Audio Discs

Audio Discs

Audio discs, also known as compact discs (CDs), are a type of optical disc used for storing digital audio data. They were first introduced in the early 1980s as a replacement for vinyl records and cassette tapes. Audio discs are made of a polycarbonate plastic substrate, which is coated with a thin layer of aluminum or gold. The data is stored on the disc as a series of microscopic pits and lands, which are read by a laser beam in a CD player. Audio discs have several advantages over other forms of audio storage. They are more durable than vinyl records and cassette tapes, and are less susceptible to damage from scratches or dust. They also have a longer lifespan, with some discs lasting for over 20 years. Additionally, audio discs can hold up to 80 minutes of music, which is significantly more than the 45 minutes of music that can be stored on a cassette tape. To create an audio disc, the digital audio data is first converted into a format that can be read by a CD player. This process involves sampling the audio signal at a high frequency and converting it into a series of binary digits. The data is then burned onto the disc using a laser beam, which creates the pits and lands that represent the audio data. In recent years, the popularity of audio discs has declined as digital music downloads and streaming services have become more popular. However, many music enthusiasts still prefer the sound quality and physicality of audio discs, and they continue to be produced and sold by record labels around the world.

Optical disc, Digital audio data, Laser beam, Polycarbonate plastic substrate, Binary digits

— Timothy Lewis

CITATION : "Timothy Lewis. 'Audio Discs.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=288614 (Accessed on May 09, 2024)"