The arithmetic of CDs had several variables: the byte length, the total
time desired, and (omitted so far here) the need that was seen for it to
fit into the standard automobile dashboard space along with the unit
enclosing it. 4 3/4 inches was determined to be that size. They could pick
and choose among the rest.
On Tue, Sep 9, 2014 at 9:52 AM, Paul Urbahns <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Let me ask the experts a question that has bothered me for years.
>
> I remember when CDs were first issue it was widely stated the playing time
> ( and thus the physcial size) was determined so that a complete performance
> of Beethoven's 9th Sym. would fit on one CD. Never heard mention of one
> particular version.
>
> Wikipedia mentions under Disc shapes and diameters at this address:
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_disc
> Mentions.... This capacity was reportedly specified by Sony executive Norio
> Ohga <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norio_Ohga> so as to be able to contain
> the entirety of London Philharmonic Orchestra
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Philharmonic_Orchestra>'s
> recording of Beethoven's
> Ninth Symphony <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beethoven%27s_Ninth_Symphony>
> on
> one disc. However the reference article only mentions. "The flamboyant
> music connoisseur insisted the CD be designed at 4.8 inches in diameter to
> hold 75 minutes worth of music — in order to store Beethoven's Ninth
> Symphony in its entirety." This does not mention a specific performance.
>
> So if there was a specific performance in mind which one was it and is it
> still in release. Please mention one of the release numbers.
> My only complaint is that they did not set up a standard for mono CDs. If a
> true mono standard was created at the time, a mono CD could have contained
> twice the musical material. I realize some labels have recorded two mono
> signals (one in each channel) but that requires you to listen to one
> channel or the other, it was not set up in the standard to active a true
> mono mode in the format.
>
> Paul Urbahns
> Radcliff, Ky
>
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