Audio Recording on and Playback from DVDs?

[freeloader]

I am still in the throws of preparing to change over to DVD from CD for data storage. One of the uses I'd like to make of DVD is for portable audio compiliations of tracks from CDs and vinyl for playback in my vehicles and occasionally at home.
From a few posts I've seen, I am beginning to doubt if DVD has progressed to the point that this is possible right now. So, I have the following questions:

1. Can the standard CD audio format be recorded to DVD+/- R?

2. Are CD/DVD players that can read the standard audio format from CD, CD-R and DVD +/-R media available yet for both inhome and inauto use?

Thx.

[cfitz]

1. Can the standard CD audio format be recorded to DVD+/- R?

No. You can't make a 9-hour DVD "CD". The CD audio format is designed for CDs only. Of course, there is something called DVD audio:

http://www.digitalaudioguide.com/faq/dv ... _intro.htm

2. Are CD/DVD players that can read the standard audio format from CD, CD-R and DVD +/-R media available yet for both inhome and inauto use?

You can get a DVD player that will play standard CDs, but as there is no such thing as a standard CD audio DVD that you asked about in your first question, there aren't any drives that can play it.

cfitz

P.S. "throes"

[freeloader]

Thx cfitz for that link. It has helped me to clarify my questions more.
What I have gathered from that site is:

1. = DVD has it's own audio format totally distinct from CD audio. Aparently this good because the DVD format is capable of better fidelity.

2. = DVD audio players can play audio CDs also as well as video DVDs.

Now, all I need to find out is if they are available for automotive use. That is no problem.
Thanks again.

[cfitz]

One point you didn't mention, and that is important, is that DVD audio is still a relatively nascent technology. Support, both on the player end and the content end, is still quite limited. I don't even know if current burning software and hardware supports creating DVD audio discs. The DVD audio format incorporates what they hope to be unbreakable (yeah, I know) copy protection/anti-piracy measures, so burning may be problematic.

In addition, DVD audio has a competitor known as SACD (Super Audio CD). At this point the winner in the next-generation audio formats is far from decided.

Unless you are a bleeding-edge front runner, I would recommend sticking to CDA and mp3 for your audio needs at this point. If you do want to go down the DVD audio route, you should do a lot of research before you commit to a buying decision.

cfitz

P.S. Although players can and do support both DVD audio and DVD video playback, it isn't a given. Players have to be specifically designed to do both.