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  HANDS ON REVIEW
  - by Marriott_Guy (22-Jul-11)

In the late 1980s, the Compact Disc had become the preferred format for delivering both audio recordings (CD-DA) and personal computer applications (CD-ROM). Though the advancements in both quality and quantity that was afforded by this new media format were undeniable, the cost to take advantage of this new technology was steep and usually involved upgrading multiple devices. There was also the small fact that the central point of most living rooms - the television - was not able to deliver any of this enhanced content. Compact Disc Interactive (CD-i) was developed to be the solution.

The CD-i format was established during the mid 1980s in a joint venture between Philips and Sony (who also partnered to create the CD-DA and CD-ROM standards). This framework enabled pictures, audio, video and interactive program content to be delivered simultaneously from a single compact disc, which then could be transmitted to your television via a dedicated unit - the CD-i player.

CD-i based systems were not intended to be pure gaming consoles - entertainment titles were meant to be just a part of the overall experience. CD-i provided the canvas for a variety of applications, including edutainment software and full length movies. At its launch in 1991, the system was not even displayed in stores with the other video gaming systems of the time (Sega Genesis, Nintendo SNES, etc.). It was promoted within its own area, closer to the personal computer section. This exemplifies one of the primary reasons for the downfall of the CD-i - indecisive marketing.

  DW FACTS
  - by Dark Watcher

In the mid 1980s Philips and Sony partnered up to create a new CD standard containing interactive combinations of sound, images, and computer instructions. This CD standard also required specific types of players. So in 1991 Philips created the Philips CD-i 210 as a multimedia system capable of playing Interactive CD-i software discs, Audio CDs, CD+G (CD+Graphics), VCDs (Video CDs) and Karaoke CDs. You could essentially enjoy different types of media on the same machine.

People were not quite ready for the multimedia experience and clung to their VCRs, home computers, and video game consoles. With dwindling sales and with the videogame market doing well, Philips decided to reintroduce the machine as videogame console. The Phillips CD-i 450 was designed to look more like a console and included a pack in game called Burn Cycle.

The CD-i 450 still had a high price tag and the lack of quality games prevented the CD-i from becoming competitive in the videogame market. The console died a slow death in the late 1990s with the release of far more popular CD based consoles.

FACT: Nintendo had initially planed to release a CD based add-on for its SuperNes console. Philips was one of the companies that they initially collaborated with to design it. Plans for the device were scrapped, but Phillips walked away with contractual rights to produce games with Nintendo licensed characters. Three Zelda games, and a game entitled Hotel Mario, were released for the Philips CD-i. However the games were not produced by Nintendo and were considered lackluster (ok more like terrible).
 

Philips had the unenviable task of educating the consumers while at the same time marketing a high-end product and its multiple benefits. Philips invested heavily into advertising the CD-i through print as well as television via infomercials (a first for any system). Regardless of the media vehicle, the message was the same - what exactly is this device? Is it a gaming machine? A replacement for the personal computer? An upgrade to the VCR? There were entirely too many unanswered questions regarding the CD-i for any gamer to cough up a significant chunk of their life savings to obtain one of these at launch - $699 USD. This high price tag was definitely a deterrent for both gamers and those looking to upgrade existing devices. The initial design, and redesigns, of the CD-i reiterated this somewhat waffling approach.

The initial chassis of the CD-i (model CDI 205 Europe / CDI 910 North America) was designed to be accommodated within a standard AV rack measuring 16.5" x 3.5" x 15.75" (42 x 9 x 40 cm). The matte black casing was very sleek with the uncluttered facing utilitarian yet highly functional. Crisp, large LED lighting communicated system status messages to the user. Front access to basic ports was also a nice touch. Overall, the design is rather minimalistic yet sophisticated and fit in seamlessly with other AV devices. Later models would vary in color (primarily black, white and grey) with some sporting a more 'video game system' look (i.e CDI 450 model).

 
Regarding technical specifications, all CD-i systems needed to conform to a minimum base configuration: 68000 (or similar) CPU at 15 MHz, 1 MB of RAM, 8 KB NVRAM, dedicated audio/video processing chips and CD-RTOS (Compact Disc Real Time Operating System). All CD-i models are able to play Audio CD (CD-DA), CD + Graphics (CD+G), Video CD (VCD) and Kodak Photo CD. Consumer models varied with some including more bells and whistles than others, but the key difference was the inclusion, or lack thereof, of the Digital Video Cartridge.

The Digital Video Cartridge (DVC) enabled playback of CD-i movies as well is required by a great number of software titles. The initial run of CD-i players provided a port to accept the optional DVC, while later models included this technology directly. Philips released two different versions of the DVC - the 22ER9141 and the 22ER9956. Both were identical in performance but differ in size to accommodate respective players (compatibility chart here). The DVC also provided an additional 1 MB of RAM for system use which greatly improves overall performance across the board. The DVC (or embedded technology) is basically required to maximize the CD-i experience, including game play.
 

The CD-i software library consists of approximately 625 total titles, 124 of which are games. There are many exclusive offerings for this system and quite a few hidden gems, but overall the collection was rather weak in terms of game quantity and quality as compared to the contemporary systems that focused entirely on gaming. Interacting with these titles was also a chore.

Early CD-i systems did not come with a standard gamepad, but were accompanied with a multifunctional IR remote (CD-i Thumbstick). The remote is pretty worthless when it comes to gaming. Later systems were packaged with the wireless CD-i Commander, which featured pressure sensitive response in a rather generic 4 button casing. Other optional peripherals include keyboards, gamepads, light gun, mice and roller controllers specifically designed for children. Overall, interacting with the CD-i is rather cumbersome from a game play perspective.

The CD-i was a very advanced system for its time, one of the first to truly deliver a multimedia experience via a single device through your television. It received support from many major manufacturers including Sony, LG (GoldStar), Memorex and Bang & Olufsen. In total, over 40 different models of the CD-i system were produced - the most of any video game system that has ever been released. The CD-i still enjoys a cult-like following, with many websites devoted to continued software development and other facets of this machine. Where it faltered was in its chameleon-like approach to marketing.

Trying to be everything to everybody has never worked when it comes to electronics, especially while having the burden to educate the general public on new technology. Even after switching gears and marketing the CD-i as a video gaming machine, the message was still cloudy at best for the consumer.  Philips has always been a leader in developing new technology. The CD-i is a perfect example of this, but missed the mark when identifying and targeting its audience.
 

There were many models of the CD-i.  The following pictures detail the Philips CDI 910, the first release in North America.

For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.  The following lists the general specs for the Philips line of CD-i systems. 

Games, media format, emulators and screen shots for titles released on this system.

 
Software for the Philips CD-i was distributed in the disc format.  Most titles came in jewel-sized cases that were constructed of a thin plastic outer shell with a thick cardboard used for the front cover.  There were also games that came in the CD-i Big Boxes, which were nothing more but an an extremely oversized carton.

When purchasing games for the CD-i, ensure to check if the game requires the optional Digital Video Cartridge (DVC).  This information is located on the back of the cover.  As a side note, all CD-i movies require DVC technology.

The Philips CD-i also features three unique titles for the Legend of Zelda series.  They were able to obtain select character licenses from Nintendo as the result of their collaboration on the CD add-on for the Super Nintendo. The CD add-on would eventually by scrapped, but Philips retained these rights when they released their own CD-i system.  To be honest, all three titles are pretty horrific.  This was primarily due to the tight window for game development based on Philips mandated release deadlines.

Philips CD-i Game Screenshots
Images courtesy of Defunct Games.

Additional authorized releases for this console.  Pictures courtesy of the New International CD-i Association.

The CD-i had the most licensed releases of any video game console bar none.  In total, over 40 models exist that incorporate CD-i technology.  The following lists the hardware released by Philips and is organized into three groups: Consumer, Integrated and Portable, Professional and Authoring. See the link above to ICDIA for a description of the differences between the various models.

System Brochure (click to enlarge)
 

As stated earlier, the CD-i had the most licensed releases of any video game console.  Many manufacturers distributed (or incorporated) CD-i technology into media players for the consumer.  The list below shows just a few from the various manufacturers.  Check out the complete listing at the New International CD-i Association.

This is the beast of all CD-i players, with the player built into the top of the television set.
Definitely a 10.0 on the 'too cool' scale for this gamer.

Non-licensed releases (clones).

Highly recommended additional sites\resources for this system.

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