We've met some great guys behind the Redump.org CD-i preservation team and saw some new attention to it thanks to CD-i member Dizzzy, who does a great job contributing to cataloguing and building a CD-i database of all versions of all CD-i titles. Dizzzy is now focussing on CD-i demonstration and preproduction discs, which exist in different variations. Dizzzy explains: "I'm building out a grid to track everything Preproduction / Demonstration release here and I thought some of you might find it
interesting. Additionally on my very very new (and very much WIP) blog, I took a
stab at defining some of the "editions" of Preproduction CD-i discs.
At redump we're trying to preserve these discs and compare hashes to see which ones match final retail or are pre-final builds."
First thing we notice is that a discussed Pac-Panic USA CD-i disc is a fake disc (it does not exist (we have sources to confirm)) and thanks to our CD-i community we can verify genuine CD-i demo discs from fake ones.
An interesting attempt in categorizing CD-i demonstration and preproduction discs is first by labelling the different series that actually exist. Dizzzy does a great job in starting this on his blog:"A wealth of Preproduction/Demonstration discs were properly pressed (as in, not CD-Rs). This page is
to help identify the rules followed and broken by the various types of
CD-i Preproduction discs - and in the process attempt to categorize or
define the editions. Additionally, an attempt at a complete list is in progress on the Redump Wiki."We believe at Interactive Dreams we have some knowledge and expertise in these CD-i demonstration disc and of course we are happy to share our history with these discs. (Thanks to our CD-i Community here, by the way)
As the different types of CD-i demo discs is also interesting for our CD-i Community, we go through the list and help building it with more details:
1. CD-i Demonstration Disc (often white, sometimes red) (USA)
These white demonstration discs originate from Philips Interactive Media of America, so these are USA only. They always have a USA catalogue number and we've seen a few red ones as well. Beware that there are loads of fake versions around, probably because these are easy to reproduce. If you are in doubt, contact our community and we help identify genuine and fake versions.
2. Pre-Release CD-i Demonstration Disc (USA)
This is a new version to us, but apparently these demonstration discs also exist in a pre-release version, which means this is technically a prototype version. USA only.
3. For Demonstration Only (Europe)
These blanc labelled CD-i demo discs are pressed in Europe. In Europe Philips Media used a different design for these discs (which are harder to duplicate). They all have a red stamp with 'For Demonstration Only" - Also available in other languages like Dutch. CD-i member Dizzzy notices that there are some discs like this with a USA catalogue number, but beware: Early European releases actually followed the USA catalogue numbers, but these were European releases. Only in 1992, Philips Media introduced a seperate system for cataloguing European CD-i releases.
4. Not For Sale - Review & Test Only (versions 1.00 and higher) (Europe)
We have our eyes on these prototype discs as these were the official (European) test versions, starting with the first version at 1.00 to be tested in the test center in Hasselt, Belgium. Early ones were sometimes printed on a different coloured label, like this green one. These also come in a variety of changes, like mentioning Testing - Beta on the Voyeur 2 discs
5. FPD - Testing Phase Discs (USA)
These discs are not seen often, but CD-i member Dizzzy has spotted a few USA prototype discs as well.
6. Original Prototype (Preproduction) CD-i discs
Most original prototype discs that we have seen, from major Philips Media studios were pressed on TDK CDR discs. The most famous ones are our own Microcosm CD-i prototype disc and the Super Mario's Wacky Worlds CD-i disc uncovered by CD-i member Videogames Obsession.
[Many thanks to the CD-i Community, and special thanks to CD-i member Dizzzy, Redump.org, TOSEC ISO, Trurip, The World of CD-i]