Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Sony’s CDP-101 went on sale in Japan on October 1, 1982, for 168,000 yen. Sony calls it the world’s first CD player. The often-repeated $3,700 figure is an inflation-adjusted comparison, not a documented U.S. launch price. CD-ROM hardware appeared in computer systems by 1984, but drives did not become common in PCs until the early-to-mid-1990s.
What was the first CD player?
Sony’s CDP-101 was the first commercially released compact disc player, according to Sony’s corporate history. It launched in Japan on October 1, 1982. The compact disc format was developed through work involving both Sony and Philips, rather than Sony alone; the Computer History Museum’s account describes the companies’ role in the format’s development.
How much did Sony’s first CD player cost?
Sony lists the CDP-101’s launch price as 168,000 yen. The $3,700 figure is Tom’s Hardware’s 2026 inflation-adjusted framing, not a contemporary U.S. retail price documented by Sony. The Computer History Museum gives a different comparison: approximately $1,200 in 2012 dollars for the same 168,000-yen price. These dollar figures should not be treated as directly equivalent: they depend on the exchange-rate and inflation assumptions used.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI Inflation Calculator measures changes in consumer prices using CPI-U. Inflation adjustment alone does not determine how to convert a Japanese yen price into U.S. dollars, which is why a precise dollar equivalent requires additional assumptions.
#1 Best Overall
- Multi-format DVD and CD media playback
- Control TV functions using the multi-brand remote
- Upscale DVDs to near HD quality via an HDMI output
- Pic Navi title/chapter viewer and high-speed search function
When did CD-ROMs become common in PCs?
CD-ROMs did not wait until the multimedia-PC boom to exist. The Computer History Museum dates a Philips-designed, computer-connected CD-ROM player from a major systems manufacturer to 1984. That marks early computer use, not widespread installation in home PCs.
Tom’s Hardware characterizes CD-ROM drives as becoming common in computers in the early-to-mid-1990s. This is an adoption period, not a single invention date. Audio CDs and CD-ROMs also served different purposes: the CDP-101 played music discs, while CD-ROM drives let computers read data stored on discs.
Rank #2
- Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs
- Upscale your DVDs to near HD quality
- Easy set-up with included HDMI cord
- Boot up in less than a second with super quick start mode
- Keep things simple with the new user-friendly interface
How quickly did CD production grow?
Sony reports that CD production surpassed the peak production level of analog records by 1988, when CD production reached 100 million units. It reports 300 million CD units produced in 1992. These are production milestones, not CDP-101 sales figures or counts of PCs equipped with CD-ROM drives.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Remove and replace 5 CDs as one continues to play. Dimensions (W x H x D):17 1/8 inch x 5 3/16 inch x 17 1/16 inch.Operating conditions Temperature/Humidity : 41–95 F (5–23 ̊C) / 25–28%
- Plays Audio CDs, MP3-Encoded CDs, CD-R/RWs, Digital filter 352.8 kHz
- 192 kHz/24-Bit Audio DAC and Direct Digital Path; Frequency Response: 5 Hz-20 kHz
- 40-Track Programming, 6 Repeat Modes (Entire Disc/All Discs/Random Tracks/Programmed Tracks/Random Memory/Single Track)
- Brushed Hairline Aluminum Front Panel and RI (Remote Interactive) Remote Control
Rank #3
- 20W (10W+10W) RMS Output for Clear Sound in a Compact Package: CD player, radio, and wireless Bluetooth playback all in one, together with stereo speakers; with 10cm Woofer & 6cm Tweeter with Bass Reflex Port
- Stream from Your Smartphone or Flash Drive: Fill your room with your favorite tunes from any streaming platform, controlled by your smartphone or any connected device, using wireless Bluetooth playback; USB port lets you play back from a flash drive
- Bluetooth Re-Master for High-Quality Playback: PM270 compensates the signals lost due to data compression when streaming Bluetooth, resulting in in high-quality playback of sound sources from Bluetooth-compatible devices such as smartphones and tablets
- Easy & Convenient to Use with Customizable Sound: A simple interface with a Bass and Treble button, as well as "My Sound" presets, let you tailor your sound to how you like it; included Remote lets you control PM270 from wherever you are
- Sleek, Minimalist Design: Stylish, matte textured front panel complements any style of décor
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
