The Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) data format is explained and illustrated, noting current and potential applications. The "5-inch" compact laserdisc is described and photographs of an IBM PC/Hitachi CD-ROM system adopted by Library Corporation to support its MARC database--BiblioFile--are presented. Screen displays for…

Reviews terminology inherent in discussing microcomputer storage technologies and addresses aspects of magnetic storage and present and near-future technologies, including floppy disks, Winchester and removable hard disks, optical digital disks, optical video disks, (audio) compact disks, perpendicular magnetic recording, and erasable optical…

Introduction to use of compact disk technology for storing digital data highlights history, background, and developments; technical features; standardization issues; current CD ROM applications; and the market for CD products. A production diagram, a sampling of CD manufacturers and disk replicators, and performance comparison of three storage…

Outlines basic videodisc and optical disk technology describing both optical and capacitance videodisc technology. Optical disk technology is defined as a mass digital image and data storage device and briefly compared with other information storage media including magnetic tape and microforms. The future of videodisc and optical disk is…

Describes the advantages of videodisc technology for storing vast amounts of information and discusses two applications--manual and catalog storage by the manufacturing industry and quick information access by medical and legal professionals. Future videodisc projects and a cost/performance comparison of videodiscs and other information storage…

Reports on the state of currently available digital storage and retrieval systems and describes in detail one-sided optical videodisc LaserData and the Mnemos system, which stores graphic images on microfiche discs. Video Patsearch, Matrox, Philips Megadoc, DEMAND, and Digital Recording Corporation's optical digital records and future videodisc…

Discusses consumer and industrial videodisc systems for information storage including cost, technology utilized, formats, and features. Reflective and transmissive laser optical systems are described, as well as the grooved and grooveless mechanical systems. Tables containing product data are included. (JJD)

This report examines the potential impact of optical media--videodiscs, compact audio discs, and optical disks, tapes, and cards--in library related applications. A detailed consideration of the technology includes discussion of the underlying principles, the various forms in which the technology is marketed, production methods and costs, and the…

InfoTrac is a laserdisc system that provides local computer-access to Information Access Company's periodical databases and offers libraries an extensive, self-contained reference system. The system, which employs an IBM PC microcomputer, a Hewlett-Packard Thinkjet printer, and a Pioneer videodisc player, provides advantages of online searching at…

Explores the effects of library use on both capacitance and laser-optical videodisc systems and outlines proper cleaning, servicing, and storage techniques. The article is excerpted from "Conservation in the Library," a book edited by Susan Swartzberg. (Author/JJD)

Explores the possibilities of using videodisc and optical disk technology as publishing media, highlighting the videodisc as an educational tool and visual supplement to online databases, digital database publishing on videodisc, optical disks for electronic document and image delivery systems, and costs associated with videodisc design and…

The Video PATSEARCH system consists of a microcomputer with a special keyboard and two display screens which accesses the PATSEARCH database of United States government patents on the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS) search system. The microcomputer retrieves text from BRS and matching graphics from an analog optical videodisc. (Author/JJD)

Discusses the development of a videodisc-based system for the storage and display of material (typically seen via print) using standard television technology. The system reformats text by adapting computers to perform page decomposition, thereby allowing an original page of text to be displayed in approximately 5.3 videodisc frames. (Author/JJD)

Identifies and describes the major areas of videodisc technology; discusses the operation, reliability, storage capacities, and applications of two types of laser systems; and illustrates the versatility of the optical digital disc through a description of its ability to digitize large bodies of data. Included are six figures and three tables.…

Attractive features of the videodisc, a storage medium of digital and visual information, include large storage capacity, low cost, rapid access, and ease of duplication. Widespread adoption of the videodisc will be determined by availability of appropriate software and funding, and public demand and perceptions about its advantages over other…