Posts: 466
Threads: 33
Joined: Jul 2009
09-12-2009, 18:36
(This post was last modified: 10-12-2009, 07:46 by Beach.)
I just had a thought.
If one day CDs become obsolete and mp3 downloads become the main thing, I wonder how this will work.
For now, stores like Amazon probably possess the CD and have the right to rip it into mp3 and sell the mp3 (but I don't know exactly; maybe I'm wrong).
But when CDs will become obsolete, will the companies themselves do the mp3? If so, on which support will they send them to Amazon or people? On USB keys? what will be the point of doing that instead of CD? Or maybe always 100% download? For those who don't have an internet connection, maybe it will be possible to go to a music store, buy the album online and put it directly into your mp3 player, or your own USB key?
And this bring me to the point of quality once again: if the music become only available through compression, so what's the point of doing a perfect sounding master if there's no way anybody could listen to it at full quality? What's the point of putting time and effort into doing a great sounding record knowing that nobody will fully enjoy your work?
Once again this mp3/compression thing is giving me headache.
Unfortunately there are too many dumbasses who are satisfied with this inferior quality and keep buying mp3s.
Posts: 2,223
Threads: 359
Joined: Oct 2009
I was reading an interesting article on this in a magazine not long ago. It foretold this...mp3 s will go on much as they have done, there will be downloads available as now. Maybe, a choice of bit rates might be possible for people who can tell the difference. However, it did not see CDs becoming obsolete....instead it saw arise in burn on request. Eg most companies like record companies and maybe places like Amazon will store CD contents and artwork on large servers. When you order a CD the CD is custom burnt and the artwork printed on a good quality printer, all is assembled and posted off to you. I am told that one or two CD manufacturers are already doing this and this might be the way to go
Posts: 466
Threads: 33
Joined: Jul 2009
Ok, so Cds will still exists, but only on demand. I don't bother, as long as the quality remain the same. I just hope that this will not cost too much because it is worth nothing in the end if the mp3s are way cheaper and you end up choosing that anyway.
Posts: 28,895
Threads: 8,359
Joined: Aug 2009
Self portrait I took the other day.
![[Image: Dumbass.jpg]](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz72/yoyeehaw/Dumbass.jpg)
Posts: 466
Threads: 33
Joined: Jul 2009
10-12-2009, 03:43
(This post was last modified: 10-12-2009, 03:50 by Drealm.)
Music Head Wrote:Self portrait I took the other day.
Don't feel ashamed, as you often say, now you just go with the flow so you're not the only one looking like this.:photo:
Posts: 838
Threads: 11
Joined: Jan 2008
Drealm Wrote:For now, stores like Amazon probably possess the cd and have the right to rip it into mp3 and sell the mp3 (but I don't know exactly; maybe I'm wrong).
No they do not. The publisher/label/artist (whoever owns the rights) has to give them permission.
Quote:But when Cds will become obsolete, will the companies themselves do the mp3? If so, on which support will they send them to Amazon or people? On usb keys? what will be the point of doing that instead of cd? Or maybe always 100% download?
There are independent labels that are already download only. They're called "net labels". There is no need to buy music in this format in a store or have anything shipped. It can be downloaded directly. Also, aren't you familiar with iTunes? Amazon also has its own mp3 store.
Quote:And this bring me to the point of quality once again: if the music become only available through compression, so what's the point of doing a perfect sounding master if there's no way anybody could listen to it at full quality?
As someone else said, music will be available in many formats. Some lossless digital format, mp3 of various compressions, and a deluxe physical format. This is what Radiohead did with their last album.
Posts: 466
Threads: 33
Joined: Jul 2009
JonG Wrote:...and a deluxe physical format.
So what is normal now will become luxury in the future...Hmmm...
Posts: 919
Threads: 26
Joined: Jun 2008
I don't really understand people striving for the perfect sound system. I don't really care about the sound quality as long as it's not bad enough to be distracting.
I think that the best sound as far as music is concerned is when you hear it played live - so measured against that MP3s are a fairly spectacular leap in sound quality
- of course it could be that the sort of music I listen to just doesn't need that level of sophistication.
- horses for courses I suppose - or any other sort of equine equivalent already mentioned
Posts: 28,895
Threads: 8,359
Joined: Aug 2009
