Conference cookie::notes$archive:cd_v1

    There's something about these in Digital Audio.  Basically, MF
    is making CDs using gold as the reflective layer instead of
    aluminum.  They claim fewer errors due to reduced oxidation, etc.,
    but one test I saw showed that the MF discs were no better than
    standard discs, and sometimes worse.  It's just a gimmick.
    
    What is interesting is that the CD-V discs will be using gold
    discs.
    					Steve

    
    The question really is, how long before someone in the Audio conference
    tells us that the new gold discs played on a Muscial Concepts
    modified Maggie with Monster pad and whatever-latest-and-greatest
    "interconnect" opened their ears to what digital could really do,
    and they threw away their Sota?
    
    								-mr. bill

    Recently, some problems have arisen with Laser Video (LV) discs,
    stemming to oxidation of the reflective aluminum layer.  The problem
    could only occur if air gets at that aluminum layer somehow.  I'm
    not sure if this could happen to CDs or not.  There's a note about
    it elsewhere in this file, with very little discussion.
    
    Anyway, if CDs are in danger of the oxidation, then using gold instead
    of aluminum might avoid the problem.  On the other hand, if CDs do face
    that danger, then the whole medium is in trouble.  I doubt if
    everyone's going to go for gold discs, now that CD prices are finally
    starting to come down. 

    Re .0
    
     The disk is available at Rockit Records in Nashua, N.H. (DW Highway)
    for the princely sum of $24.99! As other noters have pointed out,
    the reflective layer is gold - and a gimmick as far as this CD consumer
    is concerned. I did look at the disc briefly...elegant to look at
    and distinctive in its' gold tone, but I believe it's just another
    toy in the "one upmanship" game.
    
     To the best of my knowledge, Mobile Fidelity only has 1 gold CD
    on the market at this time, although more are planned. The current
    offering is a collection of older jazz tunes - I don't believe it's
    a "DDD" disc.
    
    
                                         Ken
    

    I think it's too early to tell whether gold it better than aluminum.
    CD's have not been available long enough to get accurate idea
    of their durability over time.  Hmmm... I wonder what my disc will
    sound like in 10 year?  But with the fast moving technology, in
    10 years, the CD could be as obsolete as the LP.
    
    What's a CD-V?
    
    
    						-Paul

    Re: .3
    
    As has been mentioned earlier, the problem with LV discs is not
    due to oxidation of the reflective layer, but rather contamination
    of the adhesive used to bond the two sides together, thus warping
    the information layer.  CDs use no adhesive and thus are not
    subject to this problem.  Nobody has any evidence that the sealed
    aluminum reflective layer is subject to oxidation.
    
    CD-V is a new variant CD standard that includes pictures (V=video).
    It is not meant to replace audio-only CDs but can be used in
    applications where pictures and music or words are needed.  There's
    more on this too in Digital Audio.

    					Steve

    Moby Fidelity isn't beyond a little snake oil!  But don't many people
    like CDs because they look pretty?  Gold CDs are the new aspiration!
    
    But sound better?  Perhaps if MF specifies higher tolerances on
    the disks and lower permissible error rates.  CDs are a lot like
    records.  Incresed production, lower quality.