Sony Reveals Blu-spec CD; Profile 3.0 Future Unknown

Sony Music Entertainment has announced the creation of the Blu-spec CD format which allows higher quality audio playback from standard CD players. The format uses Blu-ray laser diodes and advanced polymers in order to improve on the standard (Redbook) CD format while operating within the format parameters. A common problem with standard CDs is an issue called "jitter" which represents variation in the characteristics of the audio signal. Many high-end CD Players use various means to reduce jitter, but Sony will use the precise burning ability of Blu-ray laser diodes to reduce the problem, which will improve audio playback. Despite the name similarities, this is not the Profile 3.0 (audio only) Blu-ray spec that many audiophiles have been waiting for. We are still awaiting some word as to the availability of that technology. The Blu-spec CD format will launch on December 24th with 60 classical and jazz music titles.
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jasontkelley1746  » Nov 05, 2008
I am pretty sure those cd's will be a flop.

Rainman208  » Nov 05, 2008	Show comment Hide comment
I'll second that thought.

daniel1994  » Nov 05, 2008	Show comment Hide comment
If it's Sony, it means it will flop just like SACD. They should worry about Blu-Ray movies. yes there has been an improvement in sales but still miniscule vs. overall sales of DVD. Even if they did this format for my favorite artist (Bruce Springsteen), I still wouldn't buy.

Cinemaddict  » Nov 05, 2008
Unlike movies, music is all about downloading, isn't it?

dialog_gvf  » Nov 05, 2008
I believe this is a way of use Blu-ray burners to burn higher quality Blu-spec CD-R. But, this would be duplication. So, it won't be seen with mass produced CDs. Gary

garak  » Nov 05, 2008
I for one hope it succeeds. Not everyone wants crappy, low quality, downloaded mp3s.

merch!  » Nov 05, 2008
Thank you! Finally a voice of reason... Fuck mp3.

Hanzaki  » Nov 05, 2008
"Unlike movies, music is all about downloading, isn't it? " I hope not, I dont want crappy mp3s... :/

Branden  » Nov 05, 2008
how would these compare to SACD/DVD-A? i'd love it if the music industry united behind a HQ audio format. i hate low quality, therefore i hate downloads.

ToEhrIsHuman  » Nov 05, 2008
They won't compare at all to SACD/DVD-A. It says right there these are "red-book" CDs, only they won't be affected by issues such as judder to such an extent as current ones can be. CD is barely limping along and these, especially if they increase manufacturing costs, will be DOA. Bring on BD Profile 3!! I miss having new SACD releases.

Bobby Henderson  » Nov 05, 2008

If a premium is charged for these Blu-laser written standard music CDs then there will be problems. If it is something that doesn't make any difference in cost (such as HDCD encoding) then it won't really matter. I'm not surprised to see the first batch of CD releases using this stuff are in the jazz and classical music genres -where recording/engineering practices are up to higher standards. Rock and pop music these days seems to be produced with very little if any concern at all in recording quality.

groovyone  » Nov 05, 2008
So, they will be using Blu-ray lasers to burn 'cleaner' discs. Sounds good if they don't cost extra. It doesn't sound liek a 'new' format, just a way to improve the manufacture of the current CD format.

Sonny  » Nov 05, 2008
I'm with Sony "Keeping its nose in Blu-ray Movies" , & not jumping over to Blu-CD's....not yet anyway...?

okcomputer  » Nov 05, 2008

I'm patiently waiting for the profile 3 discs... I'd love to hear some albums remixed in 5.1 This new tech seems useless to me. MP3s and iTunes have proved that customers really do not care about having the highest-quality audio. They obviously don't want something that sounds terrible, but blind tests show that the average consumer cannot tell the difference between iTunes AACs, most MP3s and actual CDs. Why does SONY think people would care enough to buy a more expensive version of the CDs that aren't selling enough as it is? Either create a product that pushes the boundaries and gives consumers something more and something that a lot of people will buy, or don't put it out. Learn from your mistakes!!! Sidenote: please keep developing and pushing Bluray. I do not want it to die. It is the best thing to happen to my movie addiction in a very long time.

spcamaj  » Nov 05, 2008
they should keep it at movies

Bluoholic  » Nov 05, 2008
hehe good luck with that.

hc666  » Nov 05, 2008
Mp3s SUCK! Oh how I hate them, vinyl and cds for me!

dobyblue  » Nov 05, 2008

Keeping Blu-ray for movies only is foolish. There is a massive chance here for Blu-ray to present a new revenue stream for the record labels, providing they add in additional content like video footage, interviews, etc., etc., always in high resolution sound and HD video where applicable. This new Blu-CD thing will work in all CD players and that's fine...as long as they're not foolish enough to try and create a new audio format that requires a special player as that won't work.

191  » Nov 05, 2008

Just a word to the wise regarding possible BD 3.0 spec. If it can't offer the rippable current CD 16bit 44.1 kHz standard as well as a protected DRM 24bit 96 kHz duplicate. IT WILL NOT SUCCEED. People will not buy BD audio if they cannot rip or make mp3's as easily and at the same quality as they currently do with CDs. There is plenty of space on a BD50. This probably won't happen, but it is absolutely necessary for any BD Audio spec to succeed.

pro-bassoonist  » Nov 05, 2008
As long as these are backwards compatible with current CD players and do not require a new piece of hardware I am ready to give them a chance. Pro-B

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