Laserdisc Systems from Reference Technology: Multiuser Technology for High‐Use Environments
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047595 |
| Pages | 55-59 |
| Published date | 01 February 1985 |
| Date | 01 February 1985 |
| Author | Michael G. Befeler |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Laserdisc Systems from
Reference Technology:
Multiuser Technology for High-Use Environments
Michael G. Befeler
The CLASIX™ Line of 12-inch
laserdisc technology is described. This
heavy-duty equipment is applicable
to both single- and multi-user
environments. Sidebars discuss
the technology behind
laserdisc systems, and briefly profile
a number of
database
applications.
Potential growth in the electronic
information industry is reviewed;
the 1987 library support services
market is projected at $35 million.
Publishers of large bodies of information have
traditionally used such methods as paper, microfilm
or microfiche, and, with the advent of the computer,
magnetic tape or disc to store and distribute their
products. Now, as professionals in all fields have
become increasingly dependent on detailed reference
information for decision-making support and strat-
egy, the limitations of these diverse media are more
and more apparent.
Paper and microfilm/microfiche, of course, are
not computer-accessible, so any information dis-
tributed in these formats is of limited usefulness.
Also,
these media are cumbersome to use, expensive
to maintain, and simply do not meet today's ever-
growing need for quick access.
Limited amounts of reference material are being
tranferred to computer databases. However, this is
also an expensive form for storing and accessing
information, given mainframe processing and mag-
netic storage costs—not to mention rising telecom-
munications charges. Furthermore, the limited
bandwidth of telecommunications lines makes
transmission of large databases impractical.
Laserdisc technology, such as optical read-only
memories (OROMs), by contrast, can make the
distribution and access of large volumes of infor-
mation economical and practical. Large databases
can now be moved out of the data processing center
to the desktop, where the professional can access
and utilize them with a microcomputer. Through
OROMs, this information can now become useful
to many users, at low per-unit costs.
The Reference Breakthrough
In 1982, two men who understood the potential
of OROM technology, established a company in
CLASIX™ CLASIX DataDrive™, CLASIX
DataPlate™, TRIDECC™ are registered trade-
marks of Reference Technology, Inc. Befeler is Director of Market Development at
Reference Technology, Boulder, CO.
ISSUE 10 55
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