Ho Gerry, How're you doin'?
On 27-Feb-98 at 09:32:29, Gerry Clark wrote to Graeme Jaye about
Digital recording
 GJ> The main problems with both DCC and MD is that 1/ they are not
 GJ> exactly in universal use
 GC> I've been using a Mini Disk for over a year now and I've found
 GC> it to be a really useful piece of kit both for domestic use
 GC> and public  performance.
I don't doubt it.  But yours is a specific application and you
take the kit with you  .  The original question was posed by
someone who wanted a universally portable format so that
*anyone* could play his audio recordings - obviously, MD could not
be said to fit into that bracket.
 GC> The compression isn't obtrusive or obvious, even when playing
 GC> at volume through a large PA.
That's a matter of opinion.  You (and your audience) may find it
acceptable for the application but I can only say that I looked at
MD several years ago with a view to using it as an audio source via
an infra-red link.
In spite of the fact the IR link was not exactly wideband, blind
auditioning of the complete system revealed that there was still an
audible difference between the same material sourced from MD and CD.
 GC> The greatest advantage for me though is the instantaneous
 GC> response. I work a lot in theatre and the Mini Disk is
 GC> absolutely ideal for providing sound effects or backing music
 GC> where split-second timing is essential.
Quite.  Horses for course -  and in this case, this is a major
advantage for you.  
Mind you, I have found that there is still a slight delay from MD
and CD which can cause sync problems in my business (AV based
exhibitions).  Without a doubt the best systems for us rely on solid
state stores - they really *are* instantaneous .
 GC> I would urge people to buy one.
They'll have to hurry then.  I suspect the format will be dropped
before too long if the market doesn't pick up soon.  I can't see the
manufacturers continuing to support such an expensive device as a
loss leader forever.
 GC> Any drop in audio quality due to the compression algorithms is
 GC> negligable compared to the practical benefits.
That rather depends on what you want it for .
Keep 'em comin'
Graeme in Dover, England
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