HD Laserdisc - HD in ‘93 (Part 1)
Techmoan・21 minutes read
High-definition laserdiscs using the Meuse system were costly and had limited availability, with high vision laserdiscs in Japan predating DVD adoption in the US. The rise of DVD marked the end of analog video formats, rendering the high vision Meuse system outdated.
Insights
- The narrator's investment in high-definition laserdiscs and a player highlights the early challenges and costs associated with adopting new home HD video formats, showcasing the slow acceptance and potential risks involved in embracing cutting-edge technology.
- The transition from analog to digital video formats, exemplified by the rise of DVDs, marked a significant shift in home entertainment technology, rendering previous high vision laserdisc systems like Meuse outdated and paving the way for the emergence of digital HDTV, emphasizing the constant evolution and obsolescence of technology in the media industry.
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Recent questions
What is the Meuse system?
A compression system for high-definition video signals.
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Summary
00:00
Evolution of High-Definition Video Formats
- High-definition laserdiscs contain high-definition video encoded using the Meuse system.
- The narrator spent three thousand pounds on discs and a machine to play them, resulting in a broken player and a few unplayable discs.
- The narrator showcases the early history of home HD video formats, mentioning HD DVD and Blu-ray in 2006.
- DVD adoption in the US was slow, with 0% in 1997 and 1% in 1998, highlighting the gradual acceptance of new formats.
- High vision laserdiscs were available in Japan in 1993, preceding the US's adoption of DVD by several years.
- Muse, a compression system, enabled high vision signals to be transmitted efficiently, reducing the required bandwidth.
- High vision laserdiscs featured a unique audio standard called Domes, offering stereo and surround sound options.
- High vision laserdisc titles in Japan primarily consisted of demonstration discs and videos of fish, with only around 30 traditional movie titles available.
- The cost of a high vision laserdisc setup in 1994 was equivalent to ten thousand UK pounds, significantly more expensive than standard equipment.
- The rise of DVD marked the end of analog video formats, rendering the high vision Meuse system outdated and paving the way for digital HDTV.
14:32
High Vision Player Repair and Upgrades
- The Pioneer HL DX9 is the final model of the high vision player made by Pioneer until 2002, utilizing the Muse decoder from Victor HV MD, which outputs HD video.
- High vision discs like Cliffhanger, Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future can cost between £2,500 to £4,500 for the player, £500 for a working decoder, and £400 to £600 for a movie disc.
- High vision Muse discs have unique artwork, come with a large format booklet, and hold two hours of video, requiring a red laser and higher rpm to read the data accurately.
- Troubleshooting a high vision player involves identifying and replacing the power supply board, which can be complex and may require professional repair services.
- After successful repair, the high vision disc plays at higher rpm, displaying HD on the screen, with a promise of further details and comparisons in a forthcoming video.
