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A laserdisc was an optical disc for video, audio, and interactive data storage, serving as a precursor to DVDs and Blu-rays. Key components included a large 12-inch disc, a player with an optical pickup head and laser to read the disc's information, and often an interactive interface for use with computers or specialized arcade systems. While a large, expensive format, LaserDisc was the foundation for later optical technologies and could store high-quality video, audio, and sometimes computer data.

The Disc: A large, 12-inch optical disc, similar in size to a vinyl record, containing analog video and digital audio information.

The Player: A mechanical device that housed the optical system to read the disc.

Interactive Features: Many players included digital field memory (DFM) and interfaces for computer connectivity (like the RS-232 port on industrial players) to enable interactive content and frame-by-frame analysis. In the 1980s, LaserDisc players could be integrated with computers, such as the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) IVIS system, for use in training and educational applications.

Arcade Systems: The high-quality video of LaserDiscs was also used in arcade games, creating a market for specialized arcade hardware.

Remote Control: Some systems, like the LaserDisc Remote Control program on the Atari ST, allowed for operation and control of the player via the computer.