• Introduction - the changes recorded discs: the changes in discs (records)-- the changes in software.
• Part 1 What is a compact disc - the CD system: more than
• 60 minute playing time is possible with a small disc-- why does a single disc hold more than an hour?-- a signal of 0s and 1s is used for recording-- resistant to dirt and scratches-- there is no needle in the CD system pickup-- the light beam plays the role of the needle-- frequency response of the CD system-- the RPM at the inside and outside circumferences of the disc are different in the CD system.
• Part 2 The steps of digitalization: the steps toward digital audio-- why is digitalization good?
• Part 3 The birth of the digital audio disc (DAD): growth-looking back at video discs-- standardization of digital audio discs-- main system standards for the CD system.
• Part 4 Construction of the disc: the shape and materials of the disc-- premastering-- shape of the pits.
• Part 5 Construction of the signal: why is error correction necessary?-- what is error correction?-- error correction in the CD system (CIRC)-- why modulation is necessary-- modulation method for the CD system (EFM)-- signal format-- subcoding-- CD-ROM format-- CDV format and signal processing.
• Part 6 Construction of the player: player construction-- function of the optical pickup-- restoration of the RF signal-- asymmetry correction and clock regeneration-- digital signal processing and the function of the memory-- tracking servo mechanism-- focus servo mechanism-- speed control servo mechanism-- construction of the CDV player.
• Part 7 An actual CD player: player structure-- analog ICs-- digital ICs-- DA converter-- slide mechanism and access-- optical pickup.
• Part 8 How to enjoy the CD system: summing up the special features of the CD system-- different kinds of CDs-- using CDs-- additional features of CDs.
• Part 9 CD-variations: extended forms for CDs-- CD-ROM-- CD-I-- CDV-- CD singles-- recordable CDs.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

In October 1982, the introduction of the first compact discs (CDs) rocked the music recording industry. The introduction of inexpensive, portable CD players made CD sound readily available to the general public for the first time and created a new market. Since then, the market has divided into opposite poles. At one end are the manufacturers who focus on the mass production of low-priced products, and at the other are those who cater to the needs of a small but discerning group of clients willing to pay the price for state-of-the-art merchandise. The authors' aim in writing this book has been to chart the multi-faceted development of CD technology by explaining the technologies that have made it possible. Along the same lines, they try to present an accurate history of the development and standardization of the CD format. Also covered are CD variations like CD-I, CDV and CD singles.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

This guide is aimed at newcomers to classical music and at people who may already be familiar with a few pieces but want guidance on where to go next. Providing the historical framework within which to understand the music, it also discusses the music in the context of what's available on CD. The style is informal but serious - neither a guide to the 100 best classical tunes, nor a specialist volume of music criticism, but full of forthright judgements. A series of brief essays on the main genres of classical music is followed by an alphabetically arranged run-through of some 160 composers (the main body of the book). As well as all the big names - Beethoven, Bach, Mozart and Haydn all get ten-page entries - "The Rough Guide" bangs the drum on behalf of some neglected figures, with a particular effort made to rectify the neglect of women composers. Each entry comprises a brief biographical introduction, followed by sections on the crucial works. For every work discussed "The Rough Guide" recommends at least one CD, and, in the case of essential pieces, alternative performances as well. Features include: a chronological chart of composers, arranged so the reader can see at a glance who is contemporary with whom; a glossary of musical terms; an index of performers (giving biographical information and recommendations for compilation recordings); and a bibliography.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)