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The CED: No really, it coulda made sense! (Part 2)

Technology Connections・21 minutes read

RCA's videodisc system, CED, used vinyl records for video storage but faced competition from VCRs and changing consumer preferences, leading to its demise by 1986. RCA's failure to adapt to the rental market, anticipate the rise of VCRs, and missed opportunities for technology advancement impacted the system's success in the home video market.

Insights

  • RCA's CED system, utilizing vinyl records for video content storage, faced market challenges from VCR competition and changing consumer preferences, leading to its demise by 1986.
  • Despite missed opportunities and delays, RCA's videodisc system had the potential for success in 1975 with affordability and high information density, but failure to consider the rental market and technological advancements contributed to its downfall.

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Recent questions

  • What is RCA's CED system?

    A videodisc system using vinyl records for video content.

  • How did RCA's CED player function?

    Like a record player with unique pickup and tonearm.

  • Why did RCA's CED system face challenges?

    Due to competition from VCRs and changing consumer preferences.

  • What led to the demise of RCA's CED system?

    GE's acquisition of RCA in 1985.

  • How could RCA's CED system have been successful?

    By considering the rental market and technological advancements.

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Summary

00:00

RCA's CED Videodisc Player: Innovative Technology & Challenges

  • RCA's videodisc system, CED, utilized vinyl records to store up to 2 hours of video content.
  • The videodisc player is essentially a modified record player with a unique pickup and automated tonearm.
  • The player's fine tracking control is managed by an electromagnet and solenoid for precise stylus movement.
  • The visual search function on the player allows for smooth navigation across the disc's surface.
  • The player lacks composite video output, only offering RF out, and utilizes off-the-shelf parts for cost optimization.
  • The mechanism moving the stylus carriage is designed to be cost-effective, using a felt clutch for engagement.
  • The player reads the disc from the outside in, unlike Laserdiscs, and monitors track signaling for issues.
  • The pause button on the player blanks the screen instead of providing a freeze-frame due to technical limitations.
  • RCA's VCR, the VDT-600, is significantly more complex than the CED player, with various heads and tape transport mechanisms.
  • Despite initial success, RCA's CED system faced challenges in the market due to competition from VCRs and changing consumer preferences.

12:26

RCA's Videodisc System: Rise and Fall

  • RCA planned to use digitally-encoded position signals on discs for true random access and chapters, but the system was abandoned in April 1984.
  • RCA stopped manufacturing players in 1984, selling remaining stock at discounts due to declining sales of new discs.
  • RCA's commitment to producing discs for three more years was cut short by GE's acquisition of RCA in 1985, leading to the format's demise by 1986.
  • RCA's videodisc system faced repeated delays, missing its 1977 target release date and failing to foresee the rise of VCRs.
  • RCA's videodisc system, if released in 1975, could have been successful due to its affordability and potential impact on the home video market.
  • RCA's failure to consider the rental market for movies led to the system's downfall, as VCRs offered a more cost-effective and versatile option.
  • RCA's videodiscs had high information density but missed the opportunity to increase capacity by using a constant rotational speed instead of variable speed.
  • RCA's videodisc system could have thrived with improved technology allowing for longer video content and potential for double-feature specials.
  • RCA's delayed release of the videodisc system impacted the media landscape, potentially altering the evolution of home video technology.
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