CD-Extra

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CD-Extra

CD-Extra is a hybrid disk format that allows data and audio to be stored simultaneously on a single CD, providing both multimedia and audio playback capabilities. It combines the CD-ROM/CD-DA standard with the enhancement of including a data track that can be read by a computer’s CD-ROM drive, while the audio track can be played on a standard CD player.

What does CD-Extra mean?

CD-Extra, also known as Enhanced CD or Red Book Plus, is a hybrid optical disc technology that combines standard audio CD Data with computer data tracks. These discs can be played on standard CD and computer CD-ROM players, providing users with access to both audio and digital content on a single disc.

Applications

CD-Extra has several key applications:

  • Music and interactive content: CD-Extra discs were widely used to distribute music albums with bonus content such as music videos, artist interviews, lyrics, and album artwork. This format enabled artists to provide fans with enhanced experiences and additional value.
  • Software distribution: CD-Extra was also used to distribute software applications, providing a convenient way to install and distribute software on CD-ROM while enhancing the experience with multimedia content and tutorials.
  • Data backup: Some CD-Extra discs were used for data backup purposes, storing a combination of audio and data files on a single disc.

History

CD-Extra was developed in the late 1990s as an Extension of the standard CD audio format. The first CD-Extra disc was released in 1998, with widespread adoption in the music industry. It quickly became a popular format for enhanced music albums, with artists such as U2, Radiohead, and Metallica releasing CD-Extra discs.

However, the popularity of CD-Extra declined as broadband internet access became more widespread, allowing artists to distribute bonus content online. Additionally, the introduction of DVD-Audio and Blu-ray Disc formats provided higher-quality audio and video options, further limiting the use of CD-Extra. Today, CD-Extra discs are rarely encountered, as they have been largely replaced by online streaming and other digital distribution methods.