From: wlrc@uhura.neoucom.edu (William R. Cruce)
Subject: Laser Disc FAQ
Organization: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1993 19:52:44 GMT


>I am a avid movie fan and am considering purchasing a laserdisc player, and
>I have a few questions.

If you are reading this in rec.video (hardware) or rec.video.releases
(software), you have come to the right place.  Alas there is no true
FAQL for these groups, but some people post summaries from time-to-time. 

First, you might want to write to Bob Niland (rjn@csn.org) for his
list of articles on laserdiscs.  They are the best articles on the
subject available anywhere, though some are a little advanced for
beginners.  He can also tell you ftp sites where they are available.

Meanwhile I will give some short answers to common questions:

>1. What is the difference between formats (CAV, CLV)?

CAV gives you 30 minutes per side.  Advantage:  ALL players can
do still frame, slow and fast motion.  Probably a tad lower video
noise, but for most people not noticeable.  Can have single images,
e.g. pages of text, photos, etc.  Few discs are issued in CAV because
of expense.  Mostly fancy supplements at the end of movies, especially
those produced by Voyager/Criterion.

CLV gives you 1 hour per side.  Cannot do still frame or slow and
fast motion.  Fancier players equipped with digital FIELD store can
give these effects from a CLV disc though the digitized images loose
some resolution.  Most discs are issued in this format.

>2. Will most new machines play all the formats?

ALL machines for many years have played CLV and CAV.  ALL recent ones,
except the expensive Pioneer (LD-S2 for $3500) will also play CDs and
8" laserdiscs.  They will also play CDs with video though that format
has had nothing released on it for several years (not the same as
the CD-I, CD-ROM or Phillips stuff, which take specialized players).

>3. Is there very much difference among machines available as far as
>quality, sound, etc?

Among Pioneer machines, which IMHO are the best, the differences between
the cheapest ($300) and the most expensive ($3500) are subtle in terms of
video and audio.  If you are a perfectionist (I am) the more expensive
machines are worth it for the slight improvements, though.  They also
have additional features like both side play (the laser assembly moves
around to play the other side at the finish of the first) and digital
FIELD effects mentioned above.

>4. Any recomendations for machines?

I happen to think that Pioneer machines have the best picture.  They
have lower video noise and are better able to handle small 'snits'
on mildly defective discs.  But be aware that laserdisc players are not
without problems.  They are incredibly complex electromechanical devices.
They can remain properly aligned and functioning "forever", they can 
change with age, or they can arrive out of the box malfunctioning.
Some particular models have had flaws common to all or almost all units.
The best way to keep up with these flaws is by reading and posting to
rec.video.  Because there are so many Pioneer machines out there flaws
in them seem to be most frequently discussed.

The only currently available model that I have extensive experience with
is the Pioneer CLD-95, which IMHO is the best laserdisc player (~$1600).
Of older models, the no-frills CLD-980 was a bargain at $300-400 when
it was closed out 1-2 years ago.  The CLD-3070 (1989-90) was a superb
both sides player with digital FIELD effects.  If you can find a good
used one for, say $400-500 snap it right up.

I'm sure others on the net can/will post on other brands/models.

Anyway, get on board.  Even the cheapest laserdisc player has an image
which is MUCH better than VHS and somewhat better than S-VHS (and there
is MUCHO more software available on LD than S-VHS).


-- 
Unauthorized duplication, etc. may result in civil liability, criminal pro-
secution, the wrath of the tall man or a bite from Ralph the Wonder Llama.
     William L.R. (Bill) Cruce       INTERNET: wlrc@uhura.neoucom.edu 
   Neurobiology Dept, NE Ohio U Coll of Med, POB 95, Rootstown, OH 44272