Early optical Laserdisc technology was invented by David Paul Gregg in 1958. By the time Gregg had patented his transparent videodisc system in 1961 and again in 1969 he decided to sell the patents to electronics manufacturer Philips. Philips had already been working on a reflective videodisc system at the time and gaining ownership of Gregg’s invention helped them push technology forward. Philips’ main goal with the Laserdisc was to sell feature films on them to consumers, so they teamed up with MCA, an entertainment company that owned the rights to the largest catalog of films at the time, to bring the Laserdisc technology to market. Collaboratively, Philips and MCA demonstrated the technology in 1972 and made it available for consumers on December 15, 1978. Philips manufactured the hardware players and MCA made the discs. The format went by many names including DiscoVision, but most referred to it as Laserdisc. from CultureandCommunication.org
A little more of the history…
DVA traces its beginnings to 1965 with the formation of Gauss Electrophysics, a company started by David Paul Gregg to pursue the storage of video information on optical disc media. At the time, video information was stored on large reels of large-width magnetic tape. Magnetic tape and the equipment used to read and record magnetic tape was expensive at that time, while VHS and Betamax tape systems were still years away from being created.
During the time that David Paul Gregg formed Gauss Electrophysics, MCA (the movie company) was interested in finding a suitable storage medium to mass market MCA’s large movie library to consumers to allow people to watch MCA’s movies in their homes. MCA learned about the work being performed at Gauss Electrophysics and purchased the company in 1968.
The Laserdisc format was more popular in Japan than it was in North America because it was a big force in the anime market. Collectors of anime content helped drive the sales of the format in Japan.
The instant-seeking functionality of Laserdiscs allowed developers to create interactive video games for LD players. The most popular LD game was Dragon’s Lair and it used pre-recorded animated scenes to tell a story. A user would use a remote or joystick to command the story to move forward and make decision for the on-screen characters. Gameplay was similar to current RPGs.
Although Laserdisc is a dead format today, it was a major stepping stone for the industry to reach modern technologies such as the CD, DVD, and MiniDisc. Many of David Paul Gregg’s early patents were licensed by companies to create these formats we know today.
We have a laserdisc player and a number of fine movies available at Bahoukas
JAWS – The first LaserDisc title marketed in North America was the MCA DiscoVision release of Jaws on December 15, 1978. The last title released in North America was Paramount’s Bringing Out the Dead on October 3, 2000.
What a super package of games – something for everyone!
Young or old, everyone loves a great board game. At Bahoukas Antique Mall we have hundreds to choose from.
Seriously – hundreds of games!
So come and enjoy the Havre de Grace Ice Festival 2020, then return home to warm up and enjoy board games with family and friends! Stop in to pick a game or two. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
These sets are sturdy, older sets. This one with the blue stand is missing the two stakes. But a couple heavy dowels would probably work just fine.
A closer view of the mallets.
This set is complete. Another great, vintage croquet set.
When was the last time you grabbed family and/or friends for a pleasant game in your own yard. Easy to set-up and just about everyone can play.
A closer look at the mallets.
Maybe you don’t remember how to play. Oh, no, that couldn’t possibly be true!!! If so, we’ve included a video to explain the rules. Easy. Peasy.
So there you have it! We’ve found the rules – takes a whole 10 minutes and you’re ready to play. Grab the kids or the family next door. Get outdoors for some great weather this weekend. And enjoy a game that will probably be good for a few laughs at the very least. Have fun.
And yes, we’re at the shop. And we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Wonderful selection of Little Golden Books and more…
With temperatures heading up to the 90s this week, often it’s too hot for the young ones to be outdoors for too long at a stretch. We just might have a solution or two for you at Bahoukas Antique Mall.
From princesses to cowboys, kittens to bunnies, great stories for your young readers
We have a wonderful variety of Little Golden Books and more for the young readers to enjoy. Maybe you’d like to bring them in to pick one out – or surprise them with a selection when you need to bring them indoors for a bit of cool, quiet time!
Nearly every category possible for young readers.
Along with this wonderful selection of books, you’ll also find a nice selection of games that the youngest to the older kids may enjoy! Make a game or reading party to encourage the youngsters to enjoy a respite from the hot sun!
Stop in today… we’ll be open all week. Yes, we are OPEN on July 4th – and we’ll be open on Saturday – parade day! Yessireeeee… we’re always watchin’ for ya at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum.
You might not think of Bahoukas for games and decorating at Holiday Time. But stop in and check out this beautiful chess set that’s even more wonderful if you see it in person. This set will delight your favorite player or a collector. Simply beautiful. Hurry, we only have one like this one!
Also, if you’re not finished decorating your home or office, you might want to stop by and see what we have for ornaments. Do you remember the little figurine candles that decorated a small table or maybe even were a part of your stocking stuffers? Well, we have those and many more items. We look forward to showing you all the ideas we have to make your holiday extra special with the love found in vintage and collectibles.
Need a few buildings for your little village, or some beautiful Santa and Elf candles?
Stop by soon and see how delightful the variety of collectibles at Bahoukas Antique Mall can make your holiday. Add a bit of nostalgia and build on them to create your own traditions. Yep, we’re here and we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
