Cutline Speaks

Is “quality” in the eye of the beholder?

posted by Meghan on March 12, 2008

After dusting off the major debris left over from the recent battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD and tracking the rising popularity of digital downloads for movies and music (which makes the format war seem useless), I'm still not convinced either of these methods are the best options for viewing and listening to content. While I do own an MP3 player, I'm still connected to the nostalgic and simple methods for playing music and videos. Don't get me wrong, I am attached to my iPod for my long commutes to work and work outs, but the art of purchasing a vinyl record, listening to the needle hit the first chord and appreciating the case's art work is something that can't be replaced. And it seems I'm not alone. Now, record companies like Matador Records are addressing the consumer demand for vinyl, and are realizing that this format is here to stay despite the new innovations, by providing MP3 versions along with the record simply for back up on your portable device.

As we continue to strengthen technology and provide faster services with more customization, we risk losing the fine quality that makes listening to music or going to a film a full artistic experience. I do think digital downloads will kill the CD, same for DVDs, but I feel confident that our vintage theaters will still draw a crowd based on the atmosphere and vinyl records will still continue to sell. Although some are fearful that theater audience numbers are dwindling, I'd disagree. The interest is still strong and it's not changing any time soon. Same for music, the act of purchasing and listening to an entire album cannot be replaced by the quick $0.99 purchase of one song online.

Tags for this post: music