CompuServe Thread

Laserdisk to computer?

10 messages in this thread
#20672From: gene baronApr 26, 1992 4:48 PM
I am looking for information on linking a laserdisk player to a computer. I wish to use a CD ROM called "Perseus", which contains information on ancient Greece. An accompanying laserdisk of color images is an available option to go with this CD ROM. Since I am planning to upgrade from my present Mac Plus, I am trying to determine just what type of hardware configuration I will need to run this software. I would like to get by with an LC II and some sort of video capture card, but I don't know how much else is involved in controlling a laserdisk from a computer. This seems to be something that one finds in the institutional market and has not filtered down to the consumer level yet; I have not had much luck so far, anyway, getting this sort of information from local computer dealers. I'd appreciate greatly any knowledge that might be out there. Thanks. Gene Baron
#20678From: Albert DayesApr 26, 1992 7:32 PM
I gues it depends if the laserdisk player has a serial port for communication or not. You might wish to check the IBM sig and see if they some more info in that regard.
#20716From: gene baronApr 27, 1992 5:32 PM
Yes, thanks, Albert. I did find out that Pioneer makes a model of laserdisk player that has an RS-232 port. I have not been able to locate this model anywhere, though. I am trying to find out more about this new card for the LC called "Video Spigot." But it still leaves the question of how the computer can control the laserdisk; I've been told by a dealer that this should be possible with any disk player, but it may require more hardware on the computer side of things. The Pioneer model that was quoted to me, by the way, was the 2400. I suspect that this is a limited, non-consumer market, machine. Thanks for the reply. Gene
#20735From: Albert DayesApr 27, 1992 11:45 PM
I know there is software that controls LASER disks floating around. IBM has one, I know there is a pilot style language for laser disk contrl on the Atari ST/TT so it must be around. Have you tried the multi-media forum?
#20808From: Gerry KlugApr 29, 1992 10:28 PM
Gene, The Voyager Company 1-800-446-2001 carries these Pioneer players. They quote $750 for the 2400. Gerry Klug Studio 4
#20934From: gene baronMay 3, 1992 6:18 PM
Gerry, Thanks very much for the info on the Pioneer 2400 from Voyager Co. I'll check it out. This will be another important step in putting the whole system together. Thanks! Gene
#20996From: Gerry KlugMay 4, 1992 7:52 PM
Gene, Glad to Help. Any questions, just ask. Gerry Klug
#20931From: Roger EbertMay 3, 1992 5:39 PM
The Voyager Company sells a black box that links the Macintosh to laserdiscs, and also produces some laserdiscs made for just that purpose. They are online, I think somewhere in the Consumer Entertainment Forum. The software also allows you to control a laserdisc with a Mac, selecting specified scenes from movies, etc.
#21011From: David SchwanMay 4, 1992 11:04 PM
What you need is a laser disc player with RS-232 port, these are generally called industrial players as opposed to consumer players. Sony has a model MDP-1100 which is between these extremes. Call Voyager Co. in Santa Monica @ 310-451-1383 for more info.
#21206From: gene baronMay 9, 1992 9:29 PM
David, Thanks for the info. The Voyager Co. has come up in a number of replies; they are certainly the source. I'll check this out. Thanks! Gene