The LaserDisc Legacy
LaserDisc is historically signifigant in several ways:
1. Although it wasn't the first true disc-based video format (the first disc-based video format (Phonovision) was introduced in the UK in the 30's, and CED and VHD in the 80's), LaserDisc, which was introduced in the 70's provided the best quality image reproduction and garnered acceptance for industrial, institutional, and home theater use.
2. Although the first widescreen film released on a disc was in the CED format (Fellini's Amacord), LaserDisc was the first video format to bring both film buffs and mainstream consumers widescreen letterbox presentation of films on a continuing basis.
3. The common practice of including extra features on DVDs, such as subtitles, alternate soundtracks, commentaries, and supplementary material was first established as the norm on many LaserDisc releases.
4. The employment of Dolby Digital 5.1 (which was referred to as AC-3) utilizing digital optical and digital coaxial connections that are common on every DVD player in use today was first introduced in LaserDisc players in the year or so just prior to the introduction of DVD.
The Current LaserDisc Dilemma
Despite all of these "pioneering" advances, however, it must be noted that LaserDisc did not have the strength to wage war against the more compact, economically viable, DVD format. New LaserDisc film releases are non-existant. Even Pioneer, the last producer of LaserDisc players, has discontinued Laserdisc player production, devoting its resources for DVD and, more recently, Blu-ray Disc players.
With the quick acceptance of DVD by the general consuming public, and growing acceptance of Blu-ray by videophiles, the market for LaserDisc is not longer viable. However, some still have very large LaserDisc collections that will eventually be unplayable. The supply of functioning LaserDisc players will someday "dry up". Since LaserDiscs have to be optically read, there is no mechanical device you can "rig up" to play them like you can play old LP records. However, in an ironic twist of fate, recordable DVD may have arrived on the scene just in time to give LaserDisc owners a means of assisting in the preservation of their collections.
Proceed To Page 2 - Using DVD To Preserve Your Laserdisc Content
