Interactive Optical Disc Systems: Part 1: Analog Storage
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047569 |
| Date | 01 May 1984 |
| Published date | 01 May 1984 |
| Pages | 25-32 |
| Author | David W. Hessler |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Interactive Optical Disc Systems:
Part
1:
Analog Storage
David W. Hessler
The
distinction
between
digital and
analog
data, the specific
advantages
of
analog storage
and the
use
of optical
discs
to store
analog data
are detailed.
The
configuration
and
potential of
Level
One, Level Two, and Level
Three laser
disc
systems are
explained.
Side
bars
address:
1)
selection of display
devices
for
use
with
laser disc
systems,
and 2)
laser disc systems
for
accessing
audio
data.
Optical storage technology is gaining increased
attention as research and development efforts result
in marketable systems with high density digital data
capacities. In the next issue of Library Hi Tech dis-
cussion will focus on the state of technology in digital
storage and retrieval systems. This article will ex-
amine the potential of optical storage and retrieval
technology when used interactively with analog in-
formation.
Analog and
Digital:
A
Practical
Differentiation
Analog data, for our purposes, refers to informa-
tion stimuli that is recorded, stored, and displayed in
a continuous fashion. Typical analog storage media
include motion pictures, books, videotapes, slides,
audio tapes, phonograph records, filmstrips and
videodiscs in CED (capacitance), VHD (video high
density) and laser disc formats. In each of the media
forms and formats, the information is recorded and
retrieved in a continuous manner, analogous to the
continuous stimuli emanating from the original
source. The stimuli from the original event, which can
be heard, seen or imagined, is recorded as patterns
from continuous light or sound waves. Each process
for recording these stimuli uses a technique that
stores the information as a specific and continuous
pattern. Recorded stimuli can be stored as patterns
of grooves on a phonograph disc, as variable density
optical soundtrack patterns on film, or as light re-
action patterns on various film stocks. Unseen mag-
netic patterns on video and audio tapes, patterns of
symbols on a printed page, and the specific alignment
and spacing of pits embedded in an optical, reflective
Hessler is a Professor in the School of Library Sci-
ence at the University of Michigan. His research in-
terests focus on interactive training and informa-
tion systems based on laser disc storage and retrieval
technology.
ISSUE 8 25
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