1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Inventors

History of the Compact Disk or CD
James Russell invented the compact disk in 1965.

By , About.com Guide

A compact disk (cd) is a popular form of digital storage media used for computer files, pictures, and music. The plastic platter is read and written to by a laser in a CD drive. It comes in several varieties including CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW.

James Russell invented the compact disk in 1965. James Russell was granted a total of 22 patents for various elements of his compact disk system. However, the compact disk did not become popular until it was mass manufactured by Philips in 1980.

Explore Inventors
About.com Special Features

10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Credit

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

Learn to Save

Stop living from paycheck to paycheck and help ensure a comfortable future. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Inventors
  4. Famous Inventors
  5. Inventor Biography Sites
  6. Inventors A to Z Listings
  7. QR Start Inventors
  8. James Russell - History of the Compact Disk or CD

©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.