| | Featured Article
Movies Laserdiscs
Laserdisc technology, using a transparent disc, was invented by David Paul Gregg in 1958. More commonly called LD, it was the first commercial optical disc storage medium, and was used primarily for the presentation of movies.
The format was developed by MCA-Philips called ‘Reflective Optical Videodisc System'; re-named to ‘Disco-Vision' in 1969 and sold initially in Atlanta by 1978. The format has also been known as LV (LaserVision) and CDV (Compact Disc Video). The players are also sometimes referred to as VDPs (Video Disc Players) and Sony calls them MDPs.
The LD format was better supported in Japan. In North America, both LD players and software are no longer produced and has been completely replaced by DVD retaining interest only among American collectors.
LD was then preferred primarily for its picture quality. There is more resolution, and less noise and time-base errors compared to other analog home video systems. The audio quality is stereo digital sound. LD comes in letterboxed editions - for an easy movie find in the theatrical aspect ratio, and special editions - multiple audio channels, still-frame archives for real in-depth film information. Random access - full still-frame capability on CAV discs. LDs are read optically so they stand more durable. The bigger cover art look nicer. And with few high-end exceptions, LD players can also play CDs.
On the other hand, LD is proven disadvantages: the strict playback only media cannot record; it can only hold up 60 minutes per side; more expensive to manufacture; harder to come by these days; no subtitles; fewer rental outlets; lower title availability and more unpredictable than VHS; prone to deteriorate faster caused by bad glue when gluing the two disc sides together or air bubbles being left inside the disc causing the aluminum layer to oxidize; the players may have high mechanical noise' and, the discs are big, and a bit hard to handle.
Copyright © 2005 4 Great Movies. All rights reserved. |
| |