In 2010, after much research and deliberation, Grizzly Studios was set up for full 5.1 surround sound production, the only facility of its kind in the state. Music presented in 5.1 is vastly superior to stereo, the difference is truly amazing! (if you are interested in recording in surround at Grizzly Studios, email contact@grizzlystudios.com.au to arrange a time for a demonstration). Technology has changed in such a way as to make 5.1 playback much more practical from a consumer's point of view, and we believe it is the future of the music industry:
- there are not the same compatibility problems that were so crippling at the format's introduction (the discs we produce can be played back on any DVD player)
- there is now a codec, MP3 Surround, which allows 5.1 playback from an MP3, meaning the massive download market can be reached many computers now have 'surround ready' sound cards
- 5.1 systems in general can now be purchased very cheaply
- High resolution formats have gained huge momentum in visual entertainment (HDTV, Bluray, 3D etc.) and will do so in audio
- Consumers are bored with stereo! Want to increase physical sales of your music? Produce a disc in surround sound and 'wow' your fans! It's new, far superior to stereo, and no one else in Australia is doing it (yet!).
In addition to music simply sounding so much better in surround sound, there is much more scope for creativity afforded by the VIDEO_TS directory on a DVD – you can pretty much put anything on there! Band interviews, music videos, photos, video diaries, skits – the sky is the limit!
There is so much we could say about this topic, so if you're interested in making a record in surround, please email us at contact@grizzlystudios.com.au or give James a call. In the meantime, you can read the FAQ section below, which will hopefully answer a few of your questions.
5.1 FAQ
1. Sounds great, but will it be much more expensive than making a stereo CD?
No. We really want to promote music in 5.1, so we're keeping production costs the same as for stereo! This offer may not last forever, as producing music in surround on a DVD is a major technological feat (with huge costs for us!). However, we recommend releasing both a stereo and surround version of your music, in which case it is preferable to pay for a separate stereo mix. But if you are on a super-strict budget, James can do an automatically generated 'downmix' of your surround mix for no extra cost, but this will not sound as good as physically doing a separate stereo mix. It could also get expensive if you get fancy with menus and additional content.
2. Is it much more expensive to manufacture DVDs than CDs?
No. Manufacturing costs are very similar.
3. Who will be able to play back our music in 5.1?
The master we give you is a DVD-V, meaning any DVD player will play it back. We will also make MP3 Surround versions, meaning anyone with a computer can play it back! (They'll need to download an application like Winamp that has an AC-3 (Dolby Digital) decoder, and have a multichannel soundcard). Of course, they'll need six speakers too!
4. Can I hear some examples of music produced by James in 5.1?
Absolutely! James will gladly talk you to death on the subject too! Email contact@grizzlystudios.com.au to make an appointment for a demonstration.
