Conference cookie::notes$archive:cd_v1

Some half-remembered information from a recent article in _The Gramophone_
on CDV:

o  Sound is digital, same standard as audio CD

o  Video is ANALOGUE, with different standards pertaining for Europe and
   the US.  There is no world standard CDV (shame...).  The discs are
   much more susceptible to dust, scratches etc. than audio CDs.
   The information I read stated that there were just 2 video standards,
   (Europe and US) so I'm not sure how the PAL/SECAM difference works - 
   perhaps in the player???

o  CDV players can play CDs (audio) and 3 sizes of CDV (5, 8 and 12 inch
   nominal I believe).

o  Video and audio are recorded on different (physical) parts of the disc.

o  It can take a long time to find a particular track (> 20 seconds in some
   cases, I believe).

o  I've only seen the Philips player here in the UK.  I believe it retails
   at �475 (compared with, say �200 for midrange Philips audio CD players).

As I said, all this is secondhand and from memory, but may be enough to
excite or discourage you.  I will not be buying one.

Ceri

    I saw one of those units at Lechmere in Salem. But I don't like
    to get into muti anything. As far as I'm concerned the Video disc
    bombed out like the old CD4 or Quad sound. So why have one?
    
    Stig

    The biggest entry into this market is by Pioneer. The high end units
    cost about $1400. I have seen units from Sony for around $900 with
    just about all of the features as are on the $1400 Pioneer. You
    will pay more for special effects, but if you are looking for the
    basics such as the ability to view the 12" laser disk and 8" laser
    disk, plus 5" CD-video (a special 5" cd with about 20 min. of CD
    audio and 5 min. of music video, plus the 3" audio  CD the cheaper
    unit will be just fine. 
    
    I saw a review of the entries in this market in a recent entry of
    Video Review magazine. I think the September issue. 
    

    For more informations about those players you may: 
    Add entry RSTS32::LASERDISC to your noteBook.
    The Top model is the 3030 from Pioneer, it can go for around
      $900 to $1000. One more expensive model have less feature
      but can play 2 disks (4 sides) without touching the disks.
      The lenght it takes to move the laser from a side to the
      other is longer than changing the disk by hand... Not
      recommended, go for the 3030, single disc.  It does play
      the CD3, CD , CDV, 8" and 12" movies.

     But this is a LASERDISC conference subject isn't it?

    
  Vince.

RE: .2

>    As far as I'm concerned the Video disc
>    bombed out like the old CD4 or Quad sound. So why have one?

I suspect there is a slight confusion here. The RCA video disc did
'bomb out', some time ago. The discs discussed in this note are
LaserVision discs. There are about 3000 titles on the market right
now, with more added weekly. New LV disc stores are also appearing. 

The new naming ('8" and 12" CD-V' Vs. 'LV discs') is adding to the
confusion. Different names for the exact same thing. 

Why have one? Video quality of LV discs (as compared to video
cassettes) is the same as CDs (as compared to AM radio). LV discs
are for the select few who require quality. If you watch videos on a
seven year old 19" B&W set, LVs are not for you. 

Also, LV discs of prime movies and music productions are
substantially less (sometimes, less than half) the cost of Video
cassettes. For the serious collector, difference in cost of the
first few titles will pay for a low cost (or second hand) player. 

-- Ron 

    For teeny-boppers everywhere, the CD-V is THE latest thing. IMO,
    its gonna be a big bust.  Musicland had a set of CD-Vs for sale
    in Worcester.  They are noticeable for their gold color.  
    
    Price? Ten US dollars.  (1 video, 4 songs)
    Selection? Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, etc.
    
    One thing they don't tell you is you have to fast forward through
    the video to get to the music.
    
    This is a product without a market.   -Brian

Re :-.1

US$10.00 for a CDV seems a bit high.

I pay $7.98 (not on sale) and the most expensive places I saw were $9.00.
They have very few titles.  Very popular stuff, like you said, Def Leppard
Madona, Cougar Mellencamp etc.. (Not worth the investment for me.)

The music (4 to 5 songs) is located near the Hub, hence we DON'T have
to sequence tru the video to get to the music, since CD read from the 
center toward the edge.

One more characteristic about the CDV.  Yes, they  are Gold
plated, like the "mobile fidelity" Thick as a brick, Dark Side
of the moon, etc.. (For $8.00 a CDV, MFSL makes a LOTS of money
on their $27.00 CDs).

Good listening/viewing,

Vince.

    Re: .7
    
    The CDVs are gold-colored, but not gold plated.  It is tinted
    aluminum.
    
    				Steve