Laserdisc Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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laserdisc
[หleษชzษrdษชsk ]
Definition
media format
A laserdisc is an optical disc storage medium that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, primarily for the purpose of home video entertainment. It allows for high-quality video and audio playback, using laser technology to read the disc's information. Despite its initial success, laserdisc was eventually eclipsed by DVDs and other more compact media formats.
Synonyms
optical disc, video disc.
Examples of usage
- I used to watch movies on laserdisc.
- Laserdiscs offered superior sound quality compared to VHS.
- The collection of laserdiscs in the library is quite rare.
- He still has a laserdisc player in his living room.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first laserdiscs were introduced in 1978 by MCA DiscoVision, leading the way in home video technology.
- Laserdisc technology was developed from laser technology originally used for data storage and music.
- Despite being overshadowed by DVDs, laserdiscs were significant in setting the stage for future digital formats.
Pop Culture
- In the 1980s, laserdisc was popular among film enthusiasts, often featuring special features and director commentaries.
- Some laserdiscs had uniquely designed covers and were considered collector's items, sparking interest among cinephiles.
- Movies like 'Star Wars' and 'The Terminator' were released on laserdisc, helping to elevate the format's status.
Technology
- Laserdiscs feature analog video and digital audio, with some discs offering superior sound quality compared to early VHS tapes.
- The technology was ahead of its time, as laserdiscs allowed for random access to tracks, unlike VCRs which played linearly.
- Although now considered obsolete, laserdisc players were built with high-quality components that appealed to audiophiles.
Literature
- Laserdiscs have been referenced in various books and articles discussing the evolution of media and technology.
- Several college courses on media studies have used laserdiscs as case studies to compare different formats over time.
- Notable authors in the tech space have noted the impact of laserdiscs on the home entertainment revolution.
Collecting
- Despite being rare now, many collectors cherish laserdiscs for their artwork and packaging, making them a niche market.
- There are online forums and communities dedicated to the preservation and discussion of laserdisc collections.
- Some laserdiscs are considered valuable due to their limited releases or the presence of exclusive content not found elsewhere.
Origin of 'laserdisc'
The term 'laserdisc' was coined in the early 1970s when the technology for optical disc storage was in its infancy. The first laserdisc, known as the DiscoVision, was launched in 1978 by MCA and Philips, marking the beginning of this media format. Unlike traditional vinyl records, laserdiscs used lasers to read and write information, permitting the storage of video and audio in high quality. Throughout the 1980s, laserdiscs became popular for home use, especially among film enthusiasts who appreciated the superior quality. However, due to their large size, high cost, and the eventual rise of more compact alternatives like the VHS and DVD, laserdisc technology began to decline in the late 1990s. Today, while largely obsolete as a commercial medium, laserdiscs have gained a cult following among collectors and remain a notable part of media history.