That compatibility can be accomplished by producing two-layer disks. But these so-called hybrid disks are more difficult and expensive to make, which is why those in the DVD audio camp say they have chosen not to offer them for now. When both new formats jump out of the gate this fall, DVD audio will have a decided advantage. DVD video players, first sold in 1997, are in more than 2-million U.S. homes, and sales are growing exponentially, making their introduction among the most successful in consumer electronics history. Promoters hope that people who are interested in buying a DVD player can be persuaded to pay a little more for the ability to play DVD audio disks, too.
Music retailers are excited about DVD audio and plan to stock the new disks.
That, of course, is a reference to the business that record stores have lost to the Internet, where many people download the music they want. But Goman said his company had no plans to stock Super Audio CDs. Neither does the biggest music retailer, Musicland Stores, owner of Sam Goody and other chains, with a total of 1,350 stores. And at the moment we are preparing for that, making the assumption that it will be the choice of consumers. The Sony-Philips format is not receiving complete support even from the two companies.