I couldn’t wait to buy a Laserdisc player. I bought a Panasonic Multi Laserdisc LX 20. It plays CDs, music discs and of course Laserdiscs. I paid $250. Today, you can hopefully find one for $50.
I found my favorite movies on disc, and proudly built a collection. For those who don’t know, they were the forerunners of the DVD. Two layers of disc were sandwiched and glued together, and the information (movie) was loaded onto them. Not being a techie, I couldn’t tell you if the same process was used.
Within months, it seemed Laserdiscs were over. DVDs had taken over by storm. They were lighter, easier to play and they didn’t have the problems associated with the discs. One such problem (and a few of my movies have it) was deemed “disc rot.” The glue between the discs begins breaking down, and the discs separate, making them useless. At least that’s what has been explained to me. All I see is money going into the trash can.
I’m down to a few dozen movies now. I still find rotting discs. It’s kind of sad that the machine still works well, and the discs are going to pot. You would think it would be the other way around.
Anyway, it still plays CDs well, so the machine will be in use until it dies. Too bad the DVD player people can’t build machines as well as my Laserdisc.
One day, something will take the place of DVDs. Then I’ll have an article titled, “Why I Still Like My DVD Player.” Go figure.
Perhaps I should crank up the old Victrola. That was the “latest and greatest technology” at one time. Today, it’s worth a bundle. I wonder if electronics will ever have the same claim to economic and collector’s fame?
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.