Generations Of Optical Discs

First-generation optical discs

Optical discs were initally used for storing music and software. The Laser disc format stored
analog video, but it fought an uphill battle against VHS.
•  Compact disc (CD)
•  Laser disc
•  Magneto-optical disc

Second-generation optical discs

These discs were invented roughly in the 1990s. Second-generation optical discs were
created to store large amounts of data, including TV-quality digital video.
•  Mini disc
•  Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
•  Digital Multilayer Disk
•  Digital Video Express
•  Fluorescent Multilayer Disc
•  GD-ROM
•  Phase-change Dual
•  Universal Media Disc

Third-generation optical discs

Major third-generation optical discs are currently in development. They will be optimal for
storing high-definition video and extremely large video games.
•  Blu-ray Disc
•  Enhanced Versatile Disc
•  Forward Versatile Disc
•  Holographic Versatile Disc
•  HD DVD
•  Ultra Density Optical
•  Professional Disc for DATA
•  Versatile Multilayer Disc