First off, this new disc is not a DTS CD, or an SACD, or a DVD-A, but basically a DVD-Video with music on it. Sure, it has a bit of video, but mostly it's music. As such, it does not play in any of the automotive DVD-A players (Acura/Infiniti/Cadillac).
However, it's pretty cool!
The DVD has the following tracks:
> 3 Different Dolby Digital Surround Mixes
> 3 Different DTS 96/24 Surroud Mixes
> A Stereo PCM 96kHz track
plus music files for your iPod!!!
@:
In addition, there is a standard redbook CD in the package!
Also on the disc is a video about creating the disc (Behind the Scenes), The Monster Experience - a bit about the disc itself, Monster Home Theater performance tips, the THX Optimizer, and a few other "goodies".
--------------------------------------
When you pop this into your DVD player, you are presented with a title screen with a graphic, and along the bottom are the 7 choices for playback, as well as an option for the MONSTER FEATURES. You can also get a menu of song titles and move on from there.
To begin with, this is a 3 track recording, so there is not a lot of surround options available to the production team. The 3 variations on the surround mix are as follows:
ON STAGE JAZZ CLUB -
This is the most discrete. The drums are clearly in the rears, with the piano and bass up front. On the song "Christmas Time is Here (Vocal)", the one with the kids singing, the kids are in the rears as well. This is the version that I like the most.
ON STAGE CONCERT HALL -
This track still has a front to back sound, but it's "blended" at bit, not being so discrete. It has a nice sound to it, though.
FRONT ROW PERFORMANCE -
Here you are in the audience, and the performance is in the fronts, with an ambience in the rears. Still nice, but not someting a discrete guy like me prefers.
The nice part about having these three choices is that you can easily switch between these three options, as well as a stereo track, just by using the AUDIO button on your DVD players remote (at least with my DENON 3910 you could). This makes it easy to compare the three surround mixes. It's cool to move the drums around the room with your remote.
Despite the fact that this material is not the best source for a "surround spectacular", this music is near and dear to any kid growing up in the '60s and '70s, as it's the soundtrack to Christmas past. Every kid watched the Charlie Brown specials, brought to you by Coca-Cola and Dolly Madison Cakes!
In some ways, it's a shame this is not a REAL DVD-A or SACD, but this is pretty cool as an alternative. With there being so few surround releases coming out these days, here is a welcome alternative to the "HiRez" formats that seem to be fading into obscurity.
These discs are not easy to find. I have never seen one in a store. I ordered mine directly from Monster. Despite what some folks feel about Monster, I think this is a viable alternative to the DTS CD, and hopefully we will see more titles licensed and released from this company.
BTW, these discs are limited issues, and each one is numbered. I am not sure how many of these will be made, but if you're interested, you might want to grab one while you can. They are not that expensive.
So, from my point of view, "GOOD JOB", by Monster. I hope they crank some more titles out!
PS - Sorry Bob for barging into your section, but I had no other place to put this!
However, it's pretty cool!
The DVD has the following tracks:
> 3 Different Dolby Digital Surround Mixes
> 3 Different DTS 96/24 Surroud Mixes
> A Stereo PCM 96kHz track
plus music files for your iPod!!!
@: In addition, there is a standard redbook CD in the package!
Also on the disc is a video about creating the disc (Behind the Scenes), The Monster Experience - a bit about the disc itself, Monster Home Theater performance tips, the THX Optimizer, and a few other "goodies".
--------------------------------------
When you pop this into your DVD player, you are presented with a title screen with a graphic, and along the bottom are the 7 choices for playback, as well as an option for the MONSTER FEATURES. You can also get a menu of song titles and move on from there.
To begin with, this is a 3 track recording, so there is not a lot of surround options available to the production team. The 3 variations on the surround mix are as follows:
ON STAGE JAZZ CLUB -
This is the most discrete. The drums are clearly in the rears, with the piano and bass up front. On the song "Christmas Time is Here (Vocal)", the one with the kids singing, the kids are in the rears as well. This is the version that I like the most.
ON STAGE CONCERT HALL -
This track still has a front to back sound, but it's "blended" at bit, not being so discrete. It has a nice sound to it, though.
FRONT ROW PERFORMANCE -
Here you are in the audience, and the performance is in the fronts, with an ambience in the rears. Still nice, but not someting a discrete guy like me prefers.
The nice part about having these three choices is that you can easily switch between these three options, as well as a stereo track, just by using the AUDIO button on your DVD players remote (at least with my DENON 3910 you could). This makes it easy to compare the three surround mixes. It's cool to move the drums around the room with your remote.
Despite the fact that this material is not the best source for a "surround spectacular", this music is near and dear to any kid growing up in the '60s and '70s, as it's the soundtrack to Christmas past. Every kid watched the Charlie Brown specials, brought to you by Coca-Cola and Dolly Madison Cakes!
In some ways, it's a shame this is not a REAL DVD-A or SACD, but this is pretty cool as an alternative. With there being so few surround releases coming out these days, here is a welcome alternative to the "HiRez" formats that seem to be fading into obscurity.
These discs are not easy to find. I have never seen one in a store. I ordered mine directly from Monster. Despite what some folks feel about Monster, I think this is a viable alternative to the DTS CD, and hopefully we will see more titles licensed and released from this company.
BTW, these discs are limited issues, and each one is numbered. I am not sure how many of these will be made, but if you're interested, you might want to grab one while you can. They are not that expensive.
So, from my point of view, "GOOD JOB", by Monster. I hope they crank some more titles out!
PS - Sorry Bob for barging into your section, but I had no other place to put this!
