In article ,
Phil Allison wrote:
The reasons for the original CD spec are all based around the limits of
the PCM recorders of the day - basically a semi-pro video recorder
(U-matic).


** The CD spec was *tweaked* to be compatible with those recorders -
hence sampling at 44.1kHz instead of some other very similar number. It
is NOT a quality limitation.

Never said it was. I was absolutely blown away when I attended the first
UK demonstration of CD - as were all of my colleagues.

As we know from later, CD itself is capable of a longer playing time.

** The original CD was smaller than the final 12cm dia version, chosen
to increase the playing time to well over 1 hour.

The limit of an NTSC U matic tape was also 74 minutes of programme
material. Allowing for line-up. PAL was 90 minutes.

44.1kHz and 16 bit gives audibly perfect reproduction plus a comfortable
margin beyond. 100dB s/n and 0.005% THD are well beyond what is
necessary.

Absolutely. I've never said different.

--
*I used up all my sick days so I called in dead

Dave Plowman London SW
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