This book is the first to describe all system aspects of the design of a CD-ROM drive, discussing all building blocks, from optics to host interface. The various subsystems of a CD-ROM drive and their functionalities are discussed separately and all relevant aspects are covered, from the mechanical, optical and electrical to the control and information processing properties. In addition, new aspects relating to high- and very high-speed drives are introduced and discussed.

The introduction of these aspects, as well as the discussion of issues relating to drive benchmarking and performance, combines to make The CD-ROM Drive a unique contribution to the field. The CD-ROM Drive, although dedicated to the CD-ROM system, is also a very valuable reference for other compact disc systems, like CD-Recordable or Digital Versatile Disc (DVD).