Technology and TFM

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Technology and TFM Technology and TFM

Topic started by Padmanabhan Ganesan (@ client-116-48.bellatlantic.net) on Tue Aug 5 19:58:18 EDT 1997.
All times in EDT +9:30 for IST.

Responses:

From: Padmanabhan Ganesan (@ client-116-48.bellatlantic.net) on: Tue Aug 5 20:17:39 EDT 1997

Technology has been/is changing the way we listen to our beloved TFM and I would like to discuss that.

I started off listening to TFM on AM radio, moved to mono tape recorder, then to walkman-home built 200 rs stereo combo, off-the-shelf stereo, MINI system and now a MIDI system.

For about 15 years now, most of my TFM is on cassetes. I started buying pre-recorded stuff when I started working in Bombay. But most of my TFM is compiled and recorded from various music shops in Madras (I have about 50 like that).

When I came to US, I started collecting CDs at a very slow rate (compared to other music like Jazz/Western classical etc). Reason - bad quality of recording or lousy combinations. (One good movie or IR/ARR and 2 more unheard-of-movies).

Many of your stories may be like mine except for the details.

How many of you out there buy old music on CDs ? Old in the sense - MSV, VR etc. Most of this music is released by HMV/EMI. Are you guys satisfied by the quality ?

Do any of you guys own a VCD player / VCDs (Tamil) ? If yes what is your opinion ? Many VCD movies have been available here for some time but VCD players I have not seen them here (NJ, USA). How is the scene in Singapore ?

I used to listen to cassettes from Singapore by a company called Latha Musicals. This company used to record pretty good compilations on original Maxell tapes. Excellent sound quality, reasonably good selections. I have heard many SPB oldies on these tapes. (SPB used to advertise for this company in the middle of the tape).

Guys in Singapore : How is Singapore for buying well-recorded TFM ? I have bought TFM music on a Pyramid brand called Vanilla (from middle-east) which are generally better recorded than tapes you would buy in TN.

Are there any efforts to bring out Tamil movies on DVD ? Imagine Hits of IR/ARR/whoever is your favourite - 6 channels of digital music + the video of the song + the lyrics of the song in original Tamil script + subtitles in English + MD/Lyricist/Singers/Movie/Banner/Year info all on one DVD. Great ! I can't wait for that day.

I am waiting for your inputs.
From: pg (@ client-116-12.bellatlantic.net) on: Wed Aug 6 20:37:22 EDT 1997

Nobody interested in A/V technologies ?
From: PPP_good_recording_thedubavan (@ bones.deneb.com) on: Thu Aug 7 07:08:03 EDT 1997

What is DVD ?

I tried my hands on OLD VR SONGS ON CD - but the
quality is same as on a TAPE - so I stopped.

I have a A/V reciver/amplifier with surround sound
and started recording OLD tamil songs from Video tape to audio cassattes thru A/V reciver - it is
so far the best quality OLD songs I can get.

I used to buy new ARR/IR songs on CD originals but
my cassatte deck is much better than my CD Player.
The original tape recording is much better than
original CDs - so I stopped buying CDs for good.

I tried my hands on playing audio CDs and capturing them in WAV format - do some audio digital effects on them in my office computer -
there also so so..

Recently when I was in Madras, I heard the songs
in FM transmission - they were pretty good, too.

video-to-audio was the best so far.
From: Padmanabhan Ganesan (@ igw2.merck.com) on: Thu Aug 7 09:34:45 EDT 1997

DVD is Digital Versatile(Video) Disc. It is a new format with approximately 10 times the capacity of a CD. DVD can also be double-sided thus doubling the capacicy. It can also be multi-layered - thus increasing the capacity even further. This standard is already out (DVD players and Hollywood movies are avilable in the open market). DVD size is the same as a CD. DVD uses smaller pit size and shorter wavelength lasers. Because of this tremendous capacity, DVD can store multiple versions of a film on the same disc (various aspect ratios). It can also have subtitles in approx 10 languages (the user can choose the language). In addition it also has Dolby digital sound (5.1 - two front channels, two rear channels. a center channel and a subwoofer - all the five channels are completely discrete digital. The surround channels are also stereo as compared to mono on Dolby ProLogic surround sound. ).

Some firm in Singapore has released Tamil movies on VCD (Video Compact Disc). (Punnagai mannan, Sindhu Bhairavi, Iruvar etc) But this format is only as good as VHS and has come too late into the market. This is also available in India (Philips).
These movies sell for around US$25. I hope this firm may start releasing Tamil movies on DVD. Much better video quality (= to better than Laser Disc) and Dolby Digital for around the same price. Hollywood DVD movies sell for around 20-25 USD.

My experience with CDs has been that though CDs do not equal sound quality from US companies, they are better than cassettes. HMV's old recordings are not all that good. These guys do not process the sound to improve it. I have heard Jazz albums recorded in 1950s in US and they have been restored beautifully. The recording shops in Madras don't do a good job especially if the songs are old. The recordings of old IR songs from Oriental records on CD are better that cassettes so I am selectively replacing my collections on cassettes with CDs.
From: Kanchana (@ ww-to01.proxy.aol.com) on: Tue Aug 26 20:03:40 EDT 1997

PG:
This is in response to your DVD's & Thamizh movies question in the G.Ramanathan thread in this forum. I have not seen Thamizh movies in DVD's yet, but one of our out-of-town friends owns "Minsara Kanavu" and "Indian" DVD's and plays them on his Panasonic DVD player. He says not all brands of DVD players could play the Thamizh DVD's, and he had to take the DVD's with him to the store and ended up buying Panasonic since it alone could play the Thamizh DVDs. I thought DVD's conformed to a universal standard, so I'm confused a bit by what this friend tells me. Further, he also said that the Thamizh DVD's are not as impressive as the Hollywood ones. He picked up the DVD's in Toronto.

I do enjoy watching select Hollywood movies in the DVD format thru a surround-sound home-theater system.. Hopefully, there will be a few Thamizh movies which appeal to ALL the senses that I'll want to watch in this format.

Also, FYI, I've watched video-CD's of oldies like Mannaadhi Mannan etc. This format gives great pictures and puts an end to the loss of visual quality due to the NTSC/PAL conversion. But, we (my husband & I) decided not to invest in video-CD's since we're into DVD's.

As far as audio is concerned, for my favorite TKR/MSV and MSV era songs, I stick to my good old cassettes. I'm investing in CD's mainly for ARR's songs, and selected IR songs, for obvious technical reasons. For the oldies, I just go to the recording boutiques in Madras, and make my special requests. (Of course, the shop guys think I'm strange since I'm still listening to oldies---"Ennamma neenga? America'vilae neenga ellaarum indha paatti kaalathu paatugalathaan innum kaetkireengalaa? Namma(!) Michael Jackson paattu madhiri ippo Thamizhilayae poduraanga theriyumaa?" is the usual complaint/critique on my TFM tastes by the familiar friendly shop guys who're desperate to "educate" me in the new TFM trends. I don't want to disappoint them further by telling them I prefer western classical, old jazz & old rock to "his" Jackson's Pop.)
Occasionally, I also tape songs from the VCR thru the audio system as Bones does, and that's working out fine too for the older songs.

Sorry for this long-winded answer!
From: Srini (@ 1cust40.max2.cleveland.oh.ms.uu.net) on: Tue Sep 2 22:37:53 EDT 1997

I think Ganesh is right about the quality of recording in India. Even ARRs songs have a lot of hissing and high pitched interference. Havent heard his Vandemataram which I believe is recorded in London.
I try to fish for carnatic recordings by L Subramanian etc recorded abroad. The mridangam sounds like a live performance.
From: aruLarasan (@ psiphi.umsl.edu) on: Wed Sep 3 19:34:40 EDT 1997

Hi Srini,

(Sorry folks. A slight digression.)

Look for carnatic classicals with German (not the BMG) labels.
I can't recollect their names but if you want will send you email.
I have some sheikh chinnamoulAna, ravikiraN CDs which are of high
quality.
From: srini (@ 1cust123.max17.cleveland.oh.ms.uu.net) on: Wed Sep 3 19:45:46 EDT 1997

thanks Arul for the offer. I would welcome your tip. Awaiting your E mail.
From: pk (@ 168.187.188.2) on: Sun Sep 7 03:41:06 EDT 1997

this is regarding audio CD
for old songs, i tried many companies ( like HMV), but a title Duets by P.B.Srinivas, Vol I was excellent, it looks like recorded from master. It is grate, but i never find other volumes or collection. I even asked that shop guy ( I'm in Kuwait), he didn't get any thing else after that. few songs are in that CD are
rojaa malarE - veeraththirumakan
inthap paruvaththin paarvaikku - sumaithaangi
yaar yaar aval yaarO - paasa malar
raja rajasri - ooty varai uRavu ( total 20 songs)
i am giving the contact detail about the company FYI,
R.P. Ancient Sound, 95/96, Mitcham Lane, Streatham, LONDA, SW-16
(Ph) 081-7694684
(Fax) 081-7695
From: Ravy (@ ww-ti22.proxy.aol.com) on: Sun Sep 7 16:38:35 EDT 1997

To PK:

I used to buy a lot of Thomson cassettes when I was in Dubai. I like their song selection and the recording/cassette quality was good. do you get them in Kuwait. To get tamil audio cassettes here, I have to go to the D.C or new Jersey and they are quite far off.(120 miles atleast)
From: pg (@ client-116-3.bellatlantic.net) on: Sun Sep 7 18:43:30 EDT 1997

Yes, I have heard Thomson cassettes. They are much better recorded that cassettes in India. (On original Maxell tapes). I had mentioned another company Latha Musicals (Singapore) but no response from Singapore dwellers. Vanilla cassettes (Pyramid International in Dubai) has excellent quality.
From: pk (@ 168.187.188.2) on: Tue Sep 9 01:42:32 EDT 1997

Ravy, Yep, we get Thomson Cassettes here, also many other companies are coming as good collection. Even video cassettes ( from Thomson) have superior quality in both oli & oLi. i buy CDs, all songs ( by MSV, IR, ARR) are coming in CDs now. btb, where r u, PA? i was in NJ (Marlton) and pittsburgh few years back.
pg, i never tried latha and vanilla cassettes. let me look around for these.
From: Ravi (@ greed.cs.umass.edu) on: Wed Sep 10 19:23:59 EDT 1997

People planning to buy DVDs take a look at this article. Might not be imm. relevant, but useful all the same. :-)
http://www4.zdnet.com/chkpt/adt0905ba/www.anchordesk.com/story/story_1229.html
From: Ravy (@ eagle.vapower.com) on: Thu Sep 11 08:33:49 EDT 1997

PK:
I'm in Richmond,VA about 100 miles south of DC. When I was in Dubai I used to talk to my friend in Safat, Kuwait (he is not there anymore). The fruit juices I used to buy in Dubai were made in Safat.
From: Kanchana (@ ww-ta04.proxy.aol.com) on: Thu Sep 11 10:05:08 EDT 1997

Ravi:
Thax for sharing that article on DVD technology. Yesterday's Wall Street Journal had an article about disposable DVD's which were going to cost about U.S.$5, backed by Circuit City based in Richmond, which has Hollywood pretty upset. Looks like the best thing to do is to wait, as with most of the innovations.
From: Bhaskar (@ dutyfree.proxy.lucent.com) on: Fri Sep 19 14:42:46 EDT 1997

I think one of the reasons why ARR's music are
big hits these days is because of the technology
he uses in TFM. He uses lot of computer software
and keyboard synthesizers for getting the real effect. I think IR has to upgrade his technology
he uses for recording new songs.

One might have observed that if Sujatha sings
for ARR her voice is more shrill and synthesised
than when she sings for Deva or IR. I think
ARR syntesises the voice of the singers to make
the songs more catchy and appealing.
From: Ravy (@ ww-tf01.proxy.aol.com) on: Sat Sep 20 11:53:18 EDT 1997

Kanchana:

The new DVD technology (DIVx) is going to be launched by Circuit City has the backing of some leading hollywood studios like Sony, DreamWorks etc. They feel DIVx has a better technology to prevent unauthorized copying.
From: Kanchana (@ ww-tc66.proxy.aol.com) on: Sat Sep 20 21:09:48 EDT 1997

Ravy:
My understanding is that these disposable DIVx'es can be used once, after which the signal remains locked for 48 hours, and can be thrown away or can be re-activated via modem if desired.
What is the rationale for Sony and SKG (Dreamworks) to back this DIVx, I wonder! Did your sources say?
From: pg (@ client-116-45.bellatlantic.net) on: Sun Sep 21 11:41:27 EDT 1997

Stop !

What is this new DIVx ? I am aware of DVD technology and that pre-recorded DVDs are available in the market. About 10 days back there was a news item that Sony and others are backing a new standard for recordable DVDs dividing the DVD standards group. There was also news that Ricoh has come up with another standard. Is DIVx related to any of this ? This is the first time I am hearing about DIVx.
From: Kanchana (@ ww-to02.proxy.aol.com) on: Sun Sep 21 17:08:33 EDT 1997

PG:
You need to go up a few postings to see my original posting on this new DVD technology (which Ravy was responding to). The Wall Street Journal dated 9/10 reported that Circuit City is planning to introduce a new "disposable" DVD technology expected to cost around US$5. You use it once, and cannot use it for the next 48 hours since the signal stays "locked", and you can reactivate the signal via modem for an additional charge. Does this sound the same as Ricoh's you read about? Please shhare that info with us so we can compare notes. Thx.
From: Ravi Chandran (@eagle.vapower.com) on: Tue Sep 23 12:10:25 EDT 1997

To all those interested in DIVx: Circuit City in partnership with a L.A based entertainment law firm has launched Digital Video Express (DIVx).(not in the stores yet). CC has pumped in about $100million into this project and has the backing of Paramount, Dreamworks and Disney (not Sony as I mentioned earlier) and also from consumer electronics manufacturers like Zenith, Thomson and Matsushita.
The disk will be available for about $5 and has a playing life of 2days. That is when you insert this disk in the DVD player (of course the one with Divx capabilities) the clock starts ticking and the disk becomes active for the next 48 hrs. During that time any number of viewing is possible. There is no question of returning it to the video stores and hence no late-fee (big deal?). You can purchase more viewing time for an additional fee (thro. Divx) or unlimited time for one-time fee. This new DVD player can play the discs of older DVD format but the other way is not possible.
The activation concept is the key here and that's why some of the studios are interested. But some consumer electronics stores like Best Buy are skeptical about this.
Thanks
From: cp (@ 208.206.24.27) on: Tue Sep 23 12:53:48 EDT 1997

Ravi Chandran:
I understand that this DivX is some sort of "use and throw" DVD. But what are they really trying to record in this DivX? Any movie or music may be purchased to preserve - I don't understand what is the concept behind developing this !
From: Ravy (@ eagle.vapower.com) on: Wed Sep 24 08:07:37 EDT 1997

CP:

It primarily replaces the rental video tapes with an added convenience that you don't have to make an extra trip to the stores to return them. If you want to add a movie to your video collections you can purchase unlimited viewing option for an one-time fee. Qualitywise it will be as good as a regular DVD.
From: pg (@ client-116-1.bellatlantic.net) on: Sat Oct 4 07:24:13 EDT 1997

Recordable CDs :

Recordable CDs is a technology which is about 2 years old. On these CDs, you write once, read many times. This CD is physically different from pre-recorded CDs. Recordable CDs have a dye substrate which is the recordable medium. You need a CD-R drive for writing to the CD. This CR-R drive costs around $500 and most of them are internal SCSI versions. You also need special software for recording to the CD. You may get this free when you buy the CD-R drive. CD-R media costs around $7 when bought in bulk.
Recording on CD-R media is very cumbersome. You can either read directly from a CD and write to a CD-R disc or copy a CD to a hard-disk (you need 650 MB free space) and write to the CD-R from the hard-disk. There are single-session, multi-session CR-R drives. What this means is that on a single-session CD-R you have to 'burn' the whole CD in one single session. You cannot record 2 songs and think you will record the rest later. Of late multi-session CD-Rs are also increasingly available. Another pitfall : The CD-R will not wait for data. The read CD drive and the hard disk must be fast enough to feed the CD-R drive with data. If the CD-R drive waits for data the CD-R is ruined. That's $7 down the drain.

If you complete everything successfully, there is no 100% guarantee that regular CD-drives will read your new CD. There have been problems reported in the media that regular drives quite often fail to read CD-R CDs.
From: Kanchana (@ ww-tk22.proxy.aol.com) on: Sun Oct 5 09:49:15 EDT 1997

PG:
who are the manufacturers and supporters of these CD-R's? Who are the end users at this point in time and what are they actually using these for?
From: pg (@ client-116-43.bellatlantic.net) on: Sun Oct 5 18:34:27 EDT 1997

CD-R drives are available from Hewlett-Packard, Sony, Panasonic etc (most of them require SCSI card controllers). CD-R media is available from Maxell, TDK, Sony, Verbatim etc. Any computer store like CompUSA, Computer City etc stock these. There is also a stand-alone CD duplicator called Dupe-It from Corporate Systems Center ($1295). Internet site : http://www.corpsys.com

This is a good medium for backup of data which doesn't change often (certain regulated industries like pharmaceutical industry are legally required to maintain their old data for around 6 years), small quantities of CDs (below 1000 copies) etc.

When I bought my PC I wanted to invest in a CD-R drive but when I discovered that the technology is not fool-proof I decided against it. Some of my friends have made their own audio CDs (at work) and they work perfectly.
From: Nadim (@ modemcable126.146.mmtl.videotron.net) on: Fri Dec 12 00:13:06 EST 1997

Dose anyone know if Indian (Bombay) movies are avaliable on DVD.

Thanks
From: mfm (@ 203.120.115.1) on: Wed Jun 10 22:34:16 EDT 1998

Just to bring to bring this to main topic

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