Arcams View on DVDA and SACD
Sep 21, 2003 at 11:51 PM Post #2 of 8
The thing is, there may be more DVD-A capable machines than SACD machines as he asserts (but I find this dubious though possible), but those are people who bought a DVD player that just also happens to have a DVD-Audio badge. Chances are they don't know they have a DVD-A player or even what a DVD-A is. These people aren't necessarily turning around and demanding DVD-Audio discs. the fact is SACD titles are outselling DVD-A titles, plus there are far more SACD offerings. People that buy an SACDP are aware it's an SACDP and that's why they bought it, so they then go out and buy more SACDs for it.

IMO, he's blowing it by hitching his wagon to just one format. If you are buying expensive/obscure Arcam gear, you are presumably educated enough about the market and digital. So you would likely be educated enough to know there are universal players. In 18 month's time just try to sell someone an expensive new CDP/DVD player that *isn't* universal. He sounds like he's complaining that they just can't overcome the technical hurdles to add SACD, sounds like Arcam's problem, there are lots of hi-end universals here and coming. I guarantee he will be singing a new tune in 18 months time.

Mark
 
Sep 22, 2003 at 7:45 AM Post #3 of 8
I'm curious to know if there is merit to his claims that the quality of universals are lower and that Arcam can come close in it's red book capabilities to the quality of high end universals playing SACD. I do, however, agree with Markl that as a company they are shooting themself in the foot by choosing not to support SACD. While I personally took a liking to DVD-A over SACD, (I suppose because I bought into the idea that the possible resolution is higher with DVD-A) I definately agree that SACD is currently winning the battle. Even if DVD-A doesn't go away anytime soon (or if it never does... or even if it wins the battle) there are going to be a lot of SACD's out there that the Arcam player's just won't play in their highest resolution. It's doubtful that people will buy dedicated SACD players to go with their Arcam DVD-A player, but it is pretty likely that someone would choose another brand simply because it's able to play both formats.
 
Sep 22, 2003 at 6:18 PM Post #4 of 8
Quote:

if there is merit to his claims that the quality of universals are lower


More features = more work. At the same price point it seems inevitable that universals are lower quality. It does not mean compromise is inevitable but far more likely.

If you're willing to pay for Arcam, already have a huge redbook collection and want a higher format digital source too then buying a separate SACD probably isn't going to bother you much. Until universal players show up that challenge Arcam's efforts they have little to worry about.
 
Sep 23, 2003 at 6:46 AM Post #5 of 8
I suppose you're right, if money were not an issue I would likely get the best of both rather than a compromise of the two... What a large pain in the neck though...

"On this side we have my SACD player and extensive collection of SACD's" and on this side we have my DVD-A player and my small collection of DVD-A's. ...huh oh, yes I like DVD-A but try finding more than a dozen you like..."
 
Sep 23, 2003 at 9:04 AM Post #6 of 8
Quote:

Originally posted by markl
The thing is, there may be more DVD-A capable machines than SACD machines as he asserts (but I find this dubious though possible)


He's very, very right, DVD-Audio has sold a lot more players than SACD. Dig around on AudioAsylum, they have the numbers up there and it's pretty one-sided.

Quote:

Originally posted by markl
but those are people who bought a DVD player that just also happens to have a DVD-Audio badge. Chances are they don't know they have a DVD-A player or even what a DVD-A is.


Also a true statement.


Quote:

Originally posted by markl
People that buy an SACDP are aware it's an SACDP and that's why they bought it, so they then go out and buy more SACDs for it.


I would have to question this statment. My guess is that most people with SACD players don't have a clue either, they just bought a Sony player and the SACD came along, just like with DVD-Audio, although maybe not as high a percent as with DVD-Audio. I personally hope that the hi-res formats succeed, but I haven't seen any signs of it, if you look at the sales numbers they both are hurting...
 
Sep 23, 2003 at 9:18 AM Post #7 of 8
When all new releases are released in Both or at least one of the two on the same disc as the CD version, they will get a large boost. Right now they are asking you to buy stuff that you likely already have... Worse yet, unless you have an extreamly wide variety of music likes, it isn't likely you'll find more than a dozen discs you are even willing to consider let alone want. For DVD-A I really don't understand what the hold up is... there shouldn't be any reason why master tapes aren't converted to hi-rez PCM or simply recorded in hi-rez PCM. Hell most consumer soundcards now days will record at that level especially when you start getting into the semi-pro stuff, so what's the big damn deal?
 
Sep 23, 2003 at 9:26 AM Post #8 of 8
Quote:

Originally posted by Jasper994
Right now they are asking you to buy stuff that you likely already have... Worse yet, unless you have an extreamly wide variety of music likes, it isn't likely you'll find more than a dozen discs you are even willing to consider let alone want.


Amen, the title selection from both camps have been between rather and abysmally poor. On the one hand it's nice to know that the engineers are practicing their new surround sound mixing skills with titles I will probably never buy, but enough already!
rolleyes.gif
 
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