What is the true meaning of 'digitally remastered'?

When you're passionate about certain musicians, you cherish their albums and CDs forever. You might purchase every new release and version of every record they've made. Then, unexpectedly, all their music is re-released, but this time it's 'digitally remastered.' So what does that really mean? Is it worth rebuying the entire collection? Some people think so, others don't.

Let's dive into the technology behind digital remastering, which is distinct from just transferring a vinyl album to a CD. Remastering involves refining the recording by eliminating imperfections (poor edits, background noise, hiss). The label guarantees a more pristine, clearer listening experience — music the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

When a sound engineer remasters an album, they first track down the original master tapes. Then, they adjust the overall mix of each track — not the individual parts like vocals or instruments, as those are already locked in the master tapes. They might also enhance the treble and bass to boost the sound. If there are any unwanted noises — sounds that don't belong to the music — they’ll remove them. This meticulous process involves specialized digital software.

When you play an older song right after a remastered one, you may notice a difference in volume — this is because newer songs are generally louder due to advancements in recording technology. In today's world of iPods and MP3s, listeners expect consistent volume levels across tracks. To address this, sound engineers increase the overall loudness, making sure it doesn't lead to distortion. However, many audiophiles and critics argue that this increase in loudness makes the sound feel flat and unpleasant. Engineers, however, highlight that it is often the record companies and artists who request the louder remasters, to match the sound of contemporary music.

DVD remastering follows a similar approach. Engineers begin by converting the original film into a digital format. Then they carry out color correction and remove dust and debris. The soundtrack is also enhanced, much like how an album or CD is remastered. Sometimes, the aspect ratio is adjusted to create a widescreen version instead of the standard television size. However, some directors, such as David Lynch, prefer to retain the original aspect ratio. Lynch, for instance, insisted that his series "Twin Peaks" remain in its original format to maintain his artistic vision [source: Adams].