To set the record straight, MCA DiscoVision discs are 100% compatible with all LaserDisc players. Almost. Some players are better than others at playing these discs. This guide has been compiled from experience, and is not by any means an official guide from manufacturers. Furthermore, players can vary wildly in their ability to track and play any disc, DiscoVision included, even within the same model number. Just because my Pioneer CLD-D703 can play almost anything, yours may not.
A Note about DiscoVision Discs
Due to variations in disc mastering and the mood of the mastering technician, some discs have a stronger signal than others. This can cause current players to go stupid where they simply don't know how to play the disc. Some players are capable of learning how to play these discs, and this will be documented throughout this section.
A Note about General Motors discs
With a very few exceptions, General Motors discs have their labels reversed from consumer discs. This is a result of the initial player deployed in the dealerships being the PR-7820. When playing a GM disc, remember, label side down.
DiscoVision discs produced for General Motors were designed to operate on the PR-7820. I do not yet have a definitive list, but titles with the catalog number GM-150 and lower typically DO NOT have Philips code. As a result, you will get unpredictable playback results as outlined below.
|
Industrial players (LD-V6000 series and LD-V8000 series) will reject the disc immediately. |
|
After disc spin up, most "newer" players (circa 1990 and up) will abort playback and eject the disc after failing to attain sync. |
|
Disc spins up, and eventually attains synchronization and will begin play. However, in the absence of Philips code, the recording format is unknown and the player will play "free-form". All player functions are disabled - including pause. |
|
Auto-Reverse players with Digital Field Memory experience a side change problem due to the absence of Philips CAV or CLV coding. Upon reaching the end of side detection, these players will try and backup to a valid frame number or time indicator do to the back-search for the digital still display. This will fail, and the player will backup through the entire side and fail to auto-reverse. Enabling Film Mode, or disabling frame displays during a side change usually resolves this problem. |
|