QuestionCould you tell me where we are headed with music media? I'm trying to determine where I should be spending my money as far as music is concerned. Here's an example of what I mean: Movies progressed something like this? 8MM, beta, vhs, dvd . I have several cds but it seems a waste spending more money on them if we are headed towards another media type like MP3 players etc.
AnswerPortable audio is now popular. The Apple iPod is sensationally popular. So also are many types of mp3 players.
Downloading off the internet for music is now gaining much momentum. It is easy and convenient. Computer/digital memory is getting cheaper by the day. A portable player interface is now becoming predominant in the car such that you can port the iPod while driving and take it with you on the train or subway.
So, convenience, small size and being able to compress a very large library into a very small package is the going thing and the mark of the current trend.
However; these media are coded and data reduced. They do not have the full fidelity that an audiophile is seeking. When the compression takes place to produce the mp3 or iPod music/tunes a certain amount of information is thrown out as a compromise for keeping the storage space and downloading time to a practicle level.
The serious audiophile, one who cherishes the music and wishes to keep the signal as pure as possible is relying more and more on CD or DVD-A or super CD and/or other high performance digital media. These are called lossless systems and nothing is eliminated during the processing and preparation to deliver it to the consumer. In fact, the original cd standard is based on a 16 bit sampling system and many feel it is not enough for true high fidelity. So, there are systems that utilize much deeper resolution qualities. In the recording studio, for example, many of the digital mixers and recording systems are based on 24 bit resolution depth.
Further, there are movements going on to increase the realism of the audio and acoustic experience. The standard for digital tv is a 5.1 system, but many manufacturers are now supporting 7.1 systems and the labs of Tomlinson Holman, inventor of the George Lucas THX system, is now perfecting the 10.2 playback environment.
And, there are those who think digital sound of any kind is not an accurate portrayal of really good, pure sound. They are still using analog based plastic vinyl recordings and vacuum tube amplifiers. And, they sound really good, I must say.
So, it is likely that the various systems will remain around for along time and the market will continue to be segmented because the product differentiation is needed to fulfill the interests of a diverse group of users.
I might say about the newer standards for improved audio, namely the DVD-Audio and SACD (Sony's version of a high performance audio disc) has not been so successful in the marketplace as yet. It is still growing, but seems to be limited to a small segment of the audiophile community and has not been picked up by the broad audio consumer market. Probably because of the high cost of the players and the recorded media content.
Does this answer your question? Please ask more if you are prompted to do so.
Cleggsan
