View source for CD-i

{{Short description|Interactive multimedia and video gaming standard}}
{{Redirect|CDi|3=CDI (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox storage medium
| name = Compact Disc-Interactive
| logo = [[File:CDIlogo.svg|class=skin-invert|150px]]
| image = CD-i-910-Console-Set.jpg
| caption = Philips CDI 910, the first consumer-oriented CD-i player, pictured with its "Touchpad" game controller
| type = [[Optical disc]]
| encoding = Various
| capacity = Up to {{val|744|ul=MB}}<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.icdia.co.uk/faq/cdifaq3.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730022318/http://www.icdia.co.uk/faq/cdifaq3.html| url-status=live|  archive-date=2021-07-30 | title=The New International CD-i Association}}</ref>
| read = 
| write = 
| released = {{start date|1990}}
| discontinued = {{end date|1999|06}}
| standard = [[Rainbow Books|Green Book]]
| owner = [[Philips]], [[Sony]]
| use = Audio, video and data storage
| extended from = [[Compact disc]]
| extended to = 
}}
{{Optical disc authoring}}
The '''Compact Disc-Interactive''' ('''CD-I''', later '''CD-i''') is a [[Digital media|digital]] [[optical disc]] [[data storage device|data storage]] format as well as a hardware platform, co-developed and marketed by Dutch company [[Philips]] and Japanese company [[Sony]]. It was created as an extension of [[Compact Disc Digital Audio|CDDA]] and [[CD-ROM]] and specified in the ''[[Rainbow Books|Green Book]]'' specifications, co-developed by Philips and [[Sony]], to combine audio, text and graphics.<ref name="philipscdi.com">{{Cite web |title=Philipscdi.com :: History |url=https://www.philipscdi.com/history.htm |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=www.philipscdi.com |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730050356/https://www.philipscdi.com/history.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The two companies initially expected to impact the education/training, [[point of sale]], and home entertainment industries,<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/VideodiscsInHealthcareAGuideToTheIndustry_201609/page/n19 |title=Videodiscs in Healthcare: A Guide to the Industry Third Edition |publisher=Stewart Publishing |year=1990}}</ref> but the CD-i is largely remembered today for its [[video game]]s.

CD-i media physically have the same dimensions as CD, but with up to {{val|744|ul=MB}} of digital data storage, including up to 72 minutes of [[full motion video]].<ref name="Optical Disc Technology">{{Cite web | url=http://repairfaq.cis.upenn.edu/sam/icets/opttech.htm| url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://repairfaq.cis.upenn.edu/sam/icets/opttech.htm| archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=Optical Disc Technology}}{{cbignore}}</ref> CD-i players were usually standalone boxes that connect to a standard television; some less common setups included integrated CD-i television sets and expansion modules for [[personal computers]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icdia.co.uk/players/nonphilips.html|title=The New International CD-i Association|website=Icdia.co.uk|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804191026/http://www.icdia.co.uk/players/nonphilips.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Most players were created by Philips; the format was licensed by Philips and [[Microware]] for use by other manufacturers, notably Sony who released professional CD-i players under the "Intelligent [[Discman]]" brand. Unlike CD-ROM drives, CD-i players are complete computer systems centered around dedicated [[Motorola 68000]]-based microprocessors and its own operating system called CD-RTOS, which is an acronym for ''"[[Compact disc]] – [[Real Time Operating System]]"''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CD_I_Compact_Disc_Interactive.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CD_I_Compact_Disc_Interactive.html |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=What is CD-I (Compact Disc-Interactive)? Webopedia Definition |date=September 1996}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://209.68.14.80/ref/cd/formatCDI-c.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://209.68.14.80/ref/cd/formatCDI-c.html |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=CD-Interactive (CD-I)}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="gamefaqs.gamespot.com">{{Cite web |url=https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/cdi/916370-cd-i/faqs/2636| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213204430/https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/cdi/916370-cd-i/faqs/2636 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2018-12-13 |title=CD-I - CD-I FAQ - CD-I - by Philips - GameFAQs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://archives.cpajournal.com/old/14628714.htm| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://archives.cpajournal.com/old/14628714.htm |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=Multimedia: A new technology for the CPA. (Includes related article)}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Media released on the format included video games and "[[edutainment]]" and multimedia reference titles, such as interactive encyclopedias and museum tours – which were popular before public [[Internet]] access was widespread – as well as business software.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/113000/20151203/ahead-of-their-time-the-philips-cd-i.htm| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.techtimes.com/articles/113000/20151203/ahead-of-their-time-the-philips-cd-i.htm |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=Ahead of Their Time: The Philips CD-i, A Multimedia Gaming Machine with Proprietary Problems |date=December 3, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Philips's CD-i system also implemented [[Online console gaming|Internet features]], including subscriptions, web browsing, downloading, e-mail, and online play.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Sandra |title=Kits let television go online |date=1 April 1996 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/237307211| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.newspapers.com/image/237307211 |archive-date=2021-10-31 |work=Daily Press |location=Newport, Virginia |page=B7 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Philips's aim with its players was to introduce interactive multimedia content for the general public by combining features of a [[CD player]] and [[game console]],<ref name="Optical Disc Technology"/> but at a lower price than a personal computer with a CD-ROM drive.

[[Authoring system|Authoring]] kits for the format were released first in 1988, and the first player aimed for home consumers, Philips's CDI 910/205, was released in late 1991. It was initially priced around {{US$|1000|1991|fmt=eq}},<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/02/business/company-news-new-philips-cd.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/N/New%20Models,%20Design%20and%20Products |title=COMPANY NEWS; New Philips CD |work=The New York Times |date=April 2, 1992 |access-date=August 19, 2009 |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904194546/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/02/business/company-news-new-philips-cd.html?n=Top%2FReference%2FTimes%20Topics%2FSubjects%2FN%2FNew%20Models%2C%20Design%20and%20Products |url-status=live }}</ref> and was capable of playing interactive CD-i discs, [[Audio CD]]s, [[CD+G]] (CD+Graphics), [[Photo CD]]s and [[Video CD]]s (VCDs), though the latter required an optional "Digital Video Card" to provide [[MPEG-1]] decoding. Initially marketed to consumers as "home entertainment systems", and in later years as a "gaming platform",<ref name="philipscdi.com"/> CD-i did not manage to find enough success in the market, and was mostly abandoned by Philips in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-history-of-the-philips-cdi-failed-playstation-ancestor| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-history-of-the-philips-cdi-failed-playstation-ancestor |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=The History of the Philips CD-i, Failed PlayStation Ancestor|first=Eric|last=Grundhauser|date=March 25, 2016|website=Atlas Obscura|access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/07/hardware_classics_uncovering_the_tragic_tale_of_the_philips_cd-i |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/07/hardware_classics_uncovering_the_tragic_tale_of_the_philips_cd-i |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31|title=Hardware Classics: Uncovering The Tragic Tale Of The Philips CD-i |date=July 23, 2018 |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The format continued to be supported for licensees for a few more years after.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 February 2001 |title=CD-i FAQ 2000 Edition |url=https://www.digitpress.com/faq/cd-i%20faq.pdf |access-date=7 August 2022 |website=Digital Press |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319144410/http://www.digitpress.com/faq/cd-i%20faq.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Specifications==
Development of the "Compact Disc-Interactive" format began in 1984 (two years after the launch of the [[Compact disc]]) and it was first publicly announced by [[Philips]] and [[Sony]] – two of the largest electronics companies of the time – at [[Microsoft]]'s [[CD-ROM]] Conference in [[Seattle]] in March 1986.<ref name="New Computer Express 086">{{Cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/NewComputerExpress086/page/n1 |title=New Computer Express 086}}</ref><ref>(2005). [http://www.philipscdi.com/history.htm History of the Philips CD-i] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725103840/http://www.philipscdi.com/history.htm |date=July 25, 2017 }}, Philipscdi.com.</ref><ref name="Cole1996">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/network-hardware-brave-but-too-clever-by-half-1347183.html |date=13 May 1996 |title=Network hardware: Brave, but too clever by half |last=Cole |first=George |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |publisher=Independent Print Ltd. |access-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904203405/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/network-hardware-brave-but-too-clever-by-half-1347183.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Microsoft's CEO [[Bill Gates]] had no idea beforehand that the format was under development.<ref name="dvorak.org">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dvorak.org/blog/whatever-happened-to-compact-disc-interactive-aka-cdi/ |date=November 26, 2006 |title=Whatever Happened to Compact Disk Interactive? |first=John C. |last=Dvorak |work=Dvorak News Blog  |access-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929232408/http://www.dvorak.org/blog/whatever-happened-to-compact-disc-interactive-aka-cdi/ |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ''Green Book'', formally known as the "CD-i Full Functional Specification", defined the format for interactive, multimedia compact discs designed for CD-i players. The ''Green Book'' specification also defines a whole hardware set built around the [[Motorola 68000]] microprocessor family, and an operating system called CD-RTOS based on [[OS-9]], a product of [[Microware]].<ref>{{Cite journal |jstor=44427400 |title=History in the Making: A Report from Microsoft's First International Conference on CD ROM |journal=Educational Technology |volume=26 |issue=7 |pages=16–19 |last1=Rosen |first1=David |year=1986}}</ref> The standard was originally not freely available and had to be licensed from Philips.<ref name="greenbook">{{cite web| url=http://www.ip.philips.com/licensing/program/15/cd-disc-joint/description_detailed| title=Philips Licensing Programs}}</ref> However, the 1994 version of the standard was eventually made available free by Philips.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lscdweb.com/data/downloadables/2/8/cdi_may94_r2.pdf |title=Green Book Version May 1994, Release 2 |access-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809203405/https://www.lscdweb.com/data/downloadables/2/8/cdi_may94_r2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

CD-i discs conform to the ''[[Compact Disc Digital Audio|Red Book]]'' specification of audio CDs (CD-DA). Tracks on a CD-i's program area can be CD-DA tracks or CD-i tracks, but the first track must always be a CD-i track, and all CD-i tracks must be grouped together at the beginning of the area. CD-i tracks are structured according to the [[CD-ROM XA]] specification (using either Mode 2 Form 1 or Mode 2 Form 2 modes), and have different classes depending on their contents ("data", "video", "audio", "empty" and "message"). "Message" sectors contain audio data to warn users of [[CD player]]s that the track they are trying to listen to is a CD-i track and not a CD-DA track.<ref name="greenbook" /> The CD-i specification also specifies a [[file system]] similar to (but not compatible with) [[ISO 9660]] to be used on CD-i tracks, as well as certain specific files that are required to be present in a CD-i compatible disc.<ref name="greenbook" /> Compared to the ''Yellow Book'' (specification for CD-ROM), the ''Green Book'' CD-i standard solves synchronisation problems by interleaving audio and video information on a single track.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ElectronicEntertainment08Aug1994/page/n105 |title=Electronic Entertainment 08 August 1994 |date=August 1994}}</ref>

The format quickly gained interest from large manufacturers, and received backing from many particularly [[Matsushita Corporation|Matsushita]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archive.org/stream/DM-V1N02/DM-V1N02_djvu.txt |title=Digital Media: Volume 1, Number 2, July 1991 |publisher=Seybold Publications |date=July 1991}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archive.org/stream/PC_Review_Issue_10_1992-08_EMAP_Images_GB/PC_Review_Issue_10_1992-08_EMAP_Images_GB_djvu.txt |title=PC Review - Issue 10 (1992-08)(EMAP Images)(GB) |date=August 1992}}</ref> Although a joint effort, Philips eventually took over the majority of CD-i development at the expense of Sony.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=1006 |title=Philips CD-i |work=old-computers.com |access-date=October 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003233851/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=1006 |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Philips invested many millions in developing titles and players based on the CD-i specification.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/DM-V1N04/page/n15|title=Digital Media: Volume 1, Number 4, September 1991|date=September 1991|publisher=Seybold Publications}}</ref> Initially branded "CD-I", the name was changed in 1991 to "CD-i" with a lowercase [[i]].

The [[CD-i Ready]] format is a type of bridge format, also designed by Philips, that defines discs compatible with [[CD player|CD Digital audio players]] and CD-i players. This format puts CD-i software and data into the [[Pregap#Computer data in pregap|pregap]] of Track 1.

The [[CD-i Bridge]] format, defined in Philips' White Book, is a transitional format allowing bridge discs to be played both on [[CD-ROM]] drives and on CD-i players.

The CD-i Digital Video format was launched in 1993 containing movies that could be played on CD-i players with a Digital Video Cartridge add-on. The format was incompatible with [[Video CD]] (VCD), although a CD-i unit with the DVC could play both formats. Only about 20 movies were released on the format and it was stopped in 1995 in favor of VCD.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://obsoletemedia.org/cd-i-digital-video/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://obsoletemedia.org/cd-i-digital-video/| url-status=live |  archive-date=2021-10-31|title=CD-i Digital Video (1993 - 1994)|date=July 2, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Commercial software==
{{See also|List of CD-i games|CD-i games from The Legend of Zelda series}}
[[File:Philips-CDi-220-Console-BR.jpg|thumb|right|Some games required the optional MPEG cartridge, typically inserted into the back of the system (behind the red panel pictured) ]]
[[File:Philips-CDi-Digital-Video-Cartridge-1.jpg|thumb|right|The optional MPEG cartridge, branded as the Digital Video Cartridge]]

CD-i software was typically developed using [[Authoring system|authoring tools]] from one of two companies: OptImage, which offered the Balboa Runtime Libraries and MediaMogul, and Script Systems, which produced ABCD-I. Much of the CD-i software was promoted or published by American Interactive Media (AIM), a joint venture between Philips and its subsidiary [[PolyGram]], formed in [[Los Angeles]] in 1986 to publish CD-i consumer software.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/CD_Interactief_Volume_02_Issue_04_1995-04_Haarlems_Uitgeef_Bedrijf_NL/CD_Interactief_Volume_02_Issue_04_1995-04_Haarlems_Uitgeef_Bedrijf_NL_djvu.txt|title=CD Interactief - Volume 02 Issue 04 (1995-04)(Haarlems Uitgeef Bedrijf)(NL) |date=April 1995}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icdia.co.uk/history/aim.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://www.icdia.co.uk/history/aim.html| url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31|title=The New International CD-i Association}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/9011532.nlm.nih.gov/9011532_djvu.txt|title=Optical disc technology|year=1990}}</ref> Philips Interactive Media was similarly launched in Europe.

Philips initially marketed CD-i as a family entertainment product and avoided emphasizing [[video game]]s to prevent competition with game consoles.<ref name="cgw199401">{{Cite magazine |last1=Miller |first1=Chuck |last2=Dille |first2=H. E. |last3=Wilson |first3=Johnny L. |date=January 1994 |title=Battle Of The New Machines |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1994&pub=2&id=114 |magazine=Computer Gaming World |pages=64–76 |access-date=November 2, 2017 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214005055/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1994&pub=2&id=114 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.academia.edu/124463721 | title=Video game history of the Netherlands | date=October 6, 2024 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Early releases focused on educational, music, and self-improvement titles, with relatively few games, many of which were adaptations of [[board game]]s such as ''[[Connect Four]]''. However, the system struggled in the multimedia device market against low-cost [[Personal computer|PC]]s,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Next Generation 1996 Lexicon A to Z: CD-i|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=15 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=March 1996|page=31}}</ref> and games became its best-selling software. By 1993, Philips encouraged [[MS-DOS]] and console developers to create games, introduced a $250 peripheral with expanded memory and full-motion video support, and added a second controller port to new consoles for multiplayer games.{{r|cgw199401}}

Attempts to establish a foothold in the games market were largely unsuccessful, as the system, designed primarily as a multimedia player, was underpowered compared to other gaming platforms.<ref>{{cite journal|title=75 Power Players|journal=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=11|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=November 1995|page=63|quote=CD-i started life as an ahead-of-its-time multimedia player, but ended up an under-powered game machine.}}</ref> Notable CD-i games included entries in [[Nintendo]] franchises, though not developed by Nintendo: ''[[Hotel Mario]]'' and three ''[[The Legend of Zelda|Zelda]]'' titles: ''[[Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon]]'', ''[[Link: The Faces of Evil]]'', and ''[[Zelda's Adventure]]''. These were made possible by an earlier agreement between Nintendo and Philips to develop a [[Super NES CD-ROM#Super NES CD-ROM System|CD-based add-on]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], which never progressed beyond the prototype stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamersgraveyard.com/repository/snes/history/snescdrom.html |title=The SNES CD-ROM |author=Staff writer |website=The Nintendo Repository |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224060354/http://www.gamersgraveyard.com/repository/snes/history/snescdrom.html |archive-date=24 February 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the agreement granted Philips the right to develop games using Nintendo characters.<ref name="Jumping">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesreviews.com/news/07/stephen-radosh-a-qa-with-the-creator-of-hotel-mario/|title=Stephen Radosh: An Interview with the Creator of Hotel Mario|author=Samuel Clemens|date=July 4, 2022|website=Games Reviews|publisher=GR Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705182426/https://www.gamesreviews.com/news/07/stephen-radosh-a-qa-with-the-creator-of-hotel-mario/|archive-date=July 5, 2022|url-status=dead|access-date=July 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Shona |date=2013-03-28 |title=An interview with the creator of the CD-i Zelda games |url=https://zeldauniverse.net/2013/03/28/an-interview-with-the-creator-of-the-cd-i-zelda-games/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Zelda Universe}}</ref>

As announced at [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] 1992,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA73|title=Billboard|date=June 13, 1992|access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=May 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502201814/https://books.google.com/books?id=jQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA73#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> numerous [[full-motion video]] titles appeared, including ''[[Dragon's Lair (1983 video game)|Dragon's Lair]]'' and ''[[Mad Dog McCree]]''. One, ''[[Burn:Cycle]]'', is considered one of the stronger CD-i titles and was later ported to PC. ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' noted that CD-i’s full-motion video capabilities were its strongest feature; however, most titles required the MPEG upgrade card to take advantage of them.<ref name="EGM55">{{cite magazine|title=New Life For CD-i|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=55|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=February 1994|page=20}}</ref>

Philips also released CD-i adaptations of popular TV [[game show]]s, including ''[[Jeopardy!]]'' (hosted by [[Alex Trebek]]), ''[[Name That Tune]]'' (hosted by [[Bob Goen]]), and two versions of ''[[The Joker's Wild]]'' (an adult version with [[Wink Martindale]] and a kids' version with [[Marc Summers]]). All North American CD-i games, except ''Name That Tune'', featured [[Charlie O'Donnell]] as announcer. The Netherlands released its own version of ''[[Lingo (Dutch game show)|Lingo]]'' in 1994.

In 1993, American musician [[Todd Rundgren]] created the first fully interactive music CD, ''[[No World Order]]'', for CD-i, enabling over 15,000 points of customization. Dutch Eurodance duo [[2 Unlimited]] released a CD-i compilation album, ''Beyond Limits'' (1994), featuring standard CD tracks and CD-i-exclusive media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/2-Unlimited-Beyond-Limits/release/357137| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.discogs.com/2-Unlimited-Beyond-Limits/release/357137| url-status=live | archive-date=2021-10-31|title=2 Unlimited - Beyond Limits|website=Discogs.com| year=1994|access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=CDiMagazine>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdinteractive.co.uk/download/mags/0102%2011-1994.pdf|title=Philips CD-i Magazine November 1994|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930191404/http://www.cdinteractive.co.uk/download/mags/0102%2011-1994.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

CD-i featured a range of children's [[edutainment]] titles, including ''[[Busytown]]'' and ''[[The Berenstain Bears]]''. By mid-1996, the U.S. CD-i software market had dried up, though Philips continued publishing titles in Europe.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=A Cry for Help from a CD-i Owner |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=88 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1996|page=281}}</ref> Philips then shifted focus to kiosk and industrial multimedia applications.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philipsmedia.com:80/media/systems/kiosk.html |year=1997 |title=Kiosk Systems |author=Staff writer |website=Philips Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970606095911/http://www.philipsmedia.com/media/systems/kiosk.html |archive-date=June 6, 1997 |access-date=November 30, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In later years, [[homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] developers released new CD-i titles, including ''Frog Feast'' (2005), ''Super Quartet'' (2018), and ''Nobelia'' (2022).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rooijakkers |first=Luc |title=CD-i Development in the 21st Century |url=https://www.theworldofcdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CDiDevelopment20190331.pdf |access-date=8 August 2022 |website=The World of CD-i |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513061214/https://www.theworldofcdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CDiDevelopment20190331.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Player models==
CD-i compatible models were released in [[Belgium]], [[Canada]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Luxembourg]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Japan]], [[Singapore]], the [[United Kingdom]], the [[United States]], and the former European [[Eastern Bloc]]. Shortly before it was discontinued, It was reported to be released further in Brazil, India and Australia in the "coming months", with plans to also introduce it in China, South Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines.<ref name="Billboard">{{Cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7wsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50 |title=Billboard |date=April 15, 1995 |access-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502201722/https://books.google.com/books?id=7wsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/video-games-market-sees-slow-development--64252 | title=Telecompaper | access-date=October 30, 2022 | archive-date=October 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030110312/https://www.telecompaper.com/news/video-games-market-sees-slow-development--64252 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Philips models===
{{Infobox information appliance
| title = Philips CD-i (200-700 series)
| logo = CD-i logo.png
| logo_size = 
| image = Philips-CDi-220-wController-FL.jpg
| image_size = 
| manufacturer = 
| type = [[Home video game console]]<br />[[data storage device|Media player]]
| generation = [[Fourth generation of video game consoles|Fourth]]
| releasedate = {{vgrelease|NA|December 3, 1991|JP|April 25, 1992<ref name="CD-iJP">{{cite web|last=Batenburg|first=Sebastiaan|url=https://cdii.blogspot.com/2007/07/cd-i-in-japan-philips-artspace-denshi.html|title=CD-i in Japan - Philips Artspace and Japan Interactive Media|website=Cdii.blogspot.com|date=July 7, 2007|access-date=2019-05-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613035215/https://cdii.blogspot.com/2007/07/cd-i-in-japan-philips-artspace-denshi.html|archive-date=June 13, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>|EU|July 10, 1992}}
| lifespan = 
| discontinued = 1998<ref name="gamepro">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/features/111823.shtml |date=May 4, 2007 |title=The 10 Worst-Selling Consoles of All Time |last=Snow |first=Blake |magazine=[[GamePro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070508035815/http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/features/111823.shtml |archive-date=May 8, 2007}}</ref>
| unitssold = 
| media = [[Green Book (CD-interactive standard)|CD-i]], [[Compact disc|Audio CD]], [[CD+G]], [[Karaoke]] [[CD]], [[Video CD]]
| os = [[CD-RTOS]]
| cpu = [[Philips SCC68070]]
| CPUspeed = {{val|15.5 |ul=MHz}}
| memory = {{val|1 |u=MB}} [[RAM]]
| display = 384×280 to 768×560
| graphics = Philips SCC66470, MCD 212
| sound = MCD 221, [[ADPCM]] two channel sound
| onlineservice = 
| predecessor = [[Philips Videopac + G7400]] (spiritual)
| caption = Philips CDI 220, with its game controller
}}

In addition to consumer models, professional and development CD-i players were marketed by Philips Interactive Media Systems and its [[value-added reseller|VAR]]s. The first CD-i system, developed in collaboration with [[Kyocera]], was introduced in 1988 as the Philips 180/181/182 modular system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icdia.co.uk/players/professional.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://www.icdia.co.uk/players/professional.html|url-status=live|archive-date=2021-10-31|title=The New International CD-i Association|website=icdia.co.uk|access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dutchaudioclassics.nl/Philips_CDI-180-Professional_CD-Interactive_system/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://www.dutchaudioclassics.nl/Philips_CDI-180-Professional_CD-Interactive_system/|archive-date=2021-10-31|title=Philips CDI-180 Professional CD-Interactive System|url-status=live|website=DutchAudioClassics.nl|access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In the United States, many players were sold rebranded under the [[Magnavox]] name, a Philips subsidiary.<ref name="EGM55" />

Philips released several CD-i player series, targeting different consumer and professional markets:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cdiemu.org/cditypes/|title=CD-i player system ROM types|website=cdiemu.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114011154/http://www.cdiemu.org:80/cditypes/|archive-date=2015-01-14}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

* '''100 series''': The modular 180/181/182 system, first demonstrated at the CD-ROM Conference in March 1988. Intended for professional use.
* '''200 series''': Consumer-oriented models including the 205, 210, and 220. Widely distributed through home electronics retailers. For the US market, the 205 was rebranded the 910 when released in December 1991. It initially retailed for about {{US$|799|1991|long=no}}, reduced to {{US$|599|1992|long=no}} within a year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 1992 |title=New York Magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oOQCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502201815/https://books.google.com/books?id=oOQCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA18#v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref>
* '''300 series''': Portable players such as the 310, 350, 360, and 370. Designed for professional applications and not marketed to consumers. Commonly used for multimedia sales presentations.<ref name="gamefaqs.gamespot.com"/>
* '''400 series''': Budget-friendly models including the 450, 470, and 490, aimed at the console and educational markets. The CDI 450 was positioned as a gaming-oriented unit, sold without a standard infrared remote. This series debuted at the [[Consumer Electronics Show]] (CES) in [[Chicago]] in June 1994, with the 450 retailing for {{currency|799|NLG}} in the Netherlands.<ref name="CDiMagazine" />
* '''500 series''': Included the 550, functionally similar to the 450 but shipped with the normally optional MPEG cartridge video cartridge. Also introduced at CES Chicago in June 1994.<ref name="CDiMagazine" />
* '''600 series''': High-end professional models such as the 601, 602, 604, 605, 615, 660, and 670. Supported peripherals including [[floppy disk]] drives and keyboards, and were designed for software development and debugging.
* '''700 series''': Included the 740, a limited-release model with advanced features such as an [[RS-232]] serial port.

Other CD-i-compatible systems included hybrid devices such as the FW380i, a mini-stereo system with a built-in CD-i player; the 21TCDi30, a television with integrated CD-i functionality; and the CD-i/PC 2.0, a CD-i module with an [[Industry Standard Architecture|ISA]] interface for IBM-compatible 486 PCs.<ref>{{cite book|author=Staff writer|year=1994|title=21TCDI30 Handbook|publisher=Philips|via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icdia.co.uk/brochures/prof_players/cdipc20_a.jpg|title=Philips Media Systems|website=icdia.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513050116/http://icdia.co.uk/brochures/prof_players/cdipc20_a.jpg|archive-date=May 13, 2019}}</ref>

<gallery perrow="4" widths="150" mode="packed" caption="">
File:Philips CD-i 180 (1).jpg|Three-unit 180/181/182 professional CD-i system
File:Computerspielemuseum-54 (16928508947).jpg|Philips CDI 210
File:Philips-CDi-400-Console-Set.jpg|CDI 550 with its heavily criticized paddle controller
</gallery>

===Other manufacturers===
[[File:Sony IVO.png|thumb|upright|Sony CD-i Intelligent Discman IVO]]

In addition to Philips, several manufacturers produced CD-i players some of which were still on sale years after Philips itself abandoned the format.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icdia.co.uk/players/nonphilips.html|title=The New International CD-i Association|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804191026/http://www.icdia.co.uk/players/nonphilips.html|url-status=live}}</ref> These included:
* [[Bang & Olufsen]], which produced the BeoCenter AV5, a high-end television with a built-in CD-i player, available from 1997 to 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BeoCenter AV5 |url=https://beo.zone/en/beocenter-av5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://beo.zone/en/beocenter-av5/ |archive-date=2021-10-31}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*Digital Video Systems
*[[Grundig]]
*[[GoldStar]] (later [[LG Electronics]]), which released the GDI-700, a professional CD-i player featuring a Motorola 68341 processor, offering faster performance than Philips models.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The LG GDI-700 CD-i player was a little bit faster compared to Philips CD-i players |url=https://cdii.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-lg-gdi-700-cd-i-player-was-little.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://cdii.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-lg-gdi-700-cd-i-player-was-little.html |archive-date=2021-10-31}}{{cbignore}}</ref> GoldStar also produced portable units, including a compact version without an LCD screen.
*International Interactive Media (I2m), which released a CD-i [[Conventional PCI|PCI]] expansion card in 1995 for use with [[IBM PC compatible|486 and Pentium PCs]] as well as [[68k]]- and [[PowerPC]]-based Macintosh computers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 1995 |title=CD-i Magazine - Issue 12 (1995-06)(Haymarket Publishing)(GB) |url=https://archive.org/details/CD-i_Magazine_Issue_12_1995-06_Haymarket_Publishing_GB/page/n7}}</ref>
*[[Kyocera]] which manufactured the portable Pro 1000S model.
*Manna Space, a Japanese travel agency that released branded CD-i players based on the Magnavox or GoldStar versions of the Philips CDI 450, in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manna Space CD-i – the Video Game Kraken |url=http://videogamekraken.com/manna-space-cd-i |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://videogamekraken.com/manna-space-cd-i |archive-date=2021-10-31}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*[[Maspro Denkoh]], which released a GPS car navigation system with an integrated CD-i player in Japan in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web |title=マスプロ電工の歩み｜企業情報 |url=https://www.maspro.co.jp/corp_info/history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129223708/http://www.maspro.co.jp/corp_info/history |archive-date=2016-01-29}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*[[Memorex]]
*[[Nippon Broadcasting System]] (NBS)
*Saab Electric
*[[Sony]] which released two CD-i models under the "Intelligent Discman" brand. These were portable players intended for professional use, and were released between 1990 and 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony Portable CD-i Player - the intelligent discman |url=https://smallmart.nl/artikelen/vintage-computers/68-sony-portable-cd-i-player-the-intelligent-discman |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://smallmart.nl/artikelen/vintage-computers/68-sony-portable-cd-i-player-the-intelligent-discman |archive-date=2021-10-31}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*[[Vobis|Vobis Highscreen]]

Before the commercial debut of the CD-i format, several other companies expressed interest in producing players or developed prototypes that were never released. These included [[Panasonic]] (originally a major backer of the format), [[Pioneer Corporation|Pioneer]], [[JVC]], [[Toshiba]], [[Epson]], [[Ricoh]], [[Fujitsu]], [[Samsung Electronics|Samsung]], and [[Yamaha Corporation|Yamaha]].<ref name="icdia.co.uk">{{Cite web |title=The New International CD-i Association |url=http://www.icdia.co.uk/faq/cdifaq4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/http://www.icdia.co.uk/faq/cdifaq4.html |archive-date=2021-10-31}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="New Computer Express 086" /> Additionally, [[Sanyo]] displayed a prototype portable CD-i player in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cdii.blogspot.com/2019/10/more-cd-i-player-prototypes-by-sony-and.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://cdii.blogspot.com/2019/10/more-cd-i-player-prototypes-by-sony-and.html |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=More CD-i player prototypes by Sony and Sanyo posted in classic science & photography magazines between 1990–1992}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
===Hardware specifications===
[[File:Philips-CDi-220-Motherboard-1.jpg|thumb|The motherboard of a CD-i 220]]
[[File:Philips-CDi-Mouse-wPad.jpg|thumb|The CD-i Mouse, most commonly used for professional software]]
[[File:Philips-CDi-Controller-Gamepad.jpg|thumb|A CD-i gamepad controller, for more traditional CD-i games.]]
[[File:Philips-CDi-Roller-Controller.jpg|thumb|The CD-i "Roller" controller, specially designed for kids]]
{{colbegin|colwidth=30em}}
{|
|'''CPU'''
*16/32-bit [[Philips 68070|68070]] [[Complex instruction set computer|CISC]] Chip<ref name="GAMEPLAN">{{cite book |last=Forster |first=Winnie |title=The Encyclopedia of Game Machines: Consoles, Handhelds and Home Computers 1972-2005 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j-TROAAACAAJ |year=2005 |publisher=Gameplan |isbn=978-3-00-015359-4 |page=208 |access-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502201733/https://books.google.com/books?id=j-TROAAACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Clock Speed of 15.5&nbsp;MHz<ref name="gamepro"/><ref name="NGen12"/>
|}
{|
|'''Display and video'''
*Graphics Chip: [[NXP Semiconductors|Philips semiconductors]] SCC66470 VSC (Video- and Systems Controller), later MCD 212<ref name="GAMEPLAN"/>
*Resolution: 256x224p to 512x480<ref name="NGen12"/>
*Colors: [[Color depth#True color (16-bit)|16.7 million (24-bit true color)]] with 32,768 (16-bit [[High color]]) simultaneous on screen
*[[MPEG-1]] Cartridge Plug-In for [[VideoCD]] and Digital Video<ref name="NGen12"/>
*Output encoding in [[NTSC]] or [[PAL]]
*[[SCART]], [[RCA connector]] (Cinch-AV) and/or [[S-Video]] output (certain models)
|}
{|
|'''Audio'''
*Sound Chip: MCD 221<ref name="GAMEPLAN"/>
*[[ADPCM]] 8-bit sound<ref name="NGen12"/><ref>{{cite web |title=10. Optical Storage Media |url=http://www-i4.informatik.rwth-aachen.de/content/teaching/lectures/sub/mms/mmsSS05/10_CD-DVD.pdf |website=www-i4.informatik.rwth-aachen.de |publisher=Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen –Lehrstuhl für Informatik 4 Kommunikation und verteilte Systeme |page=24 |language=en |access-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927170300/http://www-i4.informatik.rwth-aachen.de/content/teaching/lectures/sub/mms/mmsSS05/10_CD-DVD.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*16-bit [[Stereophonic sound|stereo]] sound (up to 44.1&nbsp;kHz sampling rate)
*[[RCA connector]]s (Cinch-AV) and electrical digital output ([[S/PDIF]])<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://i.imgur.com/Xnq3rje.png |title=Archived copy |access-date=July 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050040/http://i.imgur.com/Xnq3rje.png |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{full citation needed|date=January 2021}} (certain models)
|}
{|
|'''Operating System'''
*CD-RTOS (based on [[Microware]]'s [[OS-9]])
|}
{|
|'''Other'''
* 128 KB of main RAM<ref name="GAMEPLAN"/>
*Single speed CD-ROM drive<ref name="NGen12"/>
*[[RF modulator]] (certain models)
|}
{|
|'''CD-i accessories'''
*CD-i mouse
*CD-I KeyControl (keyboard)
*Roller controller
*CD-i trackball
*I/O port splitter
*Touchpad controller ([[Gravis PC GamePad]])
*Gamepad controller 
*IR wireless controller
*RAM expansion and Video-CD ([[MPEG-1]]) support with DV Cart
* [[Peacekeeper Revolver]] 
|}
{{colend}}

==TeleCD-i and CD-MATICS==
Recognizing the growing need among marketers for networked multimedia, Philips partnered in 1992 with Amsterdam-based CDMATICS to develop TeleCD-i <ref>Physica Verlag, The Information Superhighway and Private Households, p.162-172</ref> (also TeleCD). In this concept, the CD-i player is connected to a network such as [[Public switched telephone network|PSTN]] or Internet, enabling data-communication and rich media presentation. Dutch grocery chain [[Albert Heijn]] and mail-order company [[:de:Neckermann (Versandhandel)|Neckermann]] were early adopters and introduced award-winning TeleCD-i applications for their home-shopping and home-delivery services. CDMATICS also developed the special Philips TeleCD-i Assistant and a set of software tools to help the worldwide multimedia industry to develop and implement TeleCD-i. TeleCD-i is the world's first networked multimedia application at the time of its introduction. In 1996, Philips acquired source code rights from CDMATICS.

==CD-Online==
[[File:EmailCDOnline.jpg|thumb|E-mail screen of CD-Online UK]]
Internet services on the CD-i devices were facilitated by the use of an additional hardware modem and "CD-Online" disc (renamed Web-i in the US<ref>https://adage.com/print/78169 {{dead link|date=August 2019}}</ref>), which Philips initially released in Britain in 1995 for $150 US.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1295&dat=19960215&id=4YpOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5675,2427974 | title=Philips puts Internet on TV sets | work=[[New Straits Times]] | date=1996-02-15 | access-date=12 August 2019 | location=[[Malaysia]] | pages=43 | archive-date=March 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311033416/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1295&dat=19960215&id=4YpOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5675,2427974 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ParkerStarrett1996">{{cite book|last1=Parker|first1=Dana|last2=Starrett|first2=Bob|title=CD-ROM Professional's CD-recordable Handbook: The Complete Guide to Practical Desktop CD|url=https://archive.org/details/cdromprofessiona00park|url-access=registration|year=1996|publisher=Pemberton Press|isbn=978-0-910965-18-7|page=[https://archive.org/details/cdromprofessiona00park/page/202 202]}}</ref> This service provided the CD-i with full internet access (with a 14.4k [[modem]]<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.cdinteractive.co.uk/download/mags/0304%2004-1996.pdf|title=Cd-i Magazine|date=August 1996|website=cDinteractive.co.uk|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930182856/http://www.cdinteractive.co.uk/download/mags/0304%2004-1996.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>), including online shopping, email, and support for networked multiplayer gaming on select CD-i games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cardilini |first=Les |title=CDI, a low-tech Net option? |date=26 October 1995 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/16909256/cdi_a_lowtech_net_option_by_les/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/16909256/cdi_a_lowtech_net_option_by_les/| archive-date=2021-10-31 |work=[[The Age]] |location=[[Melbourne]], Australia |volume=142 |issue=43808  |url-status=live |at=Green Guide, p.16}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The service required a CD-i player with DV cartridge, and an "Internet Starter Kit" which initially retailed for £99.99.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24002397/cdonline_ad_by_philips/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24002397/cdonline_ad_by_philips/|  url-status=live | archive-date=2021-10-31 |date=December 2, 1995 |title=Let's Make Things Better |author=Philips |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London, UK |page=6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It was advertised as bringing "full Internet access to the living room on TV screens".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cd-online.co.uk/wider.html |title=Archived copy |website=www.cd-online.co.uk |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961031125504/http://www.cd-online.co.uk/wider.html |archive-date=31 October 1996 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Andy Stout, a writer for the official CD-i magazine, explained CD-Online: {{blockquote|It is very much Internet-lite. The main advantages are that it's cheap - probably working out at a third of the cost of a PC or Mac solution - and incredibly user-friendly. The downside though is using a browser that doesn't support [[Netscape (web browser)|Netscape]], and coping with all the drawbacks of the machine's minuscule memory - you can only ever access 10 articles on [[Usenet]] at a time, it'll only support 80 [[Bookmark (World Wide Web)|bookmarks]] maximum and for all that trouble all your saved games, preferences, and high scores will have been written over in RAM. ... It's got the full access right now but with only about 40% of the functionality, which will probably be fine for people who don't know what they're missing. But the [[virtual keyboard]] is a complete nightmare to use ...<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ramshaw |first=Mark James |date=January 1996 |title=Generator |url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-013/Next_Generation_Issue_013_January_1996#page/n31 |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |issue=13 |page=31 |issn=1078-9693}}</ref>}} The CD-Online service went live in the UK on October 25, 1995<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cd-online.co.uk/net1.html |year=1996 |title=The Net on Your Set |author=Staff writer |website=CD-Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961031125603/http://www.cd-online.co.uk/net1.html |archive-date=October 31, 1996 |access-date=September 4, 2018 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and in March 1996 in the Netherlands (for 399 [[guilders]]),<ref name="auto"/> and also released in Belgium.<ref name="icdia.co.uk"/> The system was reportedly scheduled to launch in the US as "Web-i" in August 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://adage.com/article/news/interactive-bulletin-board-o-m-cuts-staff-interactive-unit-yahoo-visa-team-mega-online-mall-philips-plots-entry-web-tv-market-bigbook-takes-virtual-tour-san-francisco-patent-office-offers-online-trademark-search-news/78169/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207065055/http://adage.com/article/news/interactive-bulletin-board-o-m-cuts-staff-interactive-unit-yahoo-visa-team-mega-online-mall-philips-plots-entry-web-tv-market-bigbook-takes-virtual-tour-san-francisco-patent-office-offers-online-trademark-search-news/78169/|  url-status=live | archive-date=2011-12-07 |date=August 5, 1996 |title=Philips Plots Entry to WebTV Market |website=[[Ad Age]] |publisher=Crain Communications}}</ref> The domain cd-online.co.uk, which was used for the British CD-Online service, went offline in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdinteractive.co.uk/ |title=Home |website=cdinteractive.co.uk |access-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904071703/http://www.cdinteractive.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Dutch domain cd-online.nl stopped updating too but remained online until 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=INTERNETTEN OP JE TV |url=http://www.cd-online.nl/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961031122224/http://www.cd-online.nl/ |archive-date=31 October 1996 |access-date=8 August 2022 |website=cd-online.nl |language=Dutch}}</ref>

Only one game was released that supported CD-Online, the first-person shooter game ''RAM Raid''. Players from any country in the world could compete against each other as long as they had a copy of the game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theworldofcdi.com/cd-i_encyclopedia/ram-raid/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.theworldofcdi.com/cd-i_encyclopedia/ram-raid/| url-status=live  | archive-date=2021-10-31|title=RAM Raid – the World of CD-i}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Reception and market performance==
Philips had invested heavily in the CD-i format and system, and it was often compared with the [[Commodore CDTV]] as a single combination of computer, CD, and television.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/DM-V1N04/page/n1 |title=Digital Media: Volume 1, Number 4, September 1991 |date=September 1991 |publisher=Seybold Publications}}</ref> The product was touted as a single machine for home entertainment connected to a standard TV and controlled by a regular remote control<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-05-fi-582-story.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-05-fi-582-story.html| url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=Audiovisual Device--The Next Wave in Home Electronics? : Technology: Dubbed CD-I, it combines the interaction of video games with the picture clarity of videotapes and the sound of a compact disc| website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 5, 1990}}{{cbignore}}</ref> – although the format was noted to have various non-entertainment business opportunities too, such as travel and tourism or the military. In 1990, [[Peugeot]] used CD-i for its [[point of sale]] application promoting its then-new [[Peugeot 605|605]] automobile, and it was also at the time used by fellow car manufacturer [[Renault]] for staff training programmes, and in Japan by the Ministry of Trade and Industry for an exhibition there. A Philips executive, Gaston Bastiaens, quoted in 1990 "CD-I will be 'the medium' for entertainment, education and information in the 90's.".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ACE_Issue_33_1990-06_Future_Publishing_GB/page/n29|title=ACE - Issue 33 (1990-06)(Future Publishing)(GB)|date=June 1990}}</ref> Sony introduced its three portable CD-i players in June 1990, pitching them as "picture books with sound".<ref name="New Computer Express 086"/>

The ambitious CD-i format had initially created much interest after its 1986 announcement, both in the west and in Japan, buoyed by the success of the [[CD]]. However, after repeated delays (hardware was first intended to be ready and shipped by Christmas 1987) interest was slowly lost. [[Electronic Arts]] for instance was enthusiastic about CD-i and formed a division for the development of video game titles on the format, but it was eventually halted with the intention of resuming when CD-i players would reach the market. The company eventually never resumed CD-i software development when it was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ACEIssue31Apr90/page/n19|title=ACE Issue 31 Apr 90}}</ref> The delay also gave more attention to the hyped [[Digital Video Interactive]] (DVI) in 1987, which demonstrated full screen, [[full motion video]] (FMV) using a compression chip on an [[IBM PC/AT]] computer.<ref name="filfre.net">{{Cite web|url=https://www.filfre.net/2016/09/a-slow-motion-revolution/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.filfre.net/2016/09/a-slow-motion-revolution/ |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-10-31 |title=» A Slow-Motion Revolution the Digital Antiquarian}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Amid the attention around its potential rival DVI,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cZXvAAAAMAAJ&pg=PR39 |title=U-M Computing News |year=1989 |access-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502201714/https://books.google.com/books?id=cZXvAAAAMAAJ&pg=PR39#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Philips and Sony decided to find a way to add full screen FMV abilities to the CD-i standard, causing further delay.<ref name="filfre.net"/> Meanwhile, the [[Microsoft]]-backed CD-ROM standard was improving and solved certain video playback issues that were present on the CD-i – CD-ROM format products were already on the market by 1987.<ref name="dvorak.org"/> At the end, CD-ROM standard benefited from the CD-i and DVI mishaps,<ref name="filfre.net"/> and by the time CD-i players for consumers were released in 1991, CD-ROM had already become known and established.<ref name="dvorak.org"/> [[Ron Gilbert]] commented in early 1990 "The CD-I specifications look great, but where are the machines? If they'd come out four years ago, they'd have been hot, but now they're behind the times."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ACEIssue31Apr90/page/n37 |title=ACE Issue 31 Apr 90}}</ref> Another reason that led to fading interest pre-launch was the fact CD-i players would not launch with FMV but instead receive it later through a purchasable add-on cartridge (it was originally expected to come built-in) – as well as the obsolete [[Motorola]] processor, [[OS-9]] software, and a launch price considered high.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/stream/DM-V1N02/DM-V1N02_djvu.txt |title=Digital Media: Volume 1, Number 2, July 1991 |publisher =Seybold Publications |date=July 1991}}</ref>

Although Philips had aggressively promoted their CD-i products in the U.S., by August 1993 ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' reported that "skepticism persists about its long-term prospects" compared to other platforms like [[IBM PC compatible]]s, [[Apple Macintosh]], and [[Sega Genesis]].<ref name="cgw199308">{{cite news | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=109 | title=Part II of CGW's Computer Game Developers Conference Coverage | magazine=Computer Gaming World | date=August 1993 | access-date=July 12, 2014 | pages=38 | archive-date=July 14, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154744/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=109 | url-status=live }}</ref> The magazine stated in January 1994 that despite Philips' new emphasis on games "CD-i is still not the answer for hardcore gamers", but the console "may yet surprise us all in the future". It recommended the CD-i with video cartridge for those needing to buy a new console as "The price is right and there is more software to support it", but [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]] was probably better for those who could wait a few months.{{r|cgw199401}} The ''Electronic Entertainment'' August 1994 issue noted that the CD-i, along with the [[Atari Jaguar]], neither have an "effective, let alone innovative" game library to compete against the then newly released [[Sega CD]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ElectronicEntertainment08Aug1994/page/n45|title=Electronic Entertainment 08 August 1994|date=August 1994}}</ref>

After being outsold in the market by cheaper multimedia PCs, in 1994 Philips attempted to emphasize CD-i as a game playing machine, but this did not help the situation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_15/page/n31 |title=NEXT Generation 15}}</ref> An early 1995 review of the system in ''[[GamePro]]'' stated that "inconsistent game quality puts the CD-i at a disadvantage against other high-powered game producers."<ref name="GPro70">{{cite magazine|title=Once and Future Kings: Video Game Hardware Outlook|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=70 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=May 1995|page=29}}</ref> A late 1995 review in ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' criticized both Philips's approach to marketing the CD-i and the hardware itself ("The unit excels at practically nothing except [[Full motion video|FMV]], and then only with the addition of a $200 digital video cartridge"). The magazine noted that while Philips had not yet officially discontinued the CD-i, it was dead for all intents and purposes, citing as evidence the fact that though Philips had a large booth at the 1995 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]], there was no CD-i hardware or software on display. ''Next Generation'' scored the console one out of five stars.<ref name="NGen12">{{cite journal|title=Which Game System is the Best!?|journal=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=12|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=December 1995|page=77}}</ref> Another trouble for Philips in 1995 was the formation of [[DVD-Video]], which promised better quality video compared to [[Video CD]]'s (VCD) [[MPEG-1]] compression method – Philips had heavily promoted the CD-i's VCD playing capabilities.<ref>https://archive.org/details/EDGE.N017.1995.02/page/n11 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> Philips Media consolidated its CD-i activities from its Los Angeles office in March 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_15/page/n19 |title=NEXT Generation 15}}</ref> It was reported in October 1996 that Philips was ready to "call it quits" in the American market.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_087_October_1996/page/n25 |title=GamePro Issue 087 October 1996}}</ref>

===Sales===
In October 1994, Philips claimed an [[installed base]] of one million units for the CD-i worldwide.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IqMaAAAAIBAJ&pg=6614,7897814&dq=philips+cd-i+1+million&hl=en | title=Which format will prevail? | work=[[The Milwaukee Journal]] | date=1994-09-22 | access-date=12 August 2019 | author=Elrich, David J. (''[[The New York Times]]'') | location=[[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] | pages=D6 | via=[[Google News Archive]] }}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 1996, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' reported that total US sales amounted to 400,000 units.<ref name="Trachtenberg1996">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB835915768416880000| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB835915768416880000| url-status=live  | archive-date=2021-10-31 |date=June 28, 1996 |title=Philips Suffered a U.S. Flop With CD-Interactive Product |last=Trachtenberg |first=Jeffrey A. |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |publisher=Dow Jones & Company |url-access=subscription }}{{cbignore}}</ref> In the Netherlands, about 60,000 CD-i players were sold by the end of December 1994.<ref name="Billboard"/>

===Legacy===
[[File:Philips CD-i 450 Tietokonemuseo.JPG|thumb|The Philips CD-i 450 console at the Computer and Video Game Console Museum of [[Helsinki]] in 2012]]
Although extensively marketed by Philips, notably via [[infomercial]],<ref name="NGen12"/> consumer interest in CD-i titles remained low. By 1994, sales of CD-i systems had begun to slow, and in 1998 the product line was dropped. Plans for a second generation CD-i system were certainly present and [[Argonaut Software]] was even designated to design chip sets for the successor to the CD-i. However, company president [[Cor Boonstra]] saw no interest in the media area for Philips and so Philips sold everything, including the media subsidiary [[PolyGram|Polygram]].

The Dutch half of Philips Media was sold to [[LBi|Softmachine]], which released ''The Lost Ride'' on the CD-i as the last product for the CD-i. The French side of the company, who had purchased German publishers Bomico Entertainment Software and Laguna Video Games the year prior,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibusiness.de/aktuell/db/1150739203.html |title=Philips Media kauft Bomico und Laguna |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428184524/https://www.ibusiness.de/aktuell/db/1150739203.html |url-status=live }}</ref> was sold to French publisher [[Infogrames]] in June 1997 along with the entire CD-i library as well as German publishers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Philips+Media+Transferred+Multimedia+Assets+to+Infogrames.-a019082032 |title=Philips Media Transferred Multimedia Assets to Infogrames |date=3 February 1997 |author=Staff writer |website=Business Wire |location=San Jose, California |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204102128/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Philips+Media+Transferred+Multimedia+Assets+to+Infogrames.-a019082032 |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |url-status=live |via=[[TheFreeDictionary.com#TheFreeLibrary.com|The Free Library]] |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A [[Super NES CD-ROM#Super NES CD-ROM System|CD-ROM add-on]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], which was announced for development with [[Nintendo]] in 1991, was never made.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/the-weird-history-of-the-super-nes-cd-rom-nintendos-mo-1828860861| url-status=live |  archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://kotaku.com/the-weird-history-of-the-super-nes-cd-rom-nintendos-mo-1828860861| archive-date=2021-10-31|title=The Weird History of the Super NES CD-ROM, Nintendo's Most Notorious Vaporware| date=September 7, 2018 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> The last CD-i game was ''[[Solar Crusade]]'', made by Infogrames and released in 1999.

After its discontinuation, the CD-i was overwhelmingly panned by critics who blasted its graphics, games, and controls. [[Microsoft]] CEO [[Bill Gates]] admitted that initially he "was worried" about the CD-i due to Philips' heavy support for the device and its two-pronged attack on both the games console and PC markets, but that in retrospect, "It was a device that kind of basically got caught in the middle. It was a terrible game machine, and it was a terrible PC."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=What the Hell Does Bill Gates Know About Games, Anyway? |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=18|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=June 1996|page=10}}</ref> The CD-i's various controllers were ranked the fifth worst video game controller by [[IGN]] editor Craig Harris.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 10 Tuesday: Worst Game Controllers |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/690/690449p1.html |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 7, 2009 |date=February 21, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114141120/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/690/690449p1.html |archive-date=January 14, 2007 }}</ref> ''[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]]'' ranked it as fourth on their list of "The 10 Worst Video Game Systems of All Time".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/168348/worst-game-consoles.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107114228/https://www.pcworld.com/article/168348/worst-game-consoles.html| archive-date=2019-11-07|title=The 10 Worst Video Game Systems of All Time|date=July 14, 2009|website=Pcworld.com|access-date=12 August 2019}}</ref> Gamepro.com listed it as number four on their list of ''The 10 Worst-Selling Consoles of All Time.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/111822/the-10-worst-selling-consoles-of-all-time/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607060313/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/111822/the-10-worst-selling-consoles-of-all-time/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 7, 2011|title=The 10 Worst-Selling Consoles of All Time, Feature Story from GamePro|date=June 7, 2011|access-date=12 August 2019}}</ref> In 2008, [[CNET]] listed the system on its list of the worst game console(s) ever.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9862852-1.html |title=The worst game console(s) ever |first=Will |last=Greenwald |date=February 1, 2008 |work=[[CNET]] |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204051054/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9862852-1.html |archive-date=February 4, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2007, [[GameTrailers]] ranked the Philips CD-i as the fourth worst console of all time in its Top 10 Worst Console lineup.<ref>(May 6, 2007). [http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/g08xm5/gt-countdown-top-ten-worst-consoles Top Ten Worst Consoles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219181045/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg8-Ymu2n5o |date=December 19, 2020 }}, [[GameTrailers]]. Accessed November 14, 2012.</ref>

In later retrospective years, the CD-i has become (infamously) best known for its video games, particularly those from the Nintendo-licensed [[Mario (franchise)|Mario]] and ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' series, considered by many to be of poor taste.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/guides/30-hardest-video-games-ever/zeldas-adventure/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/guides/30-hardest-video-games-ever/zeldas-adventure/| url-status=live| archive-date=2021-10-31|title=The hardest video games ever, from Sekiro to Spelunky|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=October 2, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Games that were most heavily criticized include ''[[Hotel Mario]]'', ''[[Link: The Faces of Evil]]'', ''[[Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon]]'', and ''[[Zelda's Adventure]]''. EGM's [[Seanbaby]] rated ''The Wand of Gamelon'' as one of the [[List of video games notable for negative reception|worst video games of all time]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.seanbaby.com/nes/egm06.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104213153/http://www.seanbaby.com/nes/egm06.htm|url-status=dead|title=Seanbaby.com - EGM's Crapstravaganza: The 20 Worst Games of All Time<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> However, ''[[Burn:Cycle]]'' was positively received by critics and has often been held up as the standout title for the CD-i.<ref name="GPro70"/><ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,304777,00.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211031/https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,304777,00.html| url-status=dead | archive-date=2021-10-31 | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | title=News Review: Burn: Cycle | date=December 9, 1994}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=&emsp; |year=1995 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly's Buyer's Guide }}</ref><ref name="NGen12"/>

==See also==
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[CD-i Ready]]
*[[High Sierra Format]]
*[[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]]
*[[MiniDisc]]
*[[CD-ROM]]
*[[Video CD]]
*[[Super NES CD-ROM]]
*[[Digital Video Interactive]]
*[[Commodore CDTV]]
*[[Pioneer LaserActive]]
*[[Sega CD]]
*[[FM Towns]]
*[[Tandy Video Information System]]
*[[TurboDuo|NEC TurboDuo]]
{{Div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|CD-i}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050519082839/http://www.consoledatabase.com/faq/philipscd-i/phillipscdifaq.txt Official Philips CD-I FAQ]
*[http://www.philipscdi.com/history.htm CD-i history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725103840/http://www.philipscdi.com/history.htm |date=July 25, 2017 }}
*[http://www.philipscdi.com/hardware.htm CD-i hardware] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513024753/http://www.philipscdi.com/hardware.htm |date=May 13, 2010 }}

{{Fourth generation game consoles}}
{{Home video game consoles}}
{{Philips}}
{{Rainbow Books}}

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[[Category:1990s toys]]
[[Category:Audio storage]]
[[Category:CD-i games| ]]
[[Category:CD-ROM-based consoles]]
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[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1990]]
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[[Category:Home video game consoles]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Joint ventures]]
[[Category:Philips products]]
[[Category:Sony products]]
[[Category:Sony consoles]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1990]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 1998]]
[[Category:Regionless game consoles]]
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[[Category:68k-based game consoles]]
[[Category:Video gaming in the Netherlands]]