cd-i – Page 2 – The World of CD-i

CD-i goodies for all tastes!

TEEPUBLIC is based in New York (USA) and it’s the world’s largest marketplace for independent creators to sell their work on the highest-quality merchandise.
An independent artist is paid with each purchase made on TeePublic. Since 2013, independent artists on TeePublic have earned around the globe.
They got the idea to sell products with Philips CD-i logo and I really love this idea!
You can choose about 26 different T-shirts colours, or just buy other goodies like:
Coffe Mug, Travvel Mug, Hardcover Handbook, Spiral Notebook, Tote, Pillow, Phone Case, Lapetop Case, Baseball T-Shirt, Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Crewneck Sweatshirt, Tank Top, Hoodie and finally there own homemade sticker logo design!

Get your goodie right now for a good cause!

Thank you “CD-i Guy” @Philips_CDi from Twitter for this info!

CD-i Oty07 PCB details

RetroMan send us pictures of the inside of the Oty07, the remote control we reviewed in July here.
He had to change the batteries and took some time to share with us those pictures.

We can clearly see 4 AA batteries for a total of 6 Volts. It is also possible to see the following components:

1x HEF4060BP – 14-stage ripple-carry binary counter/divider and oscillator.
(http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/H/E/F/4/HEF4060BP.shtml)

2x TC4024BP – 7-stage ripple-carry binary counter/dividers. (http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/T/C/4/0/TC4024BP.shtml)

2x 14051B – 8–channel analog multiplexer/demultiplexer.
(http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/M/C/1/4/MC14051.shtml)

1x 14040B – 12-Bit binary counter.
(http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/M/C/1/4/MC14040BD.shtml)

2x? 14093B – Quad 2-input NAND Schmitt trigger.
(http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/M/C/1/4/MC14093BD.shtml)

More components are there, but it is not possible to see them in those pictures with this definition. More pictures would be needed.

Now, I have to clarify some points about another review made by others about this remote.
I don’t know how they see a glass contacts on the remote, as it is only InfraRed LEDs like the ones used on others CD-i remotes.

Also, this remote is absolutely not waterproof, not at all…
We can’t just read things on the internet and take it as definitive answer, we have to read it and be sure what is written is about the specific thing we are talking about, especially when we have no electronic knowledge.
The buttons really generate energy? I would love to see that happening, but in this device… sorry…

I also found all the info and articles/reviews (from the 90’s) when writing the 1st review, but they are about other Oty reference for other purpose (mouse and keyboard). This is what happen when we love to copy/paste things from others… without knowing the subject.

There is no need of any extra device to connect it to a CD-i player, as the IR LEDs works just like an usual CD-i remote.

There is also an EPROM with a white sticker, this is where probably the configuration holding the protocols of the RC5 or RC6 or even both for a recognition by all CD-i players shells.

With RetroStuff.org was are watching the possibility of reproducing this big wireless remote to make a CD-i wireless gamepad. As there is no micocontroller but standard ships, it is possible to reproduce it dumping the EPROM to get the configuration code.

RetroMan already sent many pictures of his collection, and this device is a pretty cool one. Thank you for sharing this with us 😉

CD-i Quizard MCU boards now available!

Team Europe that have developped the MCU’s board and also responsable for the MCU’s decapping proudly announced on there blog that some boards are ready for you!

You can read the article dedicated to the MCU’s decapping right here!
The price is 45€ and you can count with 15€ for shipping cost in Europe. The payment method is PayPal and if there is still available boards, the shipment is very quick!
For now the board doesn’t includes Quizard 2, but a further release of the MCU is planned. An important fact to remember… All Quizards titles are only in German!
To play the games you will need the CD-i discs of the corresponding MCU placed on the board, original discs aren’t needed as you can easily find ISO’s other the internet.

How to buy?
Comment his blog’s article and ask for one (or more…)

The package will contain:– Interface-board (ready to use)
– 1x Arduino MEGA case.
– 3x MCU’s (for Version 1, 3 and 4 – GERMAN)
– 1x serial cable

Let’s take a closer look ate the board:If you have or are able to get an arcade cabinet, with this board, you can connect to external buttons and recreate the sensation of the glory days!

Great work Team Europe!

CD-izi Authoring Tool Open-Source Project

This is maybe the most ambitious Open-Source Project of all time for CD-i… The most important of all…
If we manage to accomplish CD-izi authoring tool project, we will be able to bring new programmers to develop new homebrew CD-i titles!
The objective is to give to any interested developer the opportunity to use it as simplest as possible.

Specifications required:
– Windows 7/8/10 compatible.
– Ready assets (drag & drop).
– Much easier than Balboa libraries.
– No professional CD-i player needed.
– Easy layout and intuitive functions.
– Output directly testable on a CD-i emulator (no disc burning needed).
– Updatable software (no new download required).

To participate on this project, use the Official Forum Section and leave there all your ideas and thoughts. You can also send e-mails for a more private contact.
The page will be updated with all the new contributions that we think CD-izi will need.

CDi Arcade – Live streaming tonight at 02.00am France time!

CDiArcade’s next Live streaming will be tonight at 20:00 (08.00pm) EST time.
This means for us, Europeans (The good ones 😆 ) it will be at 01:00 (01.00am) Portugal time or 02:00 (02.00am) France time.
In this steaming CDiArcade will answer some questions about any consoles but CD-i specifically.
I will be there with him (no voice, just chat).

Follow the streaming on Twitch:
Twitch.tv/CDiArcade

Later, an edited version of the stream will be posted on CDiArcade’s YouTube channel.

CDM Repair & Substituition

Chronicle #32 – CDM Repair & Substituition

More and more people are having issues with there CD-i player, especially with non disc recognition…
I found and helped (with other people trying to help) many of you on Facebook groups, Twitter, e-mail and other social media places.

I tried in this article to help you with the more information as possible and with the different ways of solving it.

Together we will solve your issues, one thing you have to keep in mind, like I always use to say, “NEVER LET A CD-i DIE!“.

Let’s start guys! Let’s take a look at the player’s CDM.

Find all the Hardware Repairs on our Open-Source section!

Chronicle #10 – The Apprentice – Review

The World of CD-i Chronicle #10

For this review, there is a lot to talk about!
The Apprentice is for sure one of the absolutely best games available on CD-i, this is a must have and a must play title!
This platformer game from The Vision Factory (1994) and published by Philips Media is graphically perfect, with amazing animations!

Rear the full article here!

Chronicle #12 – International Tennis Open 2 player

The World of CD-i Chronicle #12

After you managed to create your own Port splitter using our guide from the Open-Source section, you are now free to use your different wires controllers to play 2 player games! And what better game to try a 2 player game than International Tennis Open – 2 Player Version (ITO)? Well, let’s go for this review!

You don’t like playing tennis? you don’t know what you are missing my friend! This game will make you love tennis! … or hate… because it is hard like hell!

Keep reading!

Chronicle #13 – How did you get into the Philips CD-i?

Chronicle #13

We all have our story about how we meet the CD-i for the 1st time, even if it was just a quick moment.

This is a very interesting topic to understand if you keep loving it, just tried it or hated it. No matter if you are a CD-i follower, the important is to know how you did get found it!

I have my own story, and this is what I am going to talk about, why I love the CD-i so much, why I can’t stop talking about it, even if I don’t play everyday.

Read mine and share yours!

Chronicle #14 – The CD-i used by institutions

Chronicle #14

The Compact Disc Interactive was more than a familiar multimedia player, it was also a professional teacher.
From the early days many enterprises adopted the CD-i for personnel training, products showcase, touchscreen information point, medical training and knowledge, driving school, and many many other.
Even after the official abandon of the CD-i from Philips back in 1997, a lot of companies continued to use and produce for this support.