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Explore the technology behind CDs and the problems with transparent discs in this 30-minute German conference talk from MRMCD2025. Learn how CDs revolutionized music in the 1980s by providing lossless, transparent sound quality with optical scanning and integrated error correction that made them virtually wear-free. Examine why physical media has become a niche product for enthusiasts while streaming dominates the market, and consider whether streaming truly saves resources compared to physical media production. Discover the technical reasons why a recent transparent CD release by an artist attempting to create more recyclable discs without the metal layer encounters significant playback problems. Understand the fundamental principles of CD technology and evaluate whether streaming is universally superior or if certain aspects remain opaque to consumers. Gain insights into the ecological, technical, and artistic considerations surrounding physical versus digital music distribution formats.