This article is about 'CD Video', a hybrid analog/digital format. It should not be confused with the more successful all-digital format, Video CD (VCD).

Compact Disc Video logo/trademark

Playing side of a CD Video produced in 1987

CD Video (also known as CDV, CD-V, or CD+V) was a format introduced in 1987 that combined the technologies of compact disc and laserdisc. CD-V discs were the same size as an audio CD, and contained up to 20 minutes worth of audio information that could be played on any audio CD player. It also contained up to 5 minutes of analog video information plus digital CD-quality sound, which could be played back on a newer laserdisc player capable of playing CD-V discs^[1]. One of the first laserdisc players that could play CD-V discs as well was the Pioneer CLD-1010 from 1987.

CD Video discs have a distinctive gold color, to differentiate them from regular silver-colored audio CDs.

CD Video is not to be confused with the all-digital MPEG-based Video CD format, which came out a few years later in 1993.

A similar version of CD Video called Video Single Disc (VSD) was also released. It was the same as CD Video, but it only had a laserdisc-style analog video track (occupying the whole storage space of the disc) and no audio CD tracks.

CD Video lasted only a few years in the marketplace, disappearing by 1991. The target audience was teenagers who watched music videos on MTV. But few of them were familiar with laserdiscs, and far fewer still owned CDV compatible players. Buying a costly new player was not an option just for the minor use of playing a single music video that could be taped with a VCR.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• IEC 61104 - Compact disc video system - 12 cm CD-V
• A webpage on CD Video discs, featuring a list of NTSC CD-V releases
• The LaserDisc Database, including CD Video