Specifications

CD-i FAQ 2000 Edition Revised February 21, 2001
Latest version and more CD-i info: http://www.icdia.org
11
2. CD-i Applications
2.1 In what areas is CD-i used?
When CD-i was being designed in the mid 80s, it was supposed to function both as a consumer
device, being sold as an addition to the family's entertainment centre (in a way similar to a VCR),
as well as in professional areas. Initially, Philips and Sony expected CD-i to become the next "big
thing" in consumer electronics, on which all future electronic developent would (partially) be
based.
Unfortunately, CD-i never took of that way in the consumer electronics market, leaving the system
with a few 100,000s of units sold in America, a few 100,000s in Asia and about half a million in
Europe. In the professional field however, CD-i became very popular. It quickly emerged to be the
de-facto standard for easy-to use, TV-based interactive programs. CD-i was, and is still, being
used by dozens of companies for a wide variety of purposes. This proves that the system was
very technology-proof, since its hardware specification never changed in the last decade in which
it was extensively used. Currently, CD-i still performs many functions better than a PC.
2.2 How was CD-i used as a consumer device?
CD-i was positioned a a multi-purpose device, unlike for example game consoles which had only
one major function. It was this versatility that made CD-i unique, but it was this same versatility
that made CD-i very hard to explain and hence sell to consumers.
When I was asked to explain what CD-i could do back then, I usually said: "The CD-i player is
used by the children in the morning to help them with their homework, some time later they play
an exciting game on the device. In the afternoon, you plan your next holiday on your CD-i using
some encyclopedias or travel guides. During dinner, the CD-i will function as an audio player
providing background music. Grandma pays a visit, an excellent time to show your latest
holidaypictures from a Photo-CD. And in the evening, you will all watch the latest blockbuster
movie on Video-CD." This story used to indicate the true versatile ways in which CD-i could be
used.
CD-i consumer programs were, among others, available in the following areas:
• Children's titles
• Games
• Arts and Culture
• Special Interest
• Reference (encyclopedias)
• Music
• Karaoke
• etc.
A few hundred consumer CD-i titles were available during CD-i's consumer years.
2.2.1 Who made consumer CD-i titles?
Most consumer CD-i titles were distributed by Philips. In 1986, Philips and PolyGram established
AIM (American Interactive Media), a joint venture which had the mission to support the launch of
CD-i on the consumer market with the full availablilty of titles. Just before the launch of CD-i onto
the American consumer market in 1991, PolyGram resigned from AIM and the name was
changed in PIMA (Philips Interactive Media of America). But the titles were already pressed,
which is why some early titles indicate PIMA on the cover of the box, but start with an AIM intro
animation.