As early as 1979, Pioneer and DiscoVision began to explore the possibilities of encoding digital PCM audio onto an optical disc. Nearly four years prior to the introduction of the Compact Disc, Pioneer was well into the research and development of encoding 14-bit PCM audio onto a disc. Even the March 26^th, 1980 announcement of Pioneer entering into the consumer videodisc market made mention of "future adapter to play true, digital ('PCM') audio."

The images here are taken from Pioneer's Annual Report for 1979. The picture to the left shows the industrial PR-7820 manufactured by Pioneer for MCA DiscoVision. The following quote is taken from the annual report.

The optical videodisc system has won acclaim as a new method of audio visual communication for both the home and business. Its first successful realization in an industrial configuration is the MCA DiscoVision Model PR-7820 optical video disc player. Incorporating a microprocessor, this player was developed by Universal Pioneer Corporation, a joint venture between Pioneer and MCA, in the fall of 1978. Already, more than 10,000 DiscoVision units have been shipped to General Motors through MCA. The DiscoVision player employs a unique non- contact technique: instead of a stylus, a laser beam is used to "pick up" audio and video information from a disc which stores 54,000 frames per side. In addition to such features as random access and still-pictures or slow- motion image rendition, it offers both high picture and sound quality. Since two channels are used to relay sound, there is a choice of stereo or bilingual reproduction.

The image on the right is a "blow-up" of the disc mounted in the player on the left. The label clearly shows that testing and prototypes had begun in encoding PCM Digital audio onto the 12" optical disc platform. Had the Compact Disc not been launched, Digital audio would more than likely have been released to the public through the laserdisc medium.

Updated: November 5, 1996