dillon@ucbvax.ARPA (Matt Dillon) (08/17/85)
I've been hearing (from reliable sources, as always) that the long awaited Rom upgrades will allow a Laser Disk reading device to interface through one of the ports (presumably the RS422). I also hear that Apple plans to have a special interface, etc., and only connect to their own laser disk reader (the manufacturer name Cannon was mentioned at this point). It seems to me that, if this were indeed the case, it wouldn't be the best of moves for Apple. Already in existance and in the marketplace are thousands of Laser Disk readers (the big 12" ones for TV's) and tens of thousands of Compact Disk readers. Furthermore, a large number of the compact disk readers/players already have an interface on them--subcode. I'm not that familiar with all the details involved in the data transfer, etc. (I'm not even sure how in h*!! the laser can track a disk that's off center), but if this port already exists (about 50 to 65% of the CD players I've seen have subcode out), why not use it as a standard? Thus people who already own CD's would be encouraged to purchae Macs for thier encyclopedias etc., (How about a Map of the world?--an atlas like no other atlas that would interface with something like Filevision). By making "their own" standard, they would ensure a lesser market share. By using the existing subcode protocalls (which, again, I'm not horribly familiar with), Apple would help bring about standardization. A company need only release one disk in one form, and, were it text or a bitmap, everyone could use it on any computer that connected to subcode. Again, let me say I'm not horribly familiar with everything involved with the technology here; but as the Mac is the most "comsumer compatible" computer out there, why not use the existing consumer electronic gear out there, if possible. It'll mean more profits for Apple, standardization (IN THIS INDUSTRY?? YOU MUST BE KIDDING), and that I won't have to shell out more $$ for Apple's (Cannon's?) disk player. Apple??? Peter Korn cc-20%ucbcory@Berkeley None of the above opinions/ideas/expressions/mannerisms/etc. are those of whoever I might supposedly be representing (except possibly myself, of course). And even then, there's some room for doubt!