future of 2 channel CD sound

I agree with Chris that BlueRay (BD) is likely to be the last physical media. However, now that the hi-def format war between HD-DVD and BlueRay is more or less sorted (BlueRay emerging victorious) there is a new development in the horizon.

The details are still sketchy, but it is the Profile 3.0 of BD which is supposed to be Audio only profile (If you need to learn more about differet BD Profles and their evolution please check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc#Player_profiles . And the best part is as of now there is no support for Java or Video and that means the Hardware players cicuitry will not be 'contaminated' by all these unnecessary additions.

Think of it as a plain two channel SACD with 10 times more capacity.

Once the profile is launched, I would assume music server manufacturers will provide software support for ripping the compatible BDs or for downloads.

Regards,

I dont understand why hard drive recording (studio recording) is 24 bit+ but CD is only 16 bit?

What don't you understand about it?

why are CDs limited to 16bit, not 20 bit+

if music will be via downloads, not discs does that mean musicians can sell direct to consumer, and big record labels won't need to exist?
charging consumers more and absorbing musicians' profits?