Compatible Discrete 4
CD-4 logo
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| Media type | Vinyl record |
|---|---|
| Encoding | Analog signal |
| Capacity | Four stereo channels |
| Read mechanism | phono cartridge |
| Usage | Audio storage |
Compatible Discrete 4, also known as Quadradisc or CD-4 (not to be confused with compact disc) was as a discrete 4-channel quadraphonic system for gramophone records, commonly called "phonograph" records. The system was created by JVC and RCA in 1971 and introduced in May 1972. Other major record companies who adopted this format include A&M, Arista, Atlantic, Capricorn, Elektra, Fantasy, Nonesuch, Reprise and Warner Bros.
In discrete quadraphonic systems all 4 channels remain fully independent of each other throughout the entire recording and reproduction chain. There is no intermixing of channels as is done in matrix decoder 4-channel systems such as SQ and QS. CD-4 encoded records were also compatible with conventional with 2-channel stereo playback systems. In stereo mode all four channels of music can be heard over 2 speakers. This was the only discrete quadraphonic phonograph record system to gain major industry acceptance.
CD-4 technology was also responsible for major improvements in stereo phonograph technology. Improvements included higher compliance, lower distortion levels, phono cartridges with a significantly higher frequency range, and new vinyl compounds for records. Such new compounds included JVC's "Supervinyl", which was more durable than convention materials, and Q-540, which was highly anti-static.
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