[net.audio] Sheffield digital???

rcd@opus.UUCP (Dick Dunn) (08/03/84)

Within the last year (January 1984, if memory serves), Doug Sax and Lincoln
Mayorga of Sheffield Labs gave an extensive interview with Audio magazine
in which they explained just how the CD format is inadequate, isn't as
noise free as it should be nor as noise free as conventional LPs, and
in general doesn't measure up to CDs.  They explained how, if digital were
what it promised, they'd be the first to get into it, but it isn't so
they're staying out.

This past week, the first Sheffield CDs arrived in the area.  Given the
lead time to get everything set up, actually produce a CD, and get it to
market, I'd say they had to be working on it 3-4 months ago.

Comment?
-- 
Dick Dunn	{hao,ucbvax,allegra}!nbires!rcd		(303)444-5710 x3086
	...Never offend with style when you can offend with substance.

brb@philabs.UUCP (Brian Bertan) (08/07/84)

I have noticed that the Sheffield CD's are made from a first generation
analog tape.  This introduces tape noise into the digital recording.
If Sheffield is going to produce CD's, they should make the whole pro-
cess digital.  Even if you are anti-digital, you must admit that a fully
digital recording is better than a digital recording from an analog tape.

Sheffield's LP's are better than most since they are less removed from
the original recording.  The direct-to-disc method reduces recording
entropy.  Since there is no entropy introduced in a digital recording
(unless there is an uncorrected data error), the only concern is to 
properly digitize the first recording.  If digital audio is accepted
by golden-ears, Sheffield's recording methods will become obsolete
(although their miking techniques may not).  It might not be good
business for Sheffield to endorse fully digital recordings.

                                                  Brian Bertan
						  Philips Labs
						  Briarcliff Manor, NY
{allegra | decvax | seismo}!philabs!brb           (914) 945-6309

Disclaimer:  This does not neccessarily represent the views of my employer.
While Philips has an interest in the field of digital audio, my job
does not depend on its success.  I work on cable television.