LASER DISKS Meaning and
Definition
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Laser disks, also known as laser discs or LDs, are a type of optical storage medium that was primarily used for video playback. They emerged as one of the early successors to analog formats such as VHS and Betamax in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Laser disks consist of large, flat, circular discs made of plastic or metal with a reflective coating. These discs are typically 30 centimeters in diameter and can store digital information on both sides.
The main feature that distinguishes laser disks from other formats is their utilization of laser technology for reading the data encoded on them. A laser is directed onto the surface of the disc, which reflects and diffracts the laser light, allowing it to be interpreted as information. This method offers a higher quality of audio and video playback compared to analog formats and was considered a significant leap forward in home entertainment technology during its time.
Laser disks were often used to store movies, documentaries, and music concerts, providing consumers with a superior audiovisual experience. However, their popularity was somewhat limited due to factors such as high production costs, the limited availability of titles, and the emergence of competing formats like DVDs. Eventually, laser disks were largely replaced by DVDs and later Blu-ray discs. Nonetheless, they hold historical significance as a precursor to the optical media formats widely used today.
Common Misspellings for LASER DISKS
- lazer disk
- laser disk
- laser disc
- lazer discs
- kaser disks
- paser disks
- oaser disks
- lzser disks
- lsser disks
- lwser disks
- lqser disks
- laaer disks
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- lader disks
- laeer disks
- lawer disks
- laswr disks
- lassr disks
- lasdr disks
Etymology of LASER DISKS
The word "laser disks" is derived from two separate origins.
1. Laser: The term "laser" is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". It was coined in the 1950s, initially as a shortened form of "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation". It refers to a device that emits a narrow, intense beam of light of a specific wavelength through the process of stimulated emission. The use of lasers for various applications, including reading and writing information on optical disks, led to the term "laser" being associated with many technologies.
2. Disks: The term "disks" originates from the Latin word "discus", which means a round flat object or a plate-shaped item. Over time, "discus" transformed into the English word "disk" or "disc", which has been used to describe various objects with a round, flat shape.
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