And I think right there is an example of why not many labels want to get into multichannel! Too many non-compatible formats. We found out in another thread that each mix requires a licensing fee. Strike one.
If they do decide to pick a format, such as DVD-A, you piss off all the folks who can't play it. The same goes for SACD. The same goes for the DTS/DD crowd. Strike two.
(Although, I would like to point out that an alrming number of households in North America already have a DTS or Dolby capable DVD player and don't even know about it)
Previously, I've voiced my discontent with the format arguement. Sadly, we can't have our cake and eat it too. We can't be selfish that way. DVD-A was a confusing format - even to me! (and I'm usually up on this sort of shit). It's pretty much dead. Goto the Wake, visit the grave, buy the t-shirt, have a good cry. The end. We have ONE chance at appealing to the masses and that's the DTS/DD crowd. If we as a community want to see MORE mutlichannel releases, we're just going to have to eat some crow and embrace the lesser quality format. Truth be told, it wouldn't be the first time. We can't have everything CD-4 now, can we?
The bottom line is.... the bottom line. Companies aren't going to accept major losses and continue on. If DVD-A was an unsuccessful product, then guess what? The industry abandons DVD-A. Just like they let go of HD-DVD, Betamax, U-Matic, SQ, QS, CD-4, UD-4, AM Stereo, Elcassette, Reel-to-Reel, 16 2/3rpm automobile record players, the 45, the 78, the Edison disc, the Edison cylinder, Kerosene lamps..... get the picture?
Rhino was smart. DTS/DD is STILL out there and going relatively strong thanks to DVD's being in surround sound. They capitalized on this "oversight". It was a smart move and I for one will continue to buy any 4-channel product they see fit to releasing. Who gives a flying fuck what format it's on? I'm in it for the music, baby! Good old 4-channel, drums over in that corner for god knows what reason QUAD.
They could release it on a steaming piece of dog shit but hey, if I can play it and it's four channel - groovy man! I for one don't give a crap if I can hear the tape hiss at 28,000hz. Last hearing test I had done, I can't hear anything over 16,500hz anyway.