SACD Hybrid production

[Grant]

Right now, it seems to me that one of the biggest problems for SACD is getting those hybrid discs out there.

Anyone know about the progress of the new plants in the US capable of producing hybrids?

[Richard Feirstein]

One new line for hybrid SACD disk production is on line for production this Fall on the West Coast. A second line is planned for this facility later in the year. No other plans have been announced but Sony may be keeping its plans close to its vest. A new line in Japan is pumping out Rolling Stones Hybrid disks and its ownership and existence is a stealth operation.

Richard.

[Sckott]

Actually, it looks like the Japan operation is using Sony stuff, unless it's Sony themselves...

[sgb]

Good question Grant.:)

I think you may have hit upon something that is crucial to an understanding of why WEA & BMG have not given their support to SACD, based on Sckott's and Richard's replies. For the foreseeable future, anyone who adopts SACD will not only have to pay Sony a royalty, but will also have to rely on Sony-supported ventures to have their products manufactured (ever wondered about the "Son" in Sonopress?).

Hybrid production is the key to SACD's success - especially when the products are put in the stores as regular CDs (as the Stones recordings have been). Sony would be wise to repress its inventory of existing titles as current supplies are exhausted as hybrids and with no fanfare. How else would they expect Wal-Mart and Target to start carrying SACDs?

[Steve Hoffman]

Once again folks, let me remind you that record companies do not pay Sony a royalty for the use of SACD. No one pays a royalty when the DVD-A process is used either.

The new Crest SACD hybrid plant in Los Angeles will be open next month.

[Dan C]

Originally posted by sgb
Good question Grant.:)

I think you may have hit upon something that is crucial to an understanding of why WEA & BMG have not given their support to SACD, based on Sckott's and Richard's replies. For the foreseeable future, anyone who adopts SACD will not only have to pay Sony a royalty, but will also have to rely on Sony-supported ventures to have their products manufactured (ever wondered about the "Son" in Sonopress?).

edit

Sonopress is a BMG affiliate, I believe.
Dan C

[Richard Feirstein]

Philips has been the technical might behind Sonopress's hybrid SACD technology. Philips is the technical might behind the hybrid Crest SACD buildup. Don't yet know anything about the operation that just started in Japan.

Richard.