I am really hoping that disc companies are going to pick up the record comeback niche and hopefully come out with a new 12" optical disc format. Here are some pros and cons of it.
PROS:
More data per disc and less cost wise. (also a con too)
Take past experences from LaserDisc to help the disc and system mechanically and electronically.
As per bigger size, it allows the ability of a smaller platter inside for playing smaller disc sizes.
Nostagic factor for LD collectors would boost the market
The ability to record data onto a 12" format for the first time (unless you were one of the few that used a CRV)
Inproved glues and experiences to lessen the affect of laserrot
More durable and scratch proof than 5" discs
Double-sided 12" discs may allow the movie on one side and special features on other side rather than changing discs in most cases
CONS:
May cause confusion for sellers trying to sell LaserDiscs.
Size may or may not draw customers away.
May be expensive depending on how the technolgy is used


If there are any points I may have missed, please tell me.
I'm sick and tired of spindly little DVD's and Blu-ray's taking of the market.
Also what could be a good name for this new disc?

Never happen. Your going the wrong direction. Non physical releases are the future. Digital downloads. You could never compete cost wise/convenience with digital download to physical release. Not saying this will be better, just where the markets headed.
Elvis

I guess your right. But many people prefer to have the movie in their hands because they might have data crash or don't want to have to boot their computer every time they want to watch a movie.
I hope that it may happen but as I know it's very unlikely.
However, I hope after Blu-ray goes there will be another physical disc format. (HVD anyone?)

people who want it in their hands buy dvds and blu ray and for some people even that seams like a stretch..

that would be pretty cool with the perfect size for artwork it would be a blast. I always was thinking they should do something like a mix of a book and jacket with the obvious bigger size that would be kinda cool

Don't believe that it will ever happen.

The more likely future of the 12" disc format is for it to be displayed in some museum in the future ... where
the school kids will ponder " was that?"

As far a comparisons between the 12" vinyl LP format & LD ... Apples & Oranges IMHO. Vinyl was a "main stream" format for over 50 years and had a massively huge legacy inventory. LD was always a "niche" format. The comeback of vinyl is more of the exception than the rule in the history of media formats I'm afraid.

Truth be told ... being a vinyl collector for years myself ... I miss the days when the format was thought of as completely dead ... deals & inventory in mint condition were everywhere back then.

What could happen is that they do a better presentation with artwork/biography that is digitized and received along with purchase. If you want to make a hardcopy or go to a business (hint hint good idea) that would make a more professional physical presentation from your digital download. For myself and many others probably wouldn't want it physical, digital is what we want/mobility, green (saving of resources). But I would like a digitized artwork/biography to go along with any purchase.
Elvis

There were these things a long time ago that had grooves in them, were usually black although you could get them in different collors on occasion, and a stylus would go over them and music would be produced. Then along came this little shiney thing that played music just as well in a smaller format. Then along came a digital format where you could get the same music and most people play them at 64 kps or 128 kps. Which gives you a crappy sound. Then along came someone who said, you know those black things actually were pretty good. They played a deep base better then the shiney things and the digital downloads have a difficult time keeping up. Low and behold, there has been a resurgance. I just picked up Weird Al's last album in album format. Many many artists are releasing their new stuff on album and for the insane out there, there is a difference between a pure, well kept and played album, a cd and a digital download. I download all my stuff at 256 kps (Hope I have it right there) and yes, there is a major difference between 64, 128 and 256 downloads. It drives me crazy when I want a better base and dont get it because of stuff being sent in a cheaper format.

That being said, never say never, though I would say there is a 98.6 percent chance of it never happening. That being said, there has been HDDVD releases in the last year. You could count them on one hand and perhaps 1 finger, but it did happen.

Well, there's the problem. Quality in digital download. This is probably why vinyl remains an option. Low quality bitrate downloads never suffice. I would do all my purchases by digital if they corresponded in price/quality to the physical equivalent. Until then, I will continue to do my own transfers. Anyone find a good digital download store with CD, LPCM quality downloads/purchase? What are your favorites?

In the place I work some of the more junior members (in their mid 20's) don't own a single compact disc, never mind a vinyl LP or laserdisc!
It is hard to believe but true. The situation is so far removed from when I was a teenager that I can hardly relate to it at all.
Gone are the days of people queuing outside record stores to get a new release by their favourite band or a signed copy. Most record shops have closed down and vanished.

The whole experience is so different it is hardly surprising the music companies have had to rethink their marketing strategy to try to come up with a format that pleases everyone. Oddly the 12" format size which of course can be used to package many different media (especially if boxed) is ideal. Many recent deluxe limited edition music releases come in 12" gatefold packaging. In addition you get one or more CDs, usually a DVD and sometimes 12" or 7" vinyl also. It is not uncommon to get badges, posters, postcards and various other memorabilia included as well. Finally for the person who doesn't like physical media you also get a code for downloading the music digitally. All in all I think it is a great idea. The release is a bit more expensive but it really feels like a 'keeper' as many people have said in reviews. If so then things might not be as bleak as first thought.

Unfortunately those downloads are still in compressed format. But at least you have the physical media to transfer digitally to a comparable quality. A short term bandaid that will disappear sooner than arrival. In fact, all physical releases will disappear as soon as digital downloads works out the kinks with the following issues: rights protection (ease of use by consumer), quality (this problem is already solved), quantity of artists (guess this one naturally works out on it's own as this becomes the only viable option). Mark my words, this is where it's all headed for better or worse.

Its a niche market. I would say anyone over the age of 30 wants a physical copy of an item. That being said, the physical format will be around for a long while, the same as with books. They arent going anywhere and will be around in some way or another for a while to come.

england seams to be making a lot of vinyl's again, alot of the repressed records i get are from england

I would gladly welcome another 12'' format.

I cannot help but think, how much further Pioneer were going to take the Laserdisc MUSE product.

We can only live in hope guys.

someone crazy could think up putting UHDTV 4320p video, with 22.2 ch audio onto a 12" disc...