Disco Dance6, 1989 Product News: Philips CD-I by Saul Poolman

CD-I: What is it?

CD-I (Compact Disc Interactive) is considered the format of the future, as a CD-I player can display audio, video, and computer data, giving users the ability to control exactly what they want to see and hear, and when. The audio capabilities are particularly enhanced, thanks to the latest digital audio technology. Options range from 70 minutes of stereo PCM digital audio to 16 times that amount in mono ADPCM digital speech playback. The sheer volume of information that can be “compressed” onto a CD is remarkable, making it an ideal “data storage” medium for computer information, although access speeds are still not as fast as those of a hard drive.

With CD-I, it will be possible, for instance, to store a complete encyclopedia on a single CD, complete with visuals, audio per topic, and fast search times. Type in “scratching,” and instantly, you see a DJ in action, hear what he’s doing, and see an explanatory text appear on the screen simultaneously. Or, you might play a Flight Simulator game, where you see real cockpit footage combined with digital audio. The first experience with this technology is truly impressive and often leaves viewers in awe.

The design goal of CD-I is to create a single device that can play all types of information: music, data, software, and video. The user is meant to have full control over the player. Combined with new, user-friendly software using “mice” and “pulldown menus,” the device should be intuitive to operate without requiring thick manuals.

However, achieving this technology involves substantial technical challenges, especially with compressing moving images without requiring massive storage space. The same challenge applies to extending playback time without sacrificing audio quality. While these devices won’t immediately be available in stores, the positive response from various manufacturers following the announcement of standards agreements between Sony and Philips indicates that they, too, are on board with CD-I. Stay tuned for more developments.

Contact: Philips, 040-xxx xxxx.

https://www.homecomputermuseum.nl/collectie/philips/philips-cdi-180/