I know of at least one member of CDFreaks that is an advocate of DVD-A and this is posted for his benefit. Also, for any of us out there interested in this audio scheme. According to this article over at Car Audio Magazine , the new Pioneer head unit is the first one that can play back this format. Add in all the other features such as a self-storing, adjustable, 7 inch active matrix touch screen. Or things like support for multi-angle discs, allowing you to change the camera angle in certain scenes, and anamorphic resolution enhancement and you have a cutting edge unit. Best check your bank account before you rush to the store though, this item from Pioneer lists for $ 2700 dollars!
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DVD-audio is a relatively new format that takes advantage of the huge 4.7 GigaByte storage capability of the DVD-ROM to provide very high quality audio recording and playback. The format uses a lossless compression scheme, and can be recorded with a sampling rate of 192kHz and a quantization of 24 bits (linear). This yields a frequency response out to 96kHz and a theoretical maximum dynamic range of up to 144dB. Compare this with the maximums of 22kHz and 96dB for standard CDs with their 44.1kHz sampling at 16 bits. However, you won't find any DACs (Digital to Analog Converters) that achieve 144dB, with the best DACs just coming to market claiming a 120dB dynamic range. I don't know of a speaker system that will stay linear over even that range, and any outboard gear you connect will likely have a dynamic range of 100dB or less. What all this really means is that the playback media can no longer be singled out as a major source of distortion, and the anti-aliasing filter is completely outside the range of sounds even your dog can hear. There are heated arguments in the audio community over the need for such overkill, but until a player (and equalizer, crossover, amplifier and speaker system) is released that can actually achieve something close to the theoretical capability, these arguments are pointless. The DVD-Audio format also supports up to six channels of simultaneous audio at lower sampling rates, which is ideal for high-quality surround sound recordings. This is more likely to be the choice of content producers using the format, since going beyond 96kHz/24-bit (the DVD-Video standard for audio tracks) is far less impressive than surround sound vs. stereo. In addition to the audio features discussed above, the format is capable of storing other information, such as still images (slide show), short video clips, and text (i.e. lyrics). |
Support is also provided for XM Satellite Radio, if you purchase the optional tuner. XM stations can be displayed and selected either by category or station number and you can store up to six favorites.
I spent many years frequenting clubs and rock concerts in too close a proximity to Marshall amps, to appreciate the quality of sound from this sort of thing. But, it is still interesting to read about. 😉 Plus, DVD-A has other visual capabilities as well, that helps leverage the storage capacity of the DVD.
Source: Car Audio and Electronics
