Apparatus for reproducing selectively loaded discs of different diameters

Abstract

An apparatus for reproducing signals recorded on a selected one of first and second discs of different diameters, such as, a relatively large diameter video disc and a relatively small diameter compact disc, has a disc-transporting tray mounted for substantially horizontal movement between a first or operative position within a housing and a second or disc-inserting and withdrawing position in which the tray projects substantially forwardly from the housing through an opening at the front of the latter, the tray having first and second disc mounting portions dimensioned for receiving and holding the relatively large and small diameter discs, respectively, and the second or relatively small-diameter disc mounting portion being disposed at a front part of the tray and substantially contained within the confines of the first or large-diameter disc mounting portion for minimizing the required size of the tray, and hence the overall size of the apparatus. Further, access to the second or relatively small-diameter disc mounting portion of the tray for inserting or withdrawing a compact disc may be had when the tray is only partly projected from the housing, thereby to reduce the time required for loading and unloading or exchanging a compact disc.