MUSE Hi-Vision Laserdisc: The Blu-ray of 1994
Technology Connections・2 minutes read
Laserdiscs were the first optical disc format, offering high-quality video and CD-quality sound, but faced limited success due to high costs and inability to record TV shows in the US and Europe. However, in Japan, they reached a 10% market penetration, with MUSE Laserdiscs providing high-definition video quality and red laser technology for better playback of scratched discs.
Insights
- Laserdiscs, the pioneering optical disc format predating CDs, faced limited success in the US and Europe due to high costs and lack of recording capabilities, but achieved a significant 10% market penetration in Japan.
- MUSE Laserdiscs, a high-definition format from Japan, utilized red laser technology for superior analog signal bandwidth, offering video quality comparable to modern 1080i resolution, making them sought after for their collectability and ability to play damaged discs effectively.
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Recent questions
What is the history of Laserdiscs?
Laserdiscs were the first optical disc format, predating CDs by four years. They could hold up to an hour of high-quality video and CD-quality digital sound. Despite not achieving great success in the US or Europe due to high costs and inability to record TV shows, in Japan, they reached a 10% market penetration.
What is MUSE Laserdisc?
MUSE was a high-definition Laserdisc format developed in Japan. It offered video quality nearly equivalent to today's 1080i resolution with 1,125 lines transmitted. MUSE Laserdiscs used a red laser for higher bandwidth analog signals, with CAV discs using a smaller portion of the disc and CLV discs reading the inner portion at 2,700 RPM.
How did Laserdiscs impact karaoke?
Laserdiscs played a significant role in the success of karaoke in Asia. Pioneer produced Laserdisc jukeboxes that could hold up to 50 discs, making Laserdisc the format of choice for karaoke machines. CD+G and LD-G formats added graphics and subtitles to karaoke videos, with LD-G resembling closed-captioning systems with hidden data in the audio stream.
What is Squeeze LD?
Squeeze LD was a Japan-exclusive feature that allowed anamorphic widescreen content on Laserdiscs. However, few players could unsqueeze the image, limiting its appeal. This feature was not widely adopted due to compatibility issues with existing players.
Are there recordable Laserdiscs?
Yes, recordable Laserdiscs existed in three varieties: LD-R, re-writable RLV, and write-once CRV. These discs had limited availability and high prices, mainly for professional use. Some machines were capable of writing to these discs, and they were compatible with standard Laserdisc players, similar to CD-R compatibility.
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Summary
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Evolution and Impact of Laserdisc Technology
- Laserdiscs were the first optical disc format, predating CDs by four years, holding up to an hour of high-quality video and CD-quality digital sound.
- Laserdiscs did not achieve great success in the US or Europe due to high costs and inability to record TV shows, but in Japan, they reached a 10% market penetration.
- MUSE, a high-definition Laserdisc format, was developed in Japan, offering video quality nearly equivalent to today's 1080i resolution with 1,125 lines transmitted.
- MUSE Laserdiscs used a red laser for higher bandwidth analog signals, with CAV discs using a smaller portion of the disc and CLV discs reading the inner portion at 2,700 RPM.
- MUSE Laserdisc players are now highly sought after for their collectability, rarity, and ability to play scratched discs better due to the red laser technology.
- Karaoke's success in Asia was closely tied to Laserdiscs, with Pioneer producing Laserdisc jukeboxes holding up to 50 discs, making Laserdisc the format of choice for karaoke machines.
- CD+G and LD-G formats added graphics and subtitles to karaoke videos, with LD-G resembling closed-captioning systems with hidden data in the audio stream.
- Squeeze LD, a Japan-exclusive feature, allowed anamorphic widescreen content on Laserdiscs, but few players could unsqueeze the image, limiting its appeal.
- Recordable Laserdiscs existed in three varieties: LD-R, re-writable RLV, and write-once CRV, with limited availability and high prices, mainly for professional use.
- Information on recordable Laserdiscs is scarce, with some machines capable of writing to these discs, compatible with standard Laserdisc players, similar to CD-R compatibility.
