Development of the First Optical Videodisc
The idea of recording television signals on a disc apparently originated with James Logie Baird in the early 1930's. He made several records using audio record cutting techniques. In 1961, 3M realized that the surface of a phonograph record was smooth enough and the replicated detail had enough resolution to carry full-bandwidth television signals. The company then contracted with SRI International to determine the feasibility of making television discs. After considering alternatives, SRI decided to concentrate on optical recording on high-resolution photographic plates using light from a high-pressure mercury arc. By June 1963, a number of videodiscs containing motion picture programs had been made. Working independently, 3M developed electron beam recording equipment that permitted real-time recording with improved resolution, as well as techniques for replicating videodiscs using cast plastic coatings.
- Print ISSN
- 0036-1682
- Published
- 1982-03
- Content type
- Original Research
- DOI
- 10.5594/J01302