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HD Vinyl?

cwall99

cwall99

AK Subscriber
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I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but I stumbled across this article and found it to be intriguing!

http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2016/03/15/high-definition-vinyl-will-soon-become-a-reality/

Now, whether they're starting in the analog realm and staying there is something I don't know about. On the one hand, it sounds like they do a lot of digital pre-production work to configure the distance between grooves, etc..., but... and here's where I'm really confused, it says they use a laser to cut the groove onto the stamper.

Oh.... and while it says that this new vinyl format would be backward compatible, it hints that you'll be feeling pressure to upgrade your old hardware.

I might be tempted to do that, but only if that new hardware is backward compatible with my existing collection of LPs.

Was curious if anyone else had heard about this and what your thoughts are.
 
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Sounds to me like it's a process that would produce improved stampers, not sure what "special" turntable would be required, unless they are just talking about a specially shaped stylus which a lot of us are playing with already...
 
The article essentially means they'll be 3D printing the stampers and/or the vinyl itself - that makes perfect sense, considering the cost and efficiency of 3D printers now is probably a lot cheaper than using and maintaining the old machines (and cleaner too, according to the article).

If they can make this HD vinyl immune to the other classic issues of vinyl, then maybe I'll trade in my CD collection. But until that time, it'll still be a novelty item for me - granted it will be better-sounding than the rest of my vinyl collection. It'll be great for those who use vinyl as a primary medium, provided the cost isn't too high (normal new vinyl is already pretty high).
 
botrytis said:
More resolution more grooves, finer grooves, and many bumps, etc in the grooves means it will be harder to cleans since smaller pockets means more surface area.

Remember any new technology, add in an extra 50% because of startup costs, etc.

It is interesting but won't come cheap.
Click to expand...
They also mentioned 30% more capacity - and the tradition way to do that is to make the grooves closer together.
 
Someone posted this awhile back..I eagerly await..they say compatible with standard TT but might get more enhanced features from a purpose built machine..could be just the stylus profile maybe?
 
vonclod said:
Someone posted this awhile back..I eagerly await..they say compatible with standard TT but might get more enhanced features from a purpose built machine..could be just the stylus profile maybe?
Click to expand...

That's the only thing that makes sense to me... that there would be an extended frequency response that would require a low noise table and some sort of line contact esque stylus to properly experience...
 
Sounds interesting, but really the problem with audio quality is the mastering done in the studio, it lives or dies right there. Nothing will be done to fix that.... I've got some direct to disk vinyl recordings and they sound absolutely lifelike although the music isn't particularly great, I don't see much trumping the sound quality of those, not even "HD vinyl". It sounds interesting, but I bet it won't make any difference whatsoever. CD supposedly gives us HD quality but it never does because everything gets brickwalled in the mastering.
 
I'd be surprised to learn if any professional recording was done in any format other than digital - from an editing and mixing perspective it is the easiest to work with, and digital storage is super convenient.....so i don't see how any new music could possibly be better in any format other than digital.

this smells, to me, like someone trying to cash in on the recent popularity of vinyl.
 
matteos said:
I know Radiohead, Coldplay and Jack white are all pure analog and it does show on the vinyl. Quite significant.
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Boston is another. Tom Scholz bought/kept all their recording equipment from the 70s, so their newest album sounds the same (recording-wise) as their original albums. So, if you got that on vinyl it would be full analog.
 
"They also mentioned 30% more capacity - and the tradition way to do that is to make the grooves closer together."

Which means, it will be more susceptible to scratches and may sound in volume like those old compilation albums with 12 or more tracks per side.

Though, I can't see myself buying them at this point. I hunt for the more obscure records. Besides, I see these having a big premium price.
 
matteos said:
I know Radiohead, Coldplay and Jack white are all pure analog and it does show on the vinyl. Quite significant.
Click to expand...
i'll have to take your word - i don't yet have a decent turntable - waiting to smooth out my last purchase out, then maybe see what bartertown brings forth...also a little hesitant - know nothing about setting one up - i mean i can figure out how to level it, but no idea re: balancing the tonearm (although i know this is necessary) and whatever else.
 
woofmytweets said:
i'll have to take your word - i don't yet have a decent turntable - waiting to smooth out my last purchase out, then maybe see what bartertown brings forth...also a little hesitant - know nothing about setting one up - i mean i can figure out how to level it, but no idea re: balancing the tonearm (although i know this is necessary) and whatever else.
Click to expand...

It's not too hard.

Align the cartridge (get a protractor from vinyl engine). You'll need to google how to do this, but it is important or the last track on the album will be distorted.
Then you have to balance the tonearm. It's very easy, there is a counterweight on the rear end of the tonearm, set it up like a scale so it doesn't fall one way or the other.
Then set the correct tracking weight for the cartridge (Varies from cartridge to cartridge but the info will be there.) They'll be a dial, it will take you just a second
Then set up anti skate if it has it - another dial. Usually same number as tracking force.

That's it.

Keep your vinyl dust free (Get a brush at least - the black padded discwashers from the 70s are what I like, you can find them on eBay).

Welcome to the world of vinyl :)
 
matteos said:
It's not too hard.

Align the cartridge (get a protractor from vinyl engine). You'll need to google how to do this, but it is important or the last track on the album will be distorted.
Then you have to balance the tonearm. It's very easy, there is a counterweight on the rear end of the tonearm, set it up like a scale so it doesn't fall one way or the other.
Then set the correct tracking weight for the cartridge (Varies from cartridge to cartridge but the info will be there.) They'll be a dial, it will take you just a second
Then set up anti skate if it has it - another dial. Usually same number as tracking force.

That's it.

Keep your vinyl dust free (Get a brush at least - the black padded discwashers from the 70s are what I like, you can find them on eBay).

Welcome to the world of vinyl :)
Click to expand...
thanks - i won't make a move without consulting the forums - and then there's the issue of where to put it....probably next to the xbox one.
 
A few thoughts:
-They mention turntable sales via Amazon. However, people buying $50 Jensen sets will not care if their records are "HD" or not. They are after the "scratchy sound". Not bashing, simply repeating what I hear all the time in person. Local used sales on vintage tables is probably a better indicator

- seems like an eventual industry shift to regular vinyl grooves with digital analysis. Good deal

- "HD" is a hackneyed label. The whole point of vinyl is that it retains definition. Seems like a double statement
 
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