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Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs (CD’s) for the much less expensive traditional long-playing vinyl records in their catalogs by claiming that the audio market is ruled by consumer demand for ever-improved sound reproduction rather than by record manufacturers’ profit-motivated marketing decisions. But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.
Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?
  • a)
    Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.
  • b)
    Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.
  • c)
    The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.
  • d)
    Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.
  • e)
    CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs...
The argument states that record companies claim the audio market is ruled by consumer demand for improved sound reproduction rather than profit-motivated marketing decisions. However, the absence of digital audiotape (which produces even better sound than CDs) from the commercial market contradicts this claim. We need to find an answer choice that resolves this contradiction.
Let's analyze each answer choice:
(A) Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CDs because of the tape's durability and compactness.
This answer choice does not explain why digital audiotape is not commercially available. It only discusses consumer preferences for audiotape over other formats.
(B) Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.
While this answer choice suggests that digital audiotape technology exists, it does not explain why it is not commercially available to consumers. The fact that prototypes are used in recording studios does not address the absence of commercial availability.
(C) The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CDs requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.
This answer choice does not provide a satisfactory explanation. If the manufacturing technology is similar, it would imply that record companies could produce digital audiotape for commercial use. This contradicts the argument's claim that the absence of digital audiotape is due to consumer demand for improved sound reproduction.
(D) Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.
This answer choice provides a plausible explanation. It suggests that record companies have encountered quality-control problems that prevent them from producing digital audiotape in commercial quantities. This would explain why digital audiotape is not commercially available, despite claims of consumer demand for improved sound reproduction.
(E) CDs are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.
This answer choice does not explain the absence of digital audiotape. It only compares the relative prices of CDs and vinyl records, without addressing the availability of digital audiotape.
Based on the analysis, we can conclude that answer choice (D) is the best explanation. It provides a reason why digital audiotape is not commercially available, despite the claim that consumer demand for improved sound reproduction governs the audio market.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs...
The argument states that record companies claim the audio market is ruled by consumer demand for improved sound reproduction rather than profit-motivated marketing decisions. However, the absence of digital audiotape (which produces even better sound than CDs) from the commercial market contradicts this claim. We need to find an answer choice that resolves this contradiction.
Let's analyze each answer choice:
(A) Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CDs because of the tape's durability and compactness.
This answer choice does not explain why digital audiotape is not commercially available. It only discusses consumer preferences for audiotape over other formats.
(B) Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.
While this answer choice suggests that digital audiotape technology exists, it does not explain why it is not commercially available to consumers. The fact that prototypes are used in recording studios does not address the absence of commercial availability.
(C) The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CDs requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.
This answer choice does not provide a satisfactory explanation. If the manufacturing technology is similar, it would imply that record companies could produce digital audiotape for commercial use. This contradicts the argument's claim that the absence of digital audiotape is due to consumer demand for improved sound reproduction.
(D) Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.
This answer choice provides a plausible explanation. It suggests that record companies have encountered quality-control problems that prevent them from producing digital audiotape in commercial quantities. This would explain why digital audiotape is not commercially available, despite claims of consumer demand for improved sound reproduction.
(E) CDs are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.
This answer choice does not explain the absence of digital audiotape. It only compares the relative prices of CDs and vinyl records, without addressing the availability of digital audiotape.
Based on the analysis, we can conclude that answer choice (D) is the best explanation. It provides a reason why digital audiotape is not commercially available, despite the claim that consumer demand for improved sound reproduction governs the audio market.
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Community Answer
Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs...
Explanation:

Quality Control Problems:
- The record companies claim that consumer demand drives their decisions to improve sound reproduction.
- However, the absence of digital audiotape in the market contradicts this claim.
- The reason for this discrepancy could be quality-control problems faced by record companies in producing digital audiotape in commercial quantities.

Implications of Quality Control Problems:
- Quality control problems can hinder the mass production of digital audiotape.
- These problems may include issues with consistency, durability, or overall performance of the product.
- Record companies may be hesitant to release digital audiotape until these quality-control issues are resolved.

Commercial Viability:
- Despite the potential for superior sound quality, record companies prioritize commercial viability.
- If digital audiotape cannot be produced in a cost-effective and reliable manner, record companies may choose not to release it to the market.
- This decision is driven by profit considerations rather than solely consumer demand for improved sound reproduction.
In conclusion, the presence of quality-control problems in producing digital audiotape can explain why record companies have not made it commercially available, despite claiming to prioritize consumer demand for better sound reproduction.
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Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs (CD’s) for the much less expensive traditional long-playing vinyl records in their catalogs by claiming that the audio market is ruled by consumer demand for ever-improved sound reproduction rather than by record manufacturers’ profit-motivated marketing decisions. But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs (CD’s) for the much less expensive traditional long-playing vinyl records in their catalogs by claiming that the audio market is ruled by consumer demand for ever-improved sound reproduction rather than by record manufacturers’ profit-motivated marketing decisions. But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs (CD’s) for the much less expensive traditional long-playing vinyl records in their catalogs by claiming that the audio market is ruled by consumer demand for ever-improved sound reproduction rather than by record manufacturers’ profit-motivated marketing decisions. But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs (CD’s) for the much less expensive traditional long-playing vinyl records in their catalogs by claiming that the audio market is ruled by consumer demand for ever-improved sound reproduction rather than by record manufacturers’ profit-motivated marketing decisions. But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Record companies defend their substitution of laser-read compact discs (CD’s) for the much less expensive traditional long-playing vinyl records in their catalogs by claiming that the audio market is ruled by consumer demand for ever-improved sound reproduction rather than by record manufacturers’ profit-motivated marketing decisions. But this claim cannot be true, because if it were true, then digital audiotape, which produces even better sound than CD’s, would be commercially available from these same record companies, but it is not.Which of the following, if true, best explains how the record companies’ claim about the nature of the audio reproduction market could be true and digital audiotape nevertheless be unavailable for the commercial market?a)Most consumers prefer audiotape to long-playing records or CD’s because of the tape’s durability and compactness.b)Prototypes of digital audiotape have been used to make master tapes of some performances in recording studios.c)The manufacturing technology that underlies the commercial production of CD’s requires equipment very similar to that needed for commercial production of digital audiotape.d)Record companies have not yet solved several quality-control problems that have beset attempts to produce digital audiotape in commercial quantities.e)CD’s are more expensive than long-playing vinyl records by about the same ratio as digital audiotape cassettes would be more expensive than conventional cassettes.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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