View source for LaserActive

{{ConsoleBob
| logo=LaserActive logo.png
| consoleimage=PioneerLaserActive.jpg
| maker=[[Pioneer]]
| variants=[[sega:LaserActive|CLD-A100]]
| add-ons=[[Sega PAC]], [[NEC PAC]], [[Karaoke PAC]], [[Computer Interface PAC]], [[3D Goggle]]
| processor=
| releases={{releasesLD
| ld_date_jp=1993
| ld_code_jp=PCE-LD1
| ld_rrp_jp=
| ld_date_us=1993
| ld_code_us=PCE-LD1
| ld_rrp_us=
}}
}}
The '''LaserActive''' (レーザーアクティブ) is a video game-compatible [[LaserDisc]] player designed and manufactured by [[Pioneer]]. Released in Japan and North America in late 1993, the system features interchangeable hardware expansions known as PACs, which enable compatibility with [[PC Engine]] and [[Super CD-ROM²]] games, [[Mega Drive]] and [[Mega-CD]] games, and a new type of LaserDisc-based format: '''NEC LD-ROM²''' and '''Sega Mega LD'''.

The system is a rebranded version of the more common [[sega:LaserActive|CLD-A100]], Sega's version of the hardware.{{ref|http://www.laserdiscarchive.co.uk/laserdisc_archive/nec/nec_pce-ld1/nec_pce-ld1.htm}}{{ref|1=http://www.rfgeneration.com/PHP/gethwinfo.php?ID=J-053-H-00070-A}}

==Hardware==
===LaserDisc===
The LaserActive plays all sizes of both standard [[compact disc]] and [[LaserDisc]] media, including [[wikipedia:CD Video|CD Video]] and [[wikipedia:LaserActive|LaserKaraoke]] discs. Considered a mid-range player in terms of playback quality, inserting an [[NEC PAC]] or [[Sega PAC]] expands the hardware with advanced playback features like frame-by-frame view and multi-speed jogging.{{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/about-the-laseractive/}} The LaserActive cannot automatically switch between a disc's sides, and requires users to eject, flip, and re-insert discs halfway between most movies and software.

[[File:LaserActive announcementpromo.png|thumb|left|280px|Expandability was a primary design focus.]]
The system outputs in composite video (the format which all LaserDiscs are natively encoded in), and when playing video games, boasts superior video quality to both the [[PC Engine]] and [[Mega Drive]]'s composite video output - particularly in regards to its comb filter. While the LaserActive supports [[wikipedia:DTS (company)|DTS]], it notably lacks the popular [[wikipedia:Dolby AC-3|Dolby AC-3]] surround sound capabilities found on later players, instead relying on software developers to encode spatial audio systems like [[RSS]] into their releases directly.

LaserActive games were specifically developed to take advantage of the video storage potential of [[LaserDisc]] media. Similar to how the popular LaserDisc-based arcade game ''[[wikipedia:Dragon's Lair|Dragon's Lair]]'' used special technology to add an interactive layer to the video, '''LD-ROM²''' and '''Mega LD''' could do the same. These two formats were rebranded versions of Philips' [[wikipedia:LD-ROM|LD-ROM]] format, adapted for each company's respective PAC. However, the format's generally [[wikipedia:480i|480i]] content had to be downsampled to [[wikipedia:240p|240p]] whenever developers wished to display additional on-screen graphics with their games (to match the resolution of the 16-bit hardware the format works with.)

===PACs===
The LaserActive is designed to be an expandable and widely-compatible system. In addition to its existing ability to play [[LaserDisc]] and [[wikipedia:LD-G|LD-G]] formats, the system can be expanded with plug-in hardware modules called PACs (sometimes stylized as Packs.) PACs expand the system's capabilities, such as the [[Sega PAC]] giving the system the capabilities of a [[Mega Drive]] and [[Mega-CD]] combined, allowing for playback of additional formats such as [[wikipedia:CD-G|CD-G]]. While PACs are region locked, Mega LD and LD-ROM² games are region free and will play on any NTSC system.

The PACs listed below are suffixed by (American model number/Japanese model number):

====NEC PAC (PAC-N10/PAC-N1)====
:''Main article: [[nec:NEC PAC|NEC PAC]].''
The '''NEC PAC''' allows the system to play [[PC Engine]], [[Super CD-ROM²]], and LD-ROM² games, in addition to [[wikipedia:CD-G|CD-G]] media. Like it's counterpart, the [[Sega PAC]], it also expands the [[LaserDisc]] functionality of the system by adding advanced playback features like frame-by-frame view and multi-speed jogging.{{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/about-the-laseractive/}}

====Sega PAC (PAC-S10/PAC-S1)====
[[File:LaserActive SegaPAC JP.jpg|thumb|right|280px|The [[Sega PAC]] allowed the system to play [[Mega Drive]], [[Mega-CD]], and [[Mega LD]] games.]]
:''Main article: [[sega:Sega PAC|Sega PAC]].''
The '''Sega PAC''' allows the system to play [[Mega Drive]], [[Mega-CD]], and Mega LD games, in addition to [[wikipedia:CD-G|CD-G]] media. Like it's counterpart, the [[NEC PAC]], it also expands the [[LaserDisc]] functionality of the system by adding advanced playback features like frame-by-frame view and multi-speed jogging.{{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/about-the-laseractive/}}

While also fully compatible with the [[sega:Power Base Converter|Power Base Converter]], the accessory's plastic shell is too wide, resulting in it physically being unable to be inserted into the LaserActive. However, by positioning the system on the edge of a shelf or table, or by disassembling the Converter entirely, players can enjoy [[Master System]] games through the Sega PAC as well.{{fileref|LaserActive PowerBaseConverter.jpg}} Unfortunately, the [[sega:Sega 32X|Sega 32X]] lacks compatibility with the PAC altogether.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lap39N4YrN4}}

====Karaoke PAC (PAC-K10/PAC-K1)====
{{MainArticle|Karaoke PAC}}
The '''Karaoke PAC''' allows the system to play [https://obsoletemedia.org/laserkaraoke/ LaserKaraoke] media, and features karaoke-oriented inputs and controls.

====Computer Interface PAC (PAC-PC1)====
{{MainArticle|Computer Interface PAC}}
The '''Computer Interface PAC''' allows the system to be controlled by an [[PC-9801]], [[wikipedia:IBM PC DOS|IBM PC DOS]], or [[wikipedia:Classic Mac OS|Apple Macintosh]] personal computer{{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/image-gallery/#jp-carousel-338}}, by way of a custom program authored to communicate via the PAC's 25-pin serial port. The PAC is the only Japan-exclusive peripheral for the system.

==History==
Released in Japan and the United States in late 1993, the LaserActive and its exclusive video game formats, Mega LD and LD-ROM², saw less than a few dozen releases, with limited support from developers and a software library of mixed quality.

===Background===
[[Pioneer]] had previously experimented with upgradable television sets with their SEED Television, which was sold alongside separate hardware expansion modules known as Packs. While most Packs offered additional audio and video functionality, Pioneer also released the [[sega:Pioneer TV Video Game Pack SD-G5|Pioneer TV Video Game Pack SD-G5]], which enabled play of [[sega:SG-1000|SG-1000]] and [[sega:SC-3000|SC-3000]] game cartridges, and the [[sega:Pioneer TV Video Game Pack SD-R5|Pioneer TV Video Game Pack SD-R5]], which enabled play of [[MSX]] game cartridges.

===Development===
[[File:LAExpress Vol12.pdf|page=1|260px|thumb|right|The promotional publication ''[[LA Express]]''.]]
Approached by [[Pioneer]] to assemble a varied team of media artists to produce software for their upcoming {{PAGENAME}} platform, Japanese [[wikipedia:Ambient music|ambient]] musician [[Jotaro Nonaka]] founded [[Multimedia Creators Network]], notably adapting his own home into a recording studio and game development office. The group would go on to release three titles for the system: 1994's ''[[3D Museum]]'' and ''[[Melon Brains: Exploring The Mind Of The Dolphin]]'', and 1995's ''[[Goku]]'', with a fourth title, ''[[UFO & ET]]'', planned but ultimately cancelled.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20201111214049/https://laseractive.wordpress.com/interviews/}}

===Release===
The LaserActive was supported by ''[[LA Express]]'', a promotional publication released by [[Pioneer]] which generated hype for the system and announced upcoming titles.

While seemingly exclusive to Japan and the United States, it appears the LaserActive and its games were officially imported to Canadian buyers through Pioneer Electronics of Canada, Inc.

===Decline===
The {{PAGENAME}} was not particularly successful or fondly remembered, partly because of its high price point, but mostly due to the subsequent failure of [[LaserDisc]] as a home video format. Developers equipped to produce new LaserDisc software were few and far between, and with its market already so limited, many potential developers were turned off from investing in an already-failing platform.

After the system's failure, [[Pioneer]] would reuse some of their LaserActive shell designs in future products; particularly, their standalone 3D headset adaptor was produced in a PAC shell, with its matching goggles designed as a spiritual successor to the system's [[3D Goggle]] peripheral.{{fileref|LaserActive PAC reusedshell.jpg}}

===Localised names===
{{aka
|us_name=LaserActive
|jp_name=パイオニアレーザーアクティブ
|jp_trans=LaserActive
}}

==List of games==
{{mainArticle|List of LaserActive games}}
The following is a list of LaserActive games. 34 games were published for the system, produced on LD-ROM² or Mega LD formats, and released in [[LaserActive consoles in Japan|Japan]] or the [[LaserActive consoles in the United States|United States]].

===LD-ROM²===
{{multicol|
*''[[3D Museum]]'' (1994)
*''[[Akuma no Shinpan: Konseiki Saigo no Shinri Game]]'' (1993)
*''[[Angel Mate]]'' (1993)
*''[[Bi Ryojon Collection: Minayo Watanabe]]'' (1994)
*''[[Bi Ryojon Collection Vol. 2: Yuko Sakaki]]'' (1995)
*''[[Dora Dora Paradise]]'' (1994)
*''[[Goku]]'' (1995)
*''[[J.B. Harold Blue Chicago Blues]]'' (1994)
*''[[Manhattan Requiem]]'' (1993)
*''[[Melon Brains: Exploring The Mind Of The Dolphin]]'' (1994)
*''[[Quiz Econosaurus]]'' (1993)
*''[[Vajra]]'' (1993)
*''[[Vajra Ni]]'' (1994)
*''[[Zapping "Satsui"]]'' (1994)
*''[[Bi Ryojon Collection Vol. 3]]'' (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}
*''[[NHK Conversational Chinese]]'' (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}{{ref|https://www.queenmeka.com/laseractive-les-prototypes/}}
*''[[Ozone]]'' (''[[I Will: The Story of London]]'') (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}
*''[[UFO & ET]]'' (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}{{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/interviews/}}
}}

===Mega LD===
{{multicol|
*''[[sega:3D Museum|3D Museum]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:3D Virtual Australia|3D Virtual Australia]]'' (1995)
*''[[sega:Back to the Edo|Back to the Edo]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Bi Ryojon Collection: Minayo Watanabe|Bi Ryojon Collection: Minayo Watanabe]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Bi Ryojon Collection Vol. 2: Yuko Sakaki|Bi Ryojon Collection Vol. 2: Yuko Sakaki]]'' (1995)
*''[[sega:Don Quixote: A Dream in Seven Crystals|Don Quixote: A Dream in Seven Crystals]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Dr. Paolo no Totteoki Video|Dr. Paolo no Totteoki Video]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Ghost Rush!|Ghost Rush!]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Goku|Goku]]'' (1995)
*''[[sega:The Great Pyramid|The Great Pyramid]]'' (1993)
*''[[sega:Hi-Roller Battle|Hi-Roller Battle]]'' (1993)
*''[[sega:Hyperion|Hyperion]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:I Will: The Story of London|I Will: The Story of London]]'' (1993)
*''[[sega:J.B. Harold Blue Chicago Blues|J.B. Harold Blue Chicago Blues]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Melon Brains: Exploring The Mind Of The Dolphin|Melon Brains: Exploring The Mind Of The Dolphin]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Pyramid Patrol|Pyramid Patrol]]'' (1993)
*''[[sega:Road Blaster|Road Blaster]]'' (1995)
*''[[sega:Rocket Coaster|Rocket Coaster]]'' (1993)
*''[[sega:Space Berserker|Space Berserker]]'' (1993)
*''[[sega:Time Gal|Time Gal]]'' (1995)
*''[[sega:Triad Stone|Triad Stone]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Virtual Cameraman|Virtual Cameraman]]'' (1993)
*''[[sega:Virtual Cameraman 2|Virtual Cameraman 2]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Zapping "Satsui"|Zapping "Satsui"]]'' (1994)
*''[[sega:Bi Ryojon Collection Vol. 3|Bi Ryojon Collection Vol. 3]]'' (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}
*''[[sega:Legacy|Legacy]]'' (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190104213745/https://laseractive.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/cancelled-laseractive-game-legacy/}} 
*''[[sega:Myst (Mega LD)|Myst]]'' (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}{{ref|https://www.queenmeka.com/laseractive-les-prototypes/}}
*''[[sega:Steel Driver|Steel Driver]]'' (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}{{ref|https://www.queenmeka.com/laseractive-les-prototypes/}}
*''[[sega:UFO & ET|UFO & ET]]'' (unreleased){{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/laseractive-release-database/}}{{ref|https://laseractive.wordpress.com/interviews/}}
}}

==Magazine articles==
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}

==Promotional material==
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}

==Physical scans==
{{Scanbox
| console=PAC-N1
| region=JP
| front=
| regcard=PAC-N1_Laseractive_JP_RegCard.pdf
| item1name=Note
| item1=PAC-N1 Laseractive JP Warning.jpg
| item2name=Contacts
| item2=PAC-N1_Laseractive_JP_Contacts.jpg
}}

==Technical specifications==
{{mainArticle|LaserActive/Technical specifications}}

==External links==
*[http://laseractive.wordpress.com/ Laseractive Preservation Project] fansite
*[http://www.cyberroach.com/new_laseractive_pics/default.htm The Virtual LaserActive Museum] fansite at [https://web.archive.org/web/20190119044457if_/http://cyberroach.com/default.htm CYBERROACH.COM]

==References==
<references/>
{{SegaRetro}}

{{LaserActive}}
{{PCEngine}}
{{CDROM2Systems}}