Should Sound Quality of Computer Audio be improved

"Competition among many Formats is the only way to keep
sound quality standards high. "

There are many downloadable digital formats available at all resolutions, less than, equal to, and greater than CD redbook. FUrthermore, conversion among them as needed is quite straightforward from a technical perspective, though not always very user friendly to date, but that will improve over time and should become totally transparent to the user at some point.

VInyl will likely retain a (small) niche as well for those who want to go that way.

So I really do not see a problem. Other than that we all know that corporations often worship at the alter of the mighty dollar, yen, gold, or whatever monetary standard is preferred.

Hi Pettyofficer, Do you go over to the analog forum and beat down the vinyl only guys? Don't they need to expand their minds?
I believe that we all appreciate and respect a vinyl lover, I've never seen a harsh word from you toward vinyl... Computer audio is certainly the most growing segment of the industry, but if you don't think someone would jump on another winning format???? You Did, are you more or less intelligent than someone that hasn't used as many formats as you have? I still have vinyl, I am going to sell my tubed CD player soon, for me, I'm done with it. If another winning format comes along, you can bet that I, you and most other audiophiles will check it out... this pending doom is a bunch of bull.
You've taken a alot in this thread, i appologize for any part that I've had in that, please just stop making things personal and you will find more friendly responses. Even though I disagree with you, you've stood your ground voraciously, I have to respect that.... Good luck with your tunes, Tim

Psssst....hey guys, I think Pettyofficer may be on to us. Y'know...our
conniving plan to wipe out all other Audio Formats and
shove Computer Audio down His Throat yesterday? He may be on to
the fact that we are in cahoots with Bill Gates and the ghost of
Steve Job to turn the Audio Market into a Monopoly. Heck, I'm even
beginning to Suspect that he is aware of Our Plan to get him into a
North Korean Concentration Camp where he has to listen to MP3's of
Nickelback on a Bose Wave system for 2 years straight. OK everyone...in the interest of not getting caught I suggest you all
Disband and go your Separate Ways...as you were!!

"Soon all new Music will only be available on Vinyl Disk",
Nope- haven't heard that from Vinyl Enthusiasts.
"Soon all new Music will only be available as SACD",
Nope- haven't heard that from SACD Enthusiasts.
"Soon all new Music will only be available on Blue-Ray
Audio", Nope- haven't heard that from Blue-Ray Audio
Enthusiasts. Ad Nauseum for every single Format out there
other than Computer Audio. Many claim that their particular
Format sounds better than others, but no-one has suggested
the total elimination of all other Formats for the sake of
their favorite. Apparently, Computer Audio is the ONLY
Format that requires the elimination of all other competing
Formats- to insure of its continued success in the
Marketplace. It is the only one whose Enthusiasts demand
(Under Threat of Impending Doom to other Formats) that
everyone switch over yesterday. Single Format, Manufacturer's lower Sound Quality, Manufacturer's boost
Profit, and what recourse would you have? Threaten to switch to another Format if they don't produce more High
Res. Downloads? They would never do this? They already have
with lower than CD Resolution MP3. This was a business
proposition they used to boost their Profits, yet you still
trust them with producing more High Res. Downloads. Again,
Common Sense Consumer Protectionism- VERIFY that larger
selection in High Res. Downloads is being produced. Crazy
me kicking tires, and checking the quality of a product
(Format) before I commit to purchasing it exclusively! You
are cynical towards me. I am cynical towards Mr.
production of lower than CD Res. MP3- especially if he is
promising me the Holy Grail of High Res. Download Selection. If I have nothing to take to the Bank yet- I am
not exclusively buying it. Crazy me to include a Backup
Format- I thought that is what Computer Audio Enthusiasts
did with Backup Hard Drives! I see, when I do it I must be
on Drugs. Just let all existing Audio Formats be. You
remember the Beatles Song, "Let It Be". When the quality,
and selection is there people will seriously concider
switching. If it doesn't happen, then no-one was serious
about producing High Res. Downloads after all. Now where
would that leave us without any alternative? I am not
paying any hard money for a whole lotta "Soon To Be"! I
would be "NUTS" to do so.

Off on this one again PO? Move on.

No one is replacing other formats.

We have just reached a point where more people have computers or computer based entertainment than the old methods of music playback. That's all. It's a natural progression.