On 27 Apr 2005 01:12:55 -0700, andy wrote:

I am considering archiving 24/96 files to DVD but I am having one or
two problems. If I simply copy the files to a UDF filesystem on the DVD
my universal player will not play them back. This is not necessarily a
stopper but it would be a significant advantage to be able to hear what
is on the DVD. However, if I mangle the files a bit into a DVD-Audio
format/arrangement the universal player will play them back.
Unfortunately, I am reluctant to use a format which may soon disappear.

Is it usual that consumer DVD players will not play standard audio
files?


Yes

Are there modestly priced DVD players which play standard 24/96 audio
files?


The Pioneer 575 will play DVD-Audio and SACD.

Are there modestly priced computers with good enough analogue circuitry
to work with 24/96 files?


Yes - there are plenty of 24/96 capable sound cards from just under 100
pounds upwards.

However - my suggestion would be to use the DVD Video format which will
handle stereo 24 bit 96kHz material without any compression. Just use a
simple still image at low bit rate for the video part. This is universally
playable on just about any DVD player. Cheap ones might resample down to
48kHz but better ones, like the Pioneer above, will output at the full
sample rate. You might need some slightly more specialised burning
software to create the discs though.

Cheers.

James.