Compact disc: the audio revolution

The development of the Compact Disc Digital Audio System was the result of solid multidisciplinary teamwork. In cooperation with Sony, Philips introduced the Compact Disc in November 1982, first in the Japanese market and four months later in Europe and the US.

In the CD system, two technologies were brought together and further developed. First, optical reading of information stored on a disc using a laser, and second, digital encoding/decoding and digital processing of signals.

High quality sound

The small silver disc changed music listening worldwide in a revolutionary way: a compact, durable and mobile sound carrier with high-quality sound. Consumers replaced their collection of vinyl records en masse with a collection of CDs.

The CD was only the beginning of many innovations in digital entertainment that would follow in rapid succession.

Want to know more about the Compact Disc?

Want to learn more about how this innovation changed the world of music? Read the article, 'Music box for the future'.

Text by Philips Company Archives.
Copyright: Koninklijke Philips N.V. / Philips Company Archives

CD technology laid the foundation for all kinds of innovations in multimedia and data storage.

Want more fun Eureka facts?

October is History Month (Maand van de Geschiedenis), the largest history event in the Netherlands. Together with hundreds of cultural institutions, bookstores and libraries, we bring history to the attention of millions of Dutch people.

This year's theme is Eureka! And a lot of inventions have been made at Philips. That's why we like to give some extra attention to important discoveries made in Philips history.
Keep an eye on our website this month for even more fun Philips inventions.

Also read the post about Philips' Metalix and Rotalix. A story about groundbreaking innovations in X-ray technology.