomplished bass players ironically, but I like him myself. ;)

Thanks for the rec, I should have this tom from Netflix and looking forward to it!:)

They don’t like Sting as a person or don’t like his music? I was specifically referring to his music. I have never met the man in person. However, I was able to hear his music very intimately yesterday thanks to this new Blu-ray.

It was exquisite!

They don’t like Sting as a person or don’t like his music? I was specifically referring to his music. I have never met the man in person. However, I was able to hear his music very intimately yesterday thanks to this new Blu-ray.

It was exquisite!

Strictly talking about his music/voice, they dont know him either:p Everyone has dif taste and musicians can sometimes be the harshest critics!:eek:

I do like Stings music/voice though and look forward to this. John Mayer is in this as well, right? Your review has me excited!:)

Strictly talking about his music/voice, they dont know him either:p Everyone has dif taste and musicians can sometimes be the harshest critics!:eek:

I do like Stings music/voice though and look forward to this. John Mayer is in this as well, right? Your review has me excited!:)

Yea John Mayor was in it. They just keep bringing out the stars one after another.

The disc starts a little slow though. When I first started it I thought “Oh no this is just going to be a couple hours of instrumentals”. However, a few songs in it gets really good and then just keeps getting better and better. I won’t ruin it by telling every detail about it. You really need to just experience it yourself.

If anyone hasn’t purchased this already, what are you waiting for? It doesn’t get any better you will see.

If anyone hasn’t purchased this already, what are you waiting for? It doesn’t get any better you will see.

Mine's in the mail. Should be here in a few days!

Yea John Mayor was in it. They just keep bringing out the stars one after another.

The disc starts a little slow though. When I first started it I thought “Oh no this is just going to be a couple hours of instrumentals”. However, a few songs in it gets really good and then just keeps getting better and better. I won’t ruin it by telling every detail about it. You really need to just experience it yourself.

If anyone hasn’t purchased this already, what are you waiting for? It doesn’t get any better you will see.

Awesome, cant wait!:)

This BD was the greatest, best sound for concert in BD,with Dolby TrueHD 7.1 with higher than usual bit rate for BD(96 KHZ/24 BIT).Hearing and you will want this kind of spec.again and again.

The PQ is pretty awesome as well.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16178765#post16178765

Just watched it the Boston Botti Blu Ray, it was GREAT.

I am a Botti fan already though....

The jacket said it had DD 5.1 track on it though...couldnt get that to play ..

I ran the TRUHD 7.1 thru the 5.1......can't get it to play 5.1 anything..

THis is spectacular audio and superb video. I have seen Chris live and this concert puts you right in the hall during the show. Exceptional bass, hall decay, timbre, etc. Truly amazing stuff.

I agree with all the other posters in that this is a great concert! Pure reference AQ.

I just wanted to add that you want to make sure that you watch the 24 minute "extra" that is included on this disk. There was a unfortunare incident during John Mayer's segment that was edited out of the main concert. Watch the extra and you will see what I mean, and hear another song that is incredible considering the circumstances. It is also the first time that I have seen a segment that was recorded in 2-channel DD that automatically switched to TrueHD just during this song.

I agree with all the other posters in that this is a great concert! Pure reference AQ.

I just wanted to add that you want to make sure that you watch the 24 minute "extra" that is included on this disk. There was a unfortunare incident during John Mayer's segment that was edited out of the main concert. Watch the extra and you will see what I mean, and hear another song that is incredible considering the circumstances. It is also the first time that I have seen a segment that was recorded in 2-channel DD that automatically switched to TrueHD just during this song.


What happened? I watched about ~11 minutes of the extra feature before I had to leave and the disc is back at Netflix.

I also thought this was a great concert and I enjoyed it more than his first disc (which I own) in every way. PQ was very good, but not the best I have seen for concerts as there were a fair amount of out of focus/soft shots to my eyes, but these were very minor and overall this one looked very good IMO.

Audio was fantastic and while not quite the best on BR IMO, it is right up there with the best and I would probably vote reference. The one thing I did notice is the sound stage was not quite as wide for some reason compared to some other shows I have listened to. Certainly not a big issue by any means, but I did notice it. All in all, Awesome rental!:D

What happened? I watched about ~11 minutes of the extra feature before I had to leave and the disc is back at Netflix.

I also thought this was a great concert and I enjoyed it more than his first disc (which I own) in every way. PQ was very good, but not the best I have seen for concerts as there were a fair amount of out of focus/soft shots to my eyes, but these were very minor and overall this one looked very good IMO.

Audio was fantastic and while not quite the best on BR IMO, it is right up there with the best and I would probably vote reference. Awesome rental!:D

The problem was shown in the last ~10 minutes of the extra feature. In the middle of John Mayer's song an older man in the audience near the front passed-out and they had to take him to a hospital. (Luckily, he fully recovered.) Anyway, that was a show stopper. A production person came on stage while John was singing and whispered in his ear that there was a problem in the audience (what she said to John was not audible). The show was stopped and John and Chris left the stage until the man was removed.

During this period all the entertainers were backstage waiting. During the interview with Chris, he said that he was at a loss at what to do when they restarted the show -- how to get the audience back into the show. He said that he talked to Sting and (as I remember) he said "remember 9/11."

To restart the show, Chris, Sting, Yo-Yo Ma, and two others went back on stage and set down in front audience and played an impromptu (apparently) song (with the Boston Pops) that was very appropriate for the situation. I wish I could remember the name of the song, but it was very moving. Too bad that they edited the song out of the main show.

The problem was shown in the last ~10 minutes of the extra feature. In the middle of John Mayer's song an older man in the audience near the front passed-out and they had to take him to a hospital. (Luckily, he fully recovered.) Anyway, that was a show stopper. A production person came on stage while John was singing and whispered in his ear that there was a problem in the audience (what she said to John was not audible). The show was stopped and John and Chris left the stage until the man was removed.

During this period all the entertainers were backstage waiting. During the interview with Chris, he said that he was at a loss at what to do when they restarted the show -- how to get the audience back into the show. He said that he talked to Sting and (as I remember) he said "remember 9/11."

To restart the show, Chris, Sting, Yo-Yo Ma, and two others went back on stage and set down in front audience and played an impromptu (apparently) song (with the Boston Pops) that was very appropriate for the situation. I wish I could remember the name of the song, but it was very moving. Too bad that they edited the song out of the main show.

Very interesting. Wish I could have watched the rest now! Thanks for the great description:)

The song is Sting's Fragile. Excellent stuff. As far as I am concerned, the audio on this release is reference in every way. I have never heard the acoustics of a live hall, especially one as fabulous of Symphony Hall in Boston, captured this faithfully on a home video format. This is the best sounding concert disc I have ever heard on home video.

Exellent sound quality but Chris was not the entertainer,wasn't he?

The special features alone are worth re-renting the disc. The extra song ("Fragile" I believe) is probably the best performance on the disc. However, it needs the story in the special features for you to understand how poignant it really was.

This disc is a keeper!

This disc is a keeper!

In your opinion.....for me it was a great rental and nothing more.

In your opinion.....for me it was a great rental and nothing more.

What did you think of the "HIT MAN DAVID FOSTER & FRIENDS" disc? I was thoroughly disappointed with that one.

What did you think of the "HIT MAN DAVID FOSTER & FRIENDS" disc? I was thoroughly disappointed with that one.


I will get back with you on that one as I have not seen it yet. You did not like it?

I will get back with you on that one as I have not seen it yet. You did not like it?

Yea I really could not get past the poor video quality so I just tried listening to it without watching it. That didn’t help much either. I thought the performances were corny and just too “VEGAS” for me. I loved the set list but I just did not like the actual performances.

Yea I really could not get past the poor video quality so I just tried listening to it without watching it. That didn’t help much either. I thought the performances were corny and just too “VEGAS” for me. I loved the set list but I just did not like the actual performances.

If the PQ was so poor, perhaps I'll just stick with my CD/DVD combo.

I just spent the evening watching the Chris Botti Live in Boston BluRay disk again tonight. It is reference quality in all aspects: PQ, SQ and music performances. Just an unbelievable achievement.

The best thing that I was appreciated in this BD was Katherine McPhree in dark hair unlike her appearance in Hit Man David Foster and Friends which also looking great to me.:):D

The best thing that I was appreciated in this BD was Katherine McPhree in dark hair unlike her appearance in Hit Man David Foster and Friends which also looking great to me.:):D

Yes, you've mentioned that at least three times. This girl must really have her hooks into you. :)

Yes, you've mentioned that at least three times. This girl must really have her hooks into you. :)

Here judge for yourself!

KAT on Idol(Black Horse) ("")

I have not seen any reviews on this so I'm buying this on what people are saying. Now my question is this. What is the aspect ratio on this disc. Amazon states it 1:33 while what's being said here is that it's 1:78. Which one is it? Thanks in advance.

Jeff

It is full 16x9 HD. Amazon is well known for mixing-up the aspect ratios for Blu-rays.

Thanks! Looking forward to this Blu Ray!

Jeff

I have not seen any reviews on this so I'm buying this on what people are saying. Now my question is this. What is the aspect ratio on this disc. Amazon states it 1:33 while what's being said here is that it's 1:78. Which one is it? Thanks in advance.

Jeff

Reviewed here:

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Chris-Botti-in-Boston-Blu-ray-Review/3965/

You wont regret the purchase.