How Enhanced CD Technology Can Revolutionize The Music Industry

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Imagine playing your favorite audio CD, then watching the artist describe his thoughts behind the music. Or, sitting at your desk, watching the Fourth of July Boston Symphony concert–complete with fireworks exploding across your computer screen. This will become possible thanks to new technology that allows artists to include CD-ROM content on the audio Compact Disc.

What Is An Enhanced CD?

An enhanced Compact Disc can be played not only on an audio CD player, but also in a CD-ROM player attached to a computer. Companies in the music and software industries have been working together to create a standard for a new generation of compact discs called enhanced CDs–sometimes referred to as “CD Plus.”

A typical music CD rarely occupies the full disc. Musicians realize that these unused portions represent a golden opportunity for additional interactive multimedia content.

Apple Announces Support For The Enhanced CD Format

In November 1994, Apple announced support for Enhanced CD-an emerging industry standard promoted by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) that combines audio and computer technology in one disc playable in both conventional CD and CD-ROM players. This dual-purpose disc (sometimes referred to as CD Plus) eliminates the static often heard when a CD with computer-readable data is placed in an audio CD player.

The Benefits Of Enhanced CDs

Enhanced CDs offer several benefits: Developers can use existing material and add interactive content to create new experiences on industry-standard discs; consumers receive added value; while retailers maximize available shelf space.

You can use QuickTime and a new suite of tools from Apple to help you create CD Plus titles and online music files.