[Steve Urbach]

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 23:36:44 +0100, Signal wrote:

" emitted :

There have been a number of articles recently discussing the death of the
CD, and wondering what might replace it commercially. Some of the
possibilities discussed are flash memory, downloading a la iPod, or even
sending info directly to the brain. Let's ignore this latter, since it's
not presently possible, and attempt to answer the question of what might
actually take the place of CDs. A successful replacement will have to have
all the features of a CD, but solve a few of the CD's drawbacks. Among
these are the following:

1. Not long enough playing time, as is evidenced by the large number of
multi-CD sets on the market.
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.
3. Stereo only. A new standard should allow for multi-channel playback.

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

How would you suggest solving the problems of the CD and preserving its
features? If you have a suggestion, please respond.

Norm Strong






Tape.
Got loads of pre-recorded OPEN REEL Quad tapes
Got Laser Disc *This is the only format with *any* form of copy guard
Got CD4 Quad Disc (and some SQ and QS matrix )
Got even more pre-recorded quarter track Stereo tapes
Got Mono LP's
Got Stereo LP's

Under DRM type rules, I can only play them in their native media
format (if I can continue to get the equipment to work in the future)

Other formats I have owned.
Muntz cartridge (automobile player)
8-track Car and desktop
Compact Cassette
Gee I missed buying Beta-tape, RCA's Video disk format (can't remember
its name)

Note every one of these media changes was by my choice (mostly) and in
every case except the Muntz, the company that released them is still
in business today.
As I understand the law,it does not matter which media format I choose
to play them with AS LONG AS I retain the original and do not use
another format at the same time.

Which seems a little extreme as I can play any over Multiple displays
and speakers located in various rooms within my house.