News and Reviews....

Dual Disc Problems   November 2004

By Bob Lieto

 Two manufacturers of the new Dual Disc, a combination DVD / CD hybrid are alerting consumers of problems. Sony and Pioneer Corporation posted consumer alerts regarding the hybrid on their respective web sites.

Sony posted a problem with the new discs when played on their game platform. Stating "The audio side of a DualDisc may not play on this product because these discs do not conform to the specifications required for an Audio Compact Disc". They went on to say that while the Playstation, PSOne and Playstation 2 consoles should not have a problem with the DVD portion, they recommended that the units be kept in a horizontal position while playing DualDisc DVD to avoid getting scratches on the disc.

Pioneer Corporation reported in their "Service & Support" area that the CD side of the Dual Disc is not up to audio industry standards and went a step further in recommending that consumers not use the DualDisc products with any Pioneer products, including CD players, DVD players and recorders, and computer drives until Pioneer has an opportunity to test them.

DualDisc supporters which include BMG, EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and 5.1 Entertainment Group have admitted that the DualDisc does not meet the "Redbook" standard for CD audio specifications.

5.1 Entertainment Group released 25 titles on November 2, and another 25 titles on  November 20, 2004

I wouldn't be quick to hop on the DualDisc bandwagon yet.