So what is SA-CD, anyway?

[Blu boy]

so did sacd or dvd-a win and why didnt they replace cd. can the ps3 play dvd-a

[buckshot]

Originally Posted by Blu boy

so did sacd or dvd-a win and why didn't they replace cd. can the ps3 play dvd-a

no but it can play this odd little format called dualdisc. its a cd on one side and a dvd that plays multichannel surround on the other. but its not the same as dvd-a. also the ps3 allegedly can play dts-cds if you have the audio settings set perfectly.

[JasonR]

I think the reason it didn't replace cds is, who needs 5.1 surround audio in a car. I think travel is how most audio is played, while I have some DVD-A's and SACD's I can say say I don't need it in my vehicle...

Also, MP3s...

[irfoton]

SACD and DVD-A died for a multitude of reasons. First was the format battle. Second was the cost was higher than CDs. Third, not much content was released to catch the imagination of the masses. Fourth, iPods and transportable music was more important to the current generation than higher resolution surround sound. It's a shame because if you've heard the difference between regular CDs and SACD or DVD-A, you'd want all your music in high resolution. The Elton John series and Pink Floyd DSOTM are killer productions.

Sigh....

[Gremal]

SACD didn't replace CD because consumers did not widely adopt it and the electronics manufacturers and record labels did not unite behind it. During this time I was frustrated that the audiophile community and music fans in general did not recognize SACD for what it was--the best shot at a hi def audio format we will have on optical disc.

[beavis667]

Funny, I'm listening to Boston (first album) on SACD as we speak. Good stuff.

I think both SACD and DVD-A were poorly executed and in that poor execution they never caught on. SACD could have used hybrid disk technology to just replace CD's from those studios that used them. The disks would be more, but it would be getting disks out there. Hybrid SACD's are kinda like HD-DVD combo disks in that they have the SACD audio track on them as well as a regular CD one. They differ from HD-DVD combos in that they work DVD-A requires video playback capibility for the menu system. DTS audio tracks are great for music, but your audio format isn't taking over the world if you have to have a video screen to make it work.

IMO, DVD-A was doomed from the start. I love my DVD-A's...they sound awesome, but people need music to be lightweight and portable. As it is, DVD-A is a treat when I have time to sit in my listening area.

SACD had a chance with hybrids, but that never happened.

MP3's came around too. I often wonder if MP3's would have taken over if they weren't so widely pirated and shared. They had the portability that DVD-A would never have.

Both formats are niche formats at this point. If you are into classical music, SACD/DVD-A are your best friend. There is ALOT of content for classical, also jazz. I suppose that music most benefits from the high fidelity of the formats. There's still a niche for them, but too bad they never caught on.

[Clark Kent]

I think lack of content on SACD really hurt its chances with the general consumer even if they had heard of the format. This wasn't like Blu-ray where every popular day and date title gets a release. There are other factors of course which some have mentioned.

SACD is still around but it mostly targets niche genres now.

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by irfoton

SACD and DVD-A died

That's incorrect. SACD's and DVD-A are still being produced and sold today. They aren't dead.

[moviefan]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I think the reason it didn't replace cds is, who needs 5.1 surround audio in a car. I think travel is how most audio is played, while I have some DVD-A's and SACD's I can say say I don't need it in my vehicle...

Also, MP3s...

True, but many SACDs are Hybrid, so you can have the CD track in the car, and SACD at home. Anyone who has heard SACD on a good 5.1 system knows how much difference there is.

[jhawkjd]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I think the reason it didn't replace cds is, who needs 5.1 surround audio in a car. I think travel is how most audio is played, while I have some DVD-A's and SACD's I can say say I don't need it in my vehicle...

Also, MP3s...

The Acura TL has had 5.1 surround since the 2004 model (DVD-A only which is unfortunate) In a Yugo, it would be wasted. But in the TL its outstanding. If only they would include a player that would play SACD-Multi. The DVD-A format is lacking because the releases have poor mixing. Most sound like the old Quadraphonic sound of the early 70s. Now if they would include an SD slot and play MP3s in the new multichannel format spec'd for MP3s... I'd love be be able to pop my music on an SD card and play it in my phone or in my car. (Could do it at home too, but why not go for the HIGH quality source.)