Microscopic Peek: How LaserDiscs Encode Video as Visible Data
A look at LaserDiscs shows their video is stored as analog data; on CAV discs, each frame is a single revolution, so when viewed under a microscope the horizontal scanlines can line up along the disc to reveal on-screen content like credits, while CLV discs store more data but lose the precise frame structure; RCA’s CED yields similar results. It’s a reminder that modern digital video ultimately traces back to physical data stored on media.