I cross posted this here and the BD Software forum.

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 :)

Both, Chris Botti and Diana Krall, are exceptional performers- period!

I've seen both perfom "live" more than a few times myself. I've even seen Chris play as part of Sting's tour a few years back. Matter of fact I just saw Chris Botti perform at the Playboy Jazz Festival here in Hollywood (in June), he was very good. I will be seeing Diana Krall at the Monterey Jazz Festival this coming september, she will be a head-liner.

Most all their respective recordings are very good (if not excellent) as well. I don't know which "bad" Chris Botti CD you are referring to but most all his recordings are nicely produced and recorded.

You should definitely check out Diana Krall's "Live In Paris" DVD, it's very good, one of the best I've experienced.

Eric, I have Chris Botti's cd, "Chris Botti, To Love Again, The Duets". I really like it, although it's not in sacd. I also have a couple of Diana Krall sacd's. I really like her to.

Frank

Although I think it is only 24/48 resolution via TrueHD lossless (with PCM--either uncompressed or de-compressed from a lossless state-- I always feel 24/96 is the bare minimum) another very high quality 5.1 recording is on Legends of Jazz Showcase on Blu-ray. Also, the performances by a wider range of contemporary and classic jazz and blues artists (Chris Botti too) are a bit more my style.

Too bad the entire season sets aren't in HD as well.

The mix is more aggressive IMHO too where the instruments are placed throughout the soundfield.