The spelling of the word "laser disc" is typically written as "laser" with a long "a" sound like "lay-zur" and "disc" with a short "i" sound like "dissk". In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˈleɪzər dɪsk/. The word refers to a now-obsolete format of digital video discs that used lasers to read information from the disc's surface. It was popular during the 1980s and early 1990s but has since been replaced by more advanced technologies.
A laser disc, also known as a LaserDisc or LD, is a type of home video format that emerged in the 1970s, offering superior audio and visual quality compared to traditional VHS tapes. It is a storage medium that operates by using laser technology to read data encoded on a reflective optical disc. The laser disc is typically 12 inches in diameter and made of a sturdy material, allowing it to house large amounts of video, audio, and multimedia content.
The laser disc functions by utilizing a laser beam to read the encoded information, which is stored as microscopic pits on the disc's surface. As the laser travels along the disc, it detects the variations in the reflected light caused by the pits, converting them into an electrical signal. This signal is then processed and translated into audio and video data for playback.
Laser discs were renowned for their exceptional video resolution, superior audio quality, and advanced features, such as chapter selection and multiple audio tracks. They were particularly coveted by home theater enthusiasts and film collectors due to their ability to deliver a cinematic experience at home.
However, the laser disc format faced fierce competition from VHS tapes, which were cheaper and more convenient to produce and store. Consequently, laser discs had a limited mainstream adoption and were eventually overtaken by DVD technology in the late 1990s.
The word "laser disc" is a combination of two terms: "laser" and "disc".
The term "laser" originated in the mid-20th century as an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". It refers to a device that emits a narrow, intense beam of light through a process called laser amplification. The word "laser" itself was coined by scientists in the early 1960s.
The term "disc" refers to a flat, circular object. It can be traced back to the Latin word "discus" meaning "a round flat plate" or "a quoit".
Therefore, the word "laser disc" combines the technology of laser with a disc-shaped medium, referring to a type of optical storage medium that uses laser technology to read and retrieve information stored on a flat circular disc.