Definition
A large optical disc format (12 inches in diameter) that emerged in the late 1970s as a high-quality alternative to VHS, offering superior picture and sound but requiring expensive players and limited content availability. Laserdiscs never achieved mainstream adoption despite their technical superiority.
Example Usage
Movie collectors in the 1980s and 90s prized Laserdisc editions for their pristine video quality, even though the players cost hundreds of dollars.
Origin
Developed by Philips and MCA in the late 1970s; the name derives from the laser technology used to read the disc's data.
Fun Fact
Laserdiscs found a cult following among videophiles and film enthusiasts, and some collectors still maintain Laserdisc collections today; the format is often credited as a technological precursor to DVD.
Related Terms
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