The video-disc revolution

VICTOR STREDICKE/ May 18, 1979 — A videodisc looks like a 12-inch phonograph record. But it’s silvery surface reflects like a rainbow. And when it is placed on a videodisc player, it plays picture, as well as sound. The Magnavision videodisc playing system was unveiled yesterday and went on sale today in three area stores. Magnavox calls it a “new wonder of consumer electronics.” Under development the past 8 years, the Magnavision system attaches to the antenna terminals of a television set. It scans the videodisc with a tiny beam of light, recapturing the movies and other filmed features stored on bits inside the silvery platter. There is no needle or stylus, thus Magnavox declares there is almost no wear on the disc no matter how many times it is played. Recent movie “Animal House” sells for $15.95. There are 200 movies in the Maganavox catalog. The player also allows the viewer to speed up, slow down, freeze and even reverse action.