Cdplus+ is a new format which enhances the musical experience. It does not attempt to take over the disc, but rather, is meant to compliment the material already on it. The primary focus of the disc is the music. After all, isn't that what it's all about?

The additional space on the disc which, until now, has gone unused, can now be used to add bonus multimedia content, thus benefitting the consumer, the record companies and the artists. Such content as music videos, interviews with the band members, bios and photos can be added. Viewing this added multimedia content can become more exciting by making the the whole thing an interactive experience giving the end-user control over how he or she views the material.

The key to it's enjoyment is the ability of the disc, due to recent technological advancments, to play in your audio CD player as well as in your computer's CDROM drive.

The master disc is actually recorded in two passes. The first pass or "session" is recorded as Red Book audio and results in the CD we are all used to. The second "session" records the multimedia portion or the "plus" part of the disc.The disc is known as a "multisession" disc which needs to be played back on a multisession capable CDROM drive.

Record companies are very much interested in this new format. Just think, if they are interested in a re-release of a previously released CD, the content is already bought and paid for (audio, video, graphics) it just needs to be reconfigured to play interactively. The consumer also benefits from this new format, most notably, in the form of previously unreleased interviews and other footage of the artist; maybe from backstage at a concert or an outtake that never made it to MTV.

Record companies see markets opening up with younger fans who are computer-savvy and have the equipment and the interest to learn more about their favorite artists. This technology will be making its way to the Internet very shortly. Methods have already been developed to make interactive multimedia content available on the World Wide Web.

All in all, cdplus+ adds up to a whole new form of creative expression extending the pallette of the individual artist or group.

It sure beats liner notes!