videodisc

A videodisc is an analog optical disc used to store and play back video and audio. It was developed in the 1970s as a competitor to videotape and was the precursor to the modern DVD. Videodiscs use a laser to read data encoded in a spiral track on the disc's surface, which is then converted into video and audio signals.

The most well-known videodisc format is the LaserDisc, introduced by Philips and MCA in 1978. LaserDiscs were widely used in the 1980s and 1990s for home entertainment, offering high-quality video and audio. They were also used in professional applications, such as video editing and special effects.

Another notable videodisc format is the Compact Disc Interactive (CD-i), developed by Philips and Sony. CD-i discs were used in the 1990s for interactive multimedia applications, such as games and educational software.

Videodiscs have largely been replaced by digital formats, such as DVDs and Blu-rays, which offer higher storage capacities and better video and audio quality. However, videodiscs are still used in some specialized applications, such as archival storage and high-end video playback.