triple110
02-22-2008, 02:29 PM
I wanted to get feedback on the apparent lack of digital audio implementation both in the consumer and professional industries. While I have seen an increase in support for digital audio, must of the industry has continued to treat digital audio as a red-headed step child that is only implemented as an after thought or a "sigh..if we have to" mentality.
I feel that much of the industry missed a great opportunity to move forward with full digital support during next years required HDTV implementation for broadcast television. Even Comcast (because they are evil...) has gotten out of their obligations to upgrade so they could have an excuse to make people pay for the HD/digital content.
Even with audio CDs, the industry has failed to use the tools to create a fully digital/surround sound that utilizes the tools available. As a broke musician/composer I understand about creation music cheap and using the tools available. But, even with musicians/composers/producers with more financial backing, limit themselves to the same quality I can produce in my home with simple tools.
One of the funny things about the whole mess is that most musicians/studio engineers converter their analog signals to digital then back to analog again. The only company really using fully digital signals is Alesis with their ADAT recording decks. The technology as come a long way from there and purchasing a truely digital/surround sound mixer is way out of the reach of common musicians. With the exception of a few pieces of computer based recording systems/cards, much of the equipment purchased is all analog.
Don't get me wrong, I truely understand the usage of analog vs. digital signals, filling as much as possible with a digital signal is very beneficial to signal integrity and a "clean" sound. With current level digital technology, there is no excuse for it.
So what do you think about the limited selection and grossly expensive sector of companies providing digital/surround sound products to the professional and consumer? Should we as consumers be demanding higher quality and more features of our media?
Thanks
/soapbox
I feel that much of the industry missed a great opportunity to move forward with full digital support during next years required HDTV implementation for broadcast television. Even Comcast (because they are evil...) has gotten out of their obligations to upgrade so they could have an excuse to make people pay for the HD/digital content.
Even with audio CDs, the industry has failed to use the tools to create a fully digital/surround sound that utilizes the tools available. As a broke musician/composer I understand about creation music cheap and using the tools available. But, even with musicians/composers/producers with more financial backing, limit themselves to the same quality I can produce in my home with simple tools.
One of the funny things about the whole mess is that most musicians/studio engineers converter their analog signals to digital then back to analog again. The only company really using fully digital signals is Alesis with their ADAT recording decks. The technology as come a long way from there and purchasing a truely digital/surround sound mixer is way out of the reach of common musicians. With the exception of a few pieces of computer based recording systems/cards, much of the equipment purchased is all analog.
Don't get me wrong, I truely understand the usage of analog vs. digital signals, filling as much as possible with a digital signal is very beneficial to signal integrity and a "clean" sound. With current level digital technology, there is no excuse for it.
So what do you think about the limited selection and grossly expensive sector of companies providing digital/surround sound products to the professional and consumer? Should we as consumers be demanding higher quality and more features of our media?
Thanks
/soapbox