CompuServe Thread

Don, laser disc is likely to be around for quite a while. I doubt the Nimbus system will provide 22 Khz stereo sound. MPEG still has its problems with objects that move quickly and laser quality is better than video tape. There will also be problems with viewing images played at higher than normal frame rates. IE 2x, 4x and fast forward and reverse scanning. Nimbus will have a lot of work getting new titles released in the new format. The old No players, so why make software? … No software, so why buy a player? catch 22. Digital video tape is due to arrive soon. This has also been demonstrated. Recording equipment will be cheaper to make for tape, but it should be cheaper to make pre-recorded software on disc. Laser disc is the preference for many videophiles and the movie makers have responded with more letterbox titles, titles with commentary, special packaging and have not used copy protection techniques that many videophiles feel may deteriorate picture quality. Several chains have recently added the laser disk format to the items they sell and rent. This includes some Blockbuster Video and Music + locations. Laser disk titles often sell for less than the tape versions. Sometimes they even receive simultaneous release. I'm looking forward to seeing full length movies on my computer screen, but feel the CD-ROM media at present is best suited to interactive videos.