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Sony Blu-spec CD Format Detailed, Hits Stores

Posted by timothy on from the this-year's-jumprope dept.

CNETNate writes "More details about Sony's new Blu-spec CD format — standard CDs authored using Blu-ray's blue diode technology — are beginning to emerge, with commercial releases beginning to hit Amazon. Blu-spec CDs are compatible with existing CD players but have been mastered with higher levels of accuracy by using the same technology used to author Blu-ray discs, with the intention of eliminating reading errors that occur as a result of being authored with traditional red laser technology. Sony has also launched an official (Japanese) site for Blu-spec CDs."

7 of 290 comments (clear)

  1. I'm unimpressed. by Sj0 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This reminds me of the gold plated cables "to ensure the digital signal has the highest fidelity".

    This looks like snake oil marketed to the "I'm a pretend audiophile who loves buying more expensive things with questionable benefits" crowd.

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    It's been a long time.
    1. Re:I'm unimpressed. by LUH+3418 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I feel the same way. I never ever had problems with defective audio CDs, or none that my non-audiophile ears could detect anyways! Furthermore, aren't audio CD sales constantly dropping? Do we really need more odd physical media formats?

    2. Re:I'm unimpressed. by Nerdfest · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It's attempting to solve a very serious problem ... Sony's not making enough damn money.

    3. Re:I'm unimpressed. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Perhaps we'll see regular CDs drop to 8 bucks, and these new (identical) cds priced at 20-30 bucks.
      No, you'll see these new cds priced at $20-30 and they won't make the older ones anymore.

  2. Huh? by mweather · · Score: 3, Insightful

    h the intention of eliminating reading errors that occur as a result of being authored with traditional red laser technology.

    I thought commercial CDs were pressed, not burnt.

  3. Impressions... by Firethorn · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I would have been more impressed if they'd somehow managed to keep it compatible while 'hiding' a second layer such that while you'd get the traditional old two channel audio with a traditional player, a blue laser player would be able to access the second layer, enabling high fidelity, high bitrate 6 or even 8 channel sound.

    As is, it sounds like they're eliminating 'errors' by doing the equivalent of printing old 200 dpi images with a modern 1200 dpi printer. Sure, it's a bit cleaner, but there's no additional information.

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    I don't read AC A human right
  4. How this works... by Burning1 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This technology works by increasing the resolution of the bits coded onto the CD, so that the zeros are rounder, and the ones have the little tip at the top, and a flat line along the bottom.

    But seriously... How about we improve CDs by setting a standard that eliminates harsh audio compression, and sets limits on the audio leveling..?