FAKE: cd mastering rumour (not CD)

[pilferk]

what do you mean remastering in digital format?


nevermind, I found it courtesy of wikipedia


Remaster (and its derivations, frequently found in the phrases digitally remastered or digital remastering) is a word and concept ushered into the mass consciousness via the digital age, although it had existed before then. Frequently trumpeted with regard to CD and DVD releases, remastering has become a powerful buzzword in multimedia industries, and it generally implies some sort of upgrade to a previous, existing product (frequently designed to encourage people to part with their money for a new version of something they already own). For example, the reissue boom that began in the mid-nineties saw remastered versions of the back-catalogues of The Who, The Byrds and others, while remastered editions of first-generation DVD releases are similarly hot sellers. Despite its status as an industry buzzword, however, remastering actually refers to a fairly distinct process, one which does not inherently include the notion of a positive upgrade.

AFAIK, all the AFD era material was originally mastered in analog format (yes, even the CD versions...that was the common practice at the time...master in analog and then transfer to digital.  It was messy, not optimum, and certainly didn't show off CD quality at it's best).  When I say "remaster", I'm not necessarily talking about "upgrade for release" remaster.  I'm talking about, simply, a format switch in essence.  It would make sense to have the original person who mastered the material, especially if you were happy with that master, involved in that process to preserve the integrity of the original material.  And having it in digital format makes the material emminently more marketable in this day and age.

[jameslofton29]

So basically what you're telling us is.. a remastered AFD starts now?

[jarmo]

I wonder if the remasted the old material could be used for something other than CDs. For example DVD Audio, SACD etc...




/jarmo

[pilferk]

I wonder if the remasted the old material could be used for something other than CDs. For example DVD Audio, SACD etc...




/jarmo

Any of that...along with commercials, soundtracks (movie/tv/videogame), etc. 

You specifically mention DVD and SACD though.  While the remaster COULD be used for that, seperating the sound mix into a 5.1 mix (from it's native stereo mix) would involve some extra processes and steps, and likely review from the band.