DualDisc - Read the fine print!

Lasse Penttinen
16 May 2005 11:37

The new DualDisc format, a two sided disc with a CD and DVD side, carries an interesting disclaimer. According to the source the fine print says that the "DualDisc does not conform to CD specifications and may not play on all DVD and CD players". A few customers have been reporting problems, but currently it is not yet sure how common the compatibility problems are. The disclaimer however raises some concerns. Even more worrying are the disclaimers from the manufacturers of the CD and DVD players.

Most warn that DualDiscs may not play on their equipment, particularly slot-in devices where you insert a disc and the machine grabs and pulls it in. Some warn that the DualDiscs could get stuck or scratched. JVC and Onkyo flatly tell their customers not to use DualDisc products until further testing can be done.
...
''We've seen almost no problems at all. It's an infinitesimally small number of complaints compared to the million discs we've sold," said Thomas Hesse, president of global digital business for Sony BMG Music Entertainment, which makes and distributes DualDiscs.
As for all the warnings about playback problems, including those from his own corporate parent, Sony, Hesse said: ''It's a red herring in my mind."