the SHM CD Experience

I only hope that RBCDs meaning 16/44k only discs will die, and we finally get Hybrid SACDs with 16/44.1 layer compatible with cd players but also high resolution layer for those preferring hi-rez music (stereo and/or multichannel), that way everybody could be satisfied.

even universal players that cover everything including sacd are selling in such small numbers compared to the original cd boom(or todays i-pod boom) that music companies(big and small)are tightning there belts in regard to mastering and production expenses. since the additional money for an shm manufacturing improvement does not have to be amortized over a number thats not reachable to make it affordable, its a no brainer. no one's questioning the superior sound of sacd, or for that matter dvda. as we already know, the history of satisfying audiophiles(reel to reel,quadraphonic lps, mini discs, digital tape, and others) doesn't stay for long, when the hardware doesn't catch on with the masses. even the growth of vinyl(is at best)a boutique business for now. generally 'new' formats only catch on when 'older' formats are killed off. the problem today... no one wants to risk killing off 'anything' that would send consumers away from physical product for good. the slowing of sales for 'everything' may not lead to eventual death, but the widespread hobby of 'listening to', and 'collecting' music, is under seige. making a redbook cd that sounds better isn't being done to get back consumers who have already abandoned buying music. its being done to further compliment the improvements on the mastering side that were already there(and paid for), for an audience with an affection for an existing media type. I would suggest that people try a few, before kicking them to the curb. if redbooks do however die(I am optimitic they'll live in a smaller universe), they'll be taking 'all' the formats with 'em when they go....not a happy thought. Even though I'm a vinyl junkie too, I like what I here .

Does anyone know what the licensing and manufacturing story is on SHM-CD? On the one I have, the only SHM indication I could find anywhere on the CD or packaging is a very faint, embossed SHM on the jewel case. What are they making these 'from" and where does the art work come from? Is the artist getting paid? Compare this to XRCD, for example. It all seem a little, ah, suspicious.

they are from the major labels and yes the artists get paid. its only a manufacturring process which helps the laser to better read(fewer errors) the information. it is more expensive to manufacture, and (for now) limited 'runs' are in the 2 to 3k range. nothing else is different, and it plays in any cd player.

Thanks.