Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Almost all SA-CD albums use a hybrid dual-layer design, in which the top layer stores
standard CD audio playable on standard CD players and drives, and the lower layer con-
tains the higher-density SA-CD content. Essentially, a hybrid SA-CD disc is like a CD-
audio disc and a standard SA-CD disc in a single-sided disc (see
Figure 11.16
)
.
Figure 11.16
The structure of a hybrid SA-CD disc.
Note
Although you can play hybrid SA-CD media in standard players or computer-based drives,
these devices are only playing the CD layer. To enjoy the enhanced audio of SA-CD, you
must use a standalone SA-CD player.
An SA-CD disc (or the SA-CD layer of a hybrid disc) includes the stereo version of the
album in its inner portion, a six-channel surround audio mix in the middle portion, and
extra data such as lyrics, graphics, and video in the outer portion.
For listings of SA-CD albums and players and additional SA-CD information, see
DualDisc
DualDisc, introduced by a consortium of major record labels in the summer of 2004 is a
combination of two different formats—music CD and DVD—on a single two-sided disc.
DualDisc (sometimes referred to as Dual Disc), as the name suggests, is two discs in one:
One side is a music CD, typically featuring support for surround audio or other advanced
audioformats,andtheothersideisaDVD(usingthesingle-layerDVD-5format)thatcan
include music videos, concert footage, web links, and other features.
Although DualDisc is designed to work in standard CD drives and players, it is not com-
pletely compatible with Red Book standards because the CD layer is only 0.9mm, com-
