Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ames!lll-lcc!lll-winken!uunet!mcvax!ukc!stl!stc!Peter Mitchell
From: Peter Mitchell@tcom.stc.co.uk (Peter Mitchell)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.tech
Subject: Re:new stuff - DAT players
Message-ID: <1517@bute.tcom.stc.co.uk>
Date: 31 Mar 89 10:56:22 GMT
Reply-To: <pm@stc.UUCP>
Organization: STC Telecoms, London N11 1HB.
Lines: 29
Sender:Peter Mitchell

For the past few days I have seen a lot of talk about using DAT machines as
a back up device for the Amiga.
Why bother with this method when writtable CD players are on the verge of being
released. I know that such players have been demonstrated but at the moment it
is only possible to write once to a blank CD. This however is due to change as
a rewrittable system is being developed.

This system would have many advantages over a DAT system.

{i}   Faster access than with a DAT.

{ii}  The same blank CD's will be used for both the computer and audio markets
so tthe cost of a blank disc will be fairly cheap (I have seen prices of five
pounds (approx $8) quoted).

{iii} Each compact disc can hold in excess of 200 Mbytes of data (I think!).

{iv}  The compact disc could be used as an alternative to the hard disc at a
much reduced cost.

{v}   The compact disc will be a more reliable means of storage - they can not
be damaged by magnetic fields as the information is written and read by a twin
laser system. A powerful laser is used to write a bit and a lower powered laser
is used to read a bit.
Also unlike a hard disc you can move a CD without fear of damage.
The CD will not wear out due to constant use.

{vi}   Finally you can use youre Amiga to digitally process the recorded sound
on conventional CD's.