Are CD players dead

I agree with Mapman regarding the lousy packaging of the CD. The saving grace is the still really good sound redbook is capable of providing when mastered well i.e. most jazz recordings. In a high quality system they can sound as good as anything else.
Regards,
Charles

if it were me, I would have kept the lp format for the packaging at least as an option for those who care and just stuck the CD in that instead of a record. Packaging and overall end user utility took a big hit with CDs. If they would have done this, I bet many who do not like digital would have been converts by now, for whatever that is worth to the music industry (probably not much in the big scheme of things unfortunately).

Indie labels are doing really elegant things with CD packaging, as are arTEEST types such as Bjork. Her "Family Tree" box is a never-ending source of packaging delight.

CDs are a lot more utilitarian than LPs, but digital music takes the cake in that regard. I don't doubt that it's brilliant. My fundamental issues are technological, and overall selection.

I am a lot less dogmatic about digital than I used to be. Now, I just want the music.

In this context, what exactly does "left behind" mean?

Nothing nostalgic here. Just believe that the only leverage
to help incentivise Major Labels actually do continue to increase costly Music selection in High Rez. Downloads, an
alternative Format with huge selection (CD) be used as a wedge. End of 2012, leverage/wedge is gone with selection in High Rez. Downloads in limbo? How do you make sure to keep the Major Labels honest on promises for more Music
Selection in High Rez. Downloads? What....pinky promise?
Really???