The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Sony BMG has certainly rolled out the red carpet for 'Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds: Live at Radio City,' giving the release the two-disc treatment. The entire 168-minute show is included on the first disc, which is BD-50 dual-layer, while the supplements get a second platter all their own. The generous treatment really pays off, as this 1080p/VC-1 encode looks terrific.

'Live at Radio City' was quite an elaborately-filmed event, captured with nine high-def cameras. It's top tier when it comes to shot-on-HD source material, with fantastic clarity and detail to the image. From close-ups to wide shots, the image is always razor sharp, and depth is palpable. Color reproduction is perfect, with the vibrant but restrained lighting washing the stage in warm oranges and reds, and more striking purples and blues. Hues never falter, with no noise or other impurities. Blacks and contrast are also spot-on -- the presentation looks slick and glossy but still natural, while shadow delineation is top drawer. There are also no compression artifacts to speak of. Dave Matthews fans rejoice -- this is a first-class, five-star transfer.


The Audio: Rating the Sound
As great as the video is, the audio is perhaps even more impressive. Sony BMG offers an uncompressed PCM 2.0 Stereo mix (48kHz/24-bit), and -- in a first for the music label -- a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround track at a hefty 96kHz/24-bit. As terrific as the PCM track is, I have to give the TrueHD mix the nod -- simply put, it's pitch perfect. (Note there is also a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix at a lowly 640kbps, but why would you want to listen to that?)

What dazzles the most is the transparent clarity of the presentation. The amazing, diverse sounds Dave Matthews and particularly Tim Reynolds are able to create with just a pair of acoustic guitars (and a few foot pedal-fueled effects) are as breathtaking as the sense of realism and purity to the TrueHD track. It truly feels as if sounds are simply hanging in the air, floating dreamlike, rather than emanating from a set of speakers. I couldn't even pinpoint their location in the soundfield, so transparent is the effect of one expansive wall of sound from the front stage, just as it would be if you were at the show yourself. Dynamics are terrific, too -- from the ultra-tight low tones with the warm, spacious highs, this is as good as it gets. The concert is also expertly balanced, with Matthews' vocals crystal clear and never fighting for dominance with the instrumentation or the crowd.

In comparing the discs two showcase tracks, in terms of envelopment there's surprisingly little perceivable difference between the PCM 2.0 Stereo and the TrueHD 5.1 Surround tracks . Perhaps its because the crowd is so subdued during this quiet show that the mix is almost entirely front and center. Having said that, I would still choose the TrueHD track, because its higher bitrate pays noticeable dividends in sounds quality. To be sure, neither track is a slouch, but the TrueHD is without a doubt the best audio presentation I've yet heard on a next-gen release. I mean it -- it's that good.
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/964/davematthews_liveatradiocity.html

~Josh

awesome...such a must-have for me.

Holy crap! How much disc space is that audio track taking up?

Holy crap! How much disc space is that audio track taking up?

Don't know, but the Bitrate meter is hovering around 7mbits in avg... witch is the same or almost as the 24bit / 48khz PCM track

so... 7mbits/8x60x148 = 7.7gig, now let's say it's 8.5gig for overhead...

Wow, gonna have to pick this up for sure this week. Man, I guess I need to get a HDMI receiver for TrueHD with my PS3. Man I wish the PS3 had analog outs. Arrrg!!!!

Simple question, but I figured I'd get a knowledgeable answer here.

Can you send 2 channel PCM over optical, or is it HDMI only?

Simple question, but I figured I'd get a knowledgeable answer here.

Can you send 2 channel PCM over optical, or is it HDMI only?

Yes you can, in fact, if you select any PCM track, it output in 2 channel..

OH BOY! This sounds sweet. I'm so picking this up tomorrow.

Yes you can, in fact, if you select any PCM track, it output in 2 channel..

Thanks for the quick answer!

Yes you can, in fact, if you select any PCM track, it output in 2 channel..

Ryoohki, is playing it over optical limit it in any way? I was just asking because the review said although True HD was better, that PCM 2.0 still sounded great.

I didn't even know this was coming out!

The specs look great!

Not to fuel any fires, but is this the first time a Sony company has used VC1 for either the movie or special features?

Not to fuel any fires, but is this the first time a Sony compnay has used VC1 for either the movie or special features?

Yes... paidgeek said they were working on getting a VC-1 license over at SPHE. I wonder if they had anything to do with the encode or if Sony BMG is separate.

beatboy: Thanks for the info, one I will be ordering...

Just a quick off kinda off topic question? Can we expect some big news tomorrow or at CEDIA this week on the Blu side of the fence....

Well this makes me wish I didn't hate Dave Matthews. No buy for me - but it gives me hope of similar ratings for the upcoming Gilmour release.

Well, I've never counted myself much of a Dave Matthews fan (though to be fair, I've only heard the occasional song from him), but the review today pushed me over the edge while I was at work, so I grabbed it. Wow. The TrueHD track is phenominal! I agree with the comments about the soundspace, the notes just seem to be in the air without coming from one certain speaker. Jeez, I hope we get plenty more 24/96 TrueHD tracks in the near future.

I'm not much of a Dave Matthews fan either, but I am a music fan so I may have to pick this up today.

the TrueHD is without a doubt the best audio presentation I've yet heard on a next-gen release. I mean it -- it's that good.

That's a pretty bold statement - I can't wait to hear it.

The best audio so far of ANY high def disc.

For people that aren't big fans of Dave Matthews (I am - I've seen the band 33 times since 1998) the Dave and Tim setting is a lot different and as Peter says in his review:

Despite the lack of many of the standards fans have come to expect from a traditional Dave Matthews Band show (the pair does offer stripped-down takes on some of the staples, like "Crash Into Me" and "Crush"), and sometimes long, rambling monologues by the singer that often threaten to go nowhere, I found it utterly compelling. As only a casual fan, I have to admit that I didn't recognize half the setlist, yet I never felt compelled to skip a single track.

Anyone know of any retailors that are carrying this disc? I would like to pick it up in town but if not guess I could order through amazon. Hope this is as good as the review

Anyone know of any retailors that are carrying this disc? I would like to pick it up in town but if not guess I could order through amazon. Hope this is as good as the review

I know Best Buy has it, thats if they can find it.I went to the one by my house today and nobody could find it.The computer showed they had it in stock but they didn't know where they put them.

Came in the mail today (pre-order with a bonus disc)......I'm only up to the Tim solo, volume is cranked (haven't seen the meters on my amp go that high in a while).

The hair on my neck will not settle down. Amazing!!!!!

After this I might toss in the blu-ray NIN concert just for the hell of it :)

I just finished watching it. This disc is awesome all around -- PQ and SQ.

Got lucky and snagged the ONLY copy at Best Buy today..make that the only copy in any store in my region of South Florida...FYE didn't get it, Circuit City didn't get it here, etc...

Got lucky and snagged the ONLY copy at Best Buy today..make that the only copy in any store in my region of South Florida...FYE didn't get it, Circuit City didn't get it here, etc...

I, too, got the last copy at my local BB.

Will get a copy this week.

There were 2 copies at my local Best Buy and I snagged one of them. I'm not a huge Dave Matthews fan, but with the impressive review on High Def Digest I figured I had to have it. Wow, am I glad I got it. Fired it up on the PS3 through my Pioneer Elite VSX-84TSXI. The video is impressive, but the audio completely blew me away. The guitars are so crisp and life-like I'm not sure you would have a better listening experience if you were there live. This disc has quite possibly the best audio mix on either HD format. 24-bit, 96khz Dolby TrueHD...setting the new standard for home theater audio.

For anyone interested DM just released a track on Itunes entitled "Eh ehe". It is him on all instruments. It's his best work since his last solo work IMO. I can't wait for my Dave and Tim BD to get here.

For anyone interested DM just released a track on Itunes entitled "Eh ehe". It is him on all instruments. It's his best work since his last solo work IMO.

I agree. The songs that are anticipated on the next album are getting some really good feedback.

I haven't seen DMB in concert in a few years. My last show that I attended was at SPAC the summer after Central Park. They really fell off. The band's laziness shined again brightly on the disappointing Stand Up. This single showed me that Dave isn't being lazy with his music. It also further solidified my belief that Dave will turn into this generations Peter Gabriel..especially if you've seen the video....Although that remains to be seen..

the TrueHD is without a doubt the best audio presentation I've yet heard on a next-gen release. I mean it -- it's that good.

That's a pretty bold statement - I can't wait to hear it.

The best audio so far of ANY high def disc.

For people that aren't big fans of Dave Matthews (I am - I've seen the band 33 times since 1998) the Dave and Tim setting is a lot different and as Peter says in his review:

Maybe I'll pick it up and judge for myself. best audio of any disc ? I doubt it, I've got a ton of very good DVD-A and SACD disks to compare it to. :)

except, what kind of music does Dave Matthews play ? It might "wow" me now in the near-term, but I'm hoping this is just of tip of the iceberg for music videos with reference quality video and 24/96 (or better) 5.1 PCM tracks.

You're looking at a jazz/country/folk/pop/rock hybrid. But in this setting he is just strictly with a martin guitar. His buddy Tim Reynolds plays lead. His rifts tend to be pretty experimental. The entire thing works though as a whole. Tim on his own kind of irritates me though and I don't really get the appeal. But I'm like that with all experimental guitarists like Khaki King.

I think the music has a wide appeal. It is pretty laid back. I sugesst listening to the samples on itunes to get an idea as to if you will enjoy it.

Maybe I'll pick it up and judge for myself. best audio of any disc ? I doubt it, I've got a ton of very good DVD-A and SACD disks to compare it to. :)

except, what kind of music does Dave Matthews play ? It might "wow" me now in the near-term, but I'm hoping this is just of tip of the iceberg for music videos with reference quality video and 24/96 (or better) 5.1 PCM tracks.

I haven't seen DMB in concert in a few years. My last show that I attended was at SPAC the summer after Central Park. They really fell off. The band's laziness shined again brightly on the disappointing Stand Up. This single showed me that Dave isn't being lazy with his music. It also further solidified my belief that Dave will turn into this generations Peter Gabriel..especially if you've seen the video....Although that remains to be seen..

Yeah, the Central Park concert was pretty much best from them.

Regarding the comments from some that the disc is hard to find at certain retailers, that is often because some retailers don't believe that people are interested in music DVDs - i.e. videos/concerts on DVD or Blu-ray. If you disagree with that you should let your local store know. Or go to an online retailer. Fact is, they're just losing sales.

What are people more likely to listen to/watch repeatedly - a movie or a good CD/music DVD? I know my opinion.

The BB here had five copies. I picked one up. I can't wait to get home to watch it!

I will check my BB tonight to see if they have it. Since I have tomorrow off from work it would be nice to sit back and listen to it.

Just auditioned a few tracks. Simply stunning audio quality. I'm not a hard core DMB guy but this is very impressive. Can't wait to check out snag more audio titles in the future.

For those who have had probs finding these in a local Best Buy, they will have more stock by this weekend. Store that sold out are getting more, and all BBs should have at least one copy. To make your life easier, you might go to their .com site and find the stores around you that have stock on hand before you head out. For those who've already scored, enjoy!

I play a Taylor 512 which is similar to one of the taylors dave plays at some point....And I swear that it sounds like my guitar is being played in the room. It is unreal how real it actually sounds.

I picked this up today.... Very nice recording in Dobly TrueHD... My only problem when playing back in Stereo PCM, the soundtrack seemed distorted... Need to check settings on the Elite Pioneer 84, but too much distortion, not sure what the settings are in the PS3, need to check that as well. Open to suggestions, or has anyone else had this problem?

Oh, man! I would really love to order this one. Heard it on youtube and it's my kinda music. But, can anyone confirm its region free? (Live in europe) All i see is A...:mad:

Thanks in advance!!!:)

For those who have had probs finding these in a local Best Buy, they will have more stock by this weekend. Store that sold out are getting more, and all BBs should have at least one copy. To make your life easier, you might go to their .com site and find the stores around you that have stock on hand before you head out. For those who've already scored, enjoy!

I hope so. I went to my BB last night and they had nothing. Hopefully their selection will get better as well since it looks as if they are converting over to a magnolia store here now.

Oh, man! I would really love to order this one. Heard it on youtube and it's my kinda music. But, can anyone confirm its region free? (Live in europe) All i see is A...:mad:

Thanks in advance!!!:)

It's Region 1, so it won't play on European players. Sorry, man.

I haven't watched the whole concert yet (being that its damn near 3 hours long) but I was wondering what the name of the song was on the menu screen. Is it even in the concert? The wailing of Dave and the riffs of Tim Reynolds sound pretty haunting and awesome.

I haven't watched the whole concert yet (being that its damn near 3 hours long) but I was wondering what the name of the song was on the menu screen. Is it even in the concert? The wailing of Dave and the riffs of Tim Reynolds sound pretty haunting and awesome.

I'm working off memory, but I think it's Don't Drink the Water, but I'll double-check when I get home.

I haven't watched the whole concert yet (being that its damn near 3 hours long) but I was wondering what the name of the song was on the menu screen. Is it even in the concert? The wailing of Dave and the riffs of Tim Reynolds sound pretty haunting and awesome.

bartender is the menu song

but yeah i just received this today from amazon and it is amazing. I am a huge dave matthews fan so to have this is great. Picture and audio are fantastic

bartender is the menu song

Damn. I knew I wasn't right.

I can't wait for my copy to come in from amazon. I just wish I had my full 5.1 setup instead of my 2.1 setup to listen to this bad boy

Excellent Disk!!!!! I am picking up some great disks lately!!

Two great things happened today.

1. I picked this disk up at BB. I must admit, I do not know too much about DM; but I love DVD concerts. This disk, both audio and video are incredible. I upgraded my entire set-up from Plasma to speakers over the past ten months. It's a disk like this that makes me appreciate the money that went out on my set-up. You have to admit whether it be Blu-Ray or HD, what ever your poison, this is what it's all about. It's too bad that the Bruce Springsteen BRD "Live in Dublin" was not of this quality because the music is first rate on that disk. If you are building up your collection with the limited number of available concerts on BRD this DM disk is a must own.

2. I have a friend who just moved back to the Bay Area from Colorodo and he stopped by this afternoon. Here's the deal. He loves Dave Matthews but is new to HD and just bought his first Plasma. He can't even function a remote the poor guy and he doesn't even have HD turned on yet via Direct TV to his Plasma:rolleyes:. I'll learn him!! Well he just about died today when I unleashed my set-up on him. He loved the DM concert and loved Blu-Ray.

I have my old set-up (speakers and receiver) that he is now buying off me for a good price and I can get it the hell out of here! I will set it up for him and he is now ready to get a blu player because of this concert!

Nice day. Seeing an old friend. Showing off my system (I hate that phrase but it is so much fun to show others why I am addicted). Got rid of my old system, turned on a friend to Blu-ray and HD and enjoyed a first class concert.

This is a blind buy!

Rick

I don't at all mean to hijack, but discs like this are a catalyst for me getting my arse over to BR. I am a 110" HT owner, but mainly an avid multichannel guy, with a large SACD and DVD-A collection, and have quite a bit invested in my dedicated full-range mch music setup (along with separate dipole movie sides and rears for 7.1 movies). I have a dedicated HT room and can do whatever is necessary, but I'm confused moving to BR. I need help so I can buy this disc and enjoy it.

I use analog 5.1 bypass to listen to SACD and DVD-A of course, via the classic 6 cable setup. I use a Cary Cinema 11a pre/pro in 7.1 bypass mode for this. This pre/pro currently has no HDMI inputs; those are coming via it's newly announced siamese twin 11V - HDMI 1.3 inputs and video switching and processing ad nauseum, with audio stripped off and sent to the 11A (my unit) via a proprietary umbilical. So......without this new box coming before Xmas I am stuck with analog outs, right? That rules out the PS3 right now, right? And I'm not even sure the 11a even has TrueHD and DTS-MA decoding once the HDMI 1.3 signal gets there, so maybe I use the players decoder??? Argh!

What are you guys using, player wise, and are these great audio comments a result of analog outs or HDMI processing? PCM or truly TrueHD? Sorry, if you'd rather PM me and keep this thread on Dave and Tim's excellent work, I apologize. I just want to experience what you are! :confused: :)

At this point, most are probably using the PS3, having it decode THD internally and send it our via HDMI.

You're going to need a BR player that has 7.1 analog outs - the PS3 does not. You've got lots of options there - Sony, Samsung, Pioneer and more. Just make sure it has the analogs out and can process Dolby TrueHD internally.

That doesn't help you a lot with whatever comes down the road in the next month or two, but it will get you jump started right now.

At this point, most are probably using the PS3, having it decode THD internally and send it our via HDMI.

You're going to need a BR player that has 7.1 analog outs - the PS3 does not. You've got lots of options there - Sony, Samsung, Pioneer and more. Just make sure it has the analogs out and can process Dolby TrueHD internally.

That doesn't help you a lot with whatever comes down the road in the next month or two, but it will get you jump started right now.

Thanks...guess I'll go find a BR player wiyh both analog outs and HDMI 1,3 for my Cary 11V future. In the meantime I played the whole Live at Radio City audio via Rhapsody. Sounds great even streamed in lossy.

Nevermind, I figured it out. The Ah Hah finally came regarding these audio codec, uncompressed PCM, player decoding vs bitstream, etc. I'm gonna go get a BR player that truly decodes TrueHD (at least) and has 7.1 analog outs (for now) and HDMI 1.x for the decoded pcm to my pre/pro (later). Looks like something like the new Samsung 2400.

I finally got my disk from amazon and took a few min to listen to a couple of tracks this morning (esp crush one of my all time favorite Dave songs) and I must it was def the best audio I have heard on any optical media to date! I am only running a 2.1 setup right now and should have the rest of the setup in shortly and can't wait to play this badboy in true hd

A def must by for anyone who hasn't picked it up yet

I picked this up at BB yesterday at the price posted on Frys website. It is worth every penny and then even more. The best audio quality when listened with Dolby True HD on an Onkyo 805 in Pure Audio mode. The PQ is also great. I watched it with my two teenage sons. Even they watched it until the end. Something they have not done before. This is a must have disk in a BD collection.

I'll jump on the band wagon on this one. My wife was pretty cool with TMNT, was not impressed AT ALL with NIN's disc, (probably just because it was so damn dark ^_^) but was completely impressed with with this disc. For fun, we put in Peter Gabriel's Growing Up DVD just for kicks after it was over (No slouch for DVD), and the difference was almost saddening. It's impressive while you're watching it, but it isn't until you try to go back when you realize just how big of a dispairity it is. :-)

The audio isn't the best I've heard on an optical format (for example I might pick the SACD of Beck's Sea Change as sounding a bit better) but it's certainly the best LIVE recording I've ever heard. If I was going to make one minor quible it'd be that the center channel doesn't get much vocal love. I'd say there's more in the left and the right. I suppose that's a more accurate approximation of a live setting though...

^ I don't own any SACD's or DVD-A disks so this easily takes the cake for me. I've been to a few Dave concerts and this was as close as you can get to the real thing and don't have to pay $10 for a beer while your there :-)

I agree this is an exceptional release. The video is perfect, and the audio gives you a near perfect live presentation. Good job, Sony.

I personally don't think it's the best multi-channel audio recording I've ever heard... and there is no way I'd say it's the best audio presentation I've ever heard. But, for a live concert video... it's hard to beat. And on BD, there isn't much to compare it to!

Is the bonus disc in mpeg2 or vc-1 ?

Is the bonus disc in mpeg2 or vc-1 ?

Just popped it in, its VC1 with 16-bit stereo PCM for sound.