[Kalman Rubinson]

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 10:33:26 -0700, wrote:

1. Not long enough playing time, as is evidenced by the large number of
multi-CD sets on the market.
Disagree. MultiCD sets are in the minority compared to single CD
releases, so increased playing is not a big issue. In fact, it may be
a disadvantage as artists will be stressed to fill it up and pressured
by buyers who insist on it being filled. Besides, see (2)......

2. Too large. A 12cm disc will not fit in the pocket conveniently.
Furthermore, the players are too large; they should be about the size of a
minidisc player.
OK. Not a biggy for me but there's no downside to this. However, if
the data capacity is increased substantially, one might hope for equal
or more capacity here than for the current discs.

3. Stereo only. A new standard should allow for multi-channel playback.
New? Pick one and standardize it. The problem isn't a lack of
suitable multichannel formats but the confusion of having too many.
The average user just wants to know that "it will play in my VCR" or
equivalent.

A replacement technology should solve all these problems, while preserving
the good features of the CD, notably:
1. Extremely high fidelity
2. Very low manufacturing cost
3. Easily adapted to home recording
Agreed. Credit card-size optical discs with the option of being dual
sided. Of course, with the appropriate players, SD cards might be
even better.

Kal