# 2 × CD

> music release comprised of two compact discs

**Wikidata**: [Q59560380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59560380)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/2-cd

## Summary
A 2 × CD, also known by aliases such as double CD or double compact disc, is a music release format comprised of two compact discs. It is classified as a multi-unit audio release format and serves as a specific instance of a double album within the compact disc medium.

## Key Facts
- A 2 × CD is an instance of a multi-unit audio release format.
- It is a subclass of the compact disc format.
- The format is comprised of two compact discs.
- It is a facet of a double album.
- Key aliases include "double CD," "2XCD," "2 x CD," "double compact disc," "２ｘＣＤ," "2×CD," and "двойной CD."
- A 2 × CD typically has two distinct parts: CD1 and CD2.
- The compact disc, its parent format, had its inception in 1979.
- This format is followed by the 3 × CD format.
- It is explicitly different from formats such as 3 × CD, 2 × CD + DVD, CD+Blu-Ray, and CD+DVD.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a 2 × CD?
A: A 2 × CD is a music release format that consists of two compact discs. It is a type of multi-unit audio release format and is often referred to as a double CD or double compact disc.

### Q: What are some common aliases for 2 × CD?
A: Common aliases for 2 × CD include double CD, 2XCD, 2 x CD, double compact disc, ２ｘＣＤ, 2×CD, and двойной CD. These terms all refer to a music release containing two compact discs.

### Q: What does a 2 × CD typically contain?
A: A 2 × CD typically contains two distinct compact discs, often labeled as CD1 and CD2. These discs hold digital audio content, making up a single, larger music release.

### Q: How is a 2 × CD different from other audio release formats?
A: A 2 × CD is specifically comprised of two compact discs, distinguishing it from single compact disc releases, three-CD sets (3 × CD), or hybrid formats that combine CDs with other media like DVDs or Blu-Rays (e.g., 2 × CD + DVD, CD+Blu-Ray, CD+DVD).

### Q: What is the parent format of a 2 × CD?
A: The parent format of a 2 × CD is the compact disc. The compact disc is a digital optical disc data storage format that originated in 1979.

## Why It Matters
The 2 × CD format is significant as a multi-unit audio release format that allows for the distribution of more extensive musical content than a single compact disc. As a specific type of double album, it provides artists and labels with a standard method to release longer albums, comprehensive compilations, or extensive live recordings that exceed the capacity of a single CD. Its structure, comprising two distinct compact discs (CD1 and CD2), makes it a versatile format for organizing and presenting a larger body of work. This format plays a crucial role within the broader compact disc ecosystem, offering a clear distinction from single-disc releases and other multi-disc combinations like 3 × CD or hybrid formats such as CD+DVD. Its existence underscores the flexibility of the compact disc as a data storage format for audio, enabling comprehensive musical experiences within a physical media package.

## Notable For
- Being a music release format explicitly comprised of exactly two compact discs.
- Serving as a specific physical manifestation of a "double album" within the compact disc medium.
- Containing distinct, individually identifiable parts, typically referred to as CD1 and CD2.
- Being clearly differentiated from single-disc releases, three-disc sets (3 × CD), and hybrid formats combining CDs with other media like DVDs or Blu-Rays.

## Body

### Definition
A 2 × CD is a music release format. It is defined as being comprised of two compact discs. This format is also known by several aliases, including double CD, 2XCD, 2 x CD, double compact disc, ２ｘＣＤ, 2×CD, and двойной CD.

### Classification and Relationships
The 2 × CD is an instance of a multi-unit audio release format. It is a subclass of the compact disc format. The compact disc itself is a digital optical disc data storage format, which had its inception in 1979. A 2 × CD is considered a facet of a double album. In terms of sequential formats, it is followed by the 3 × CD format. The entity is maintained by WikiProject Music.

### Components
A 2 × CD typically has two distinct parts:
- CD1 (referenced on 2019-02-07)
- CD2 (referenced on 2019-02-07)

### Distinctions
The 2 × CD format is explicitly different from several other audio and media release formats:
- 3 × CD (a music release comprised of three compact discs)
- 2 × CD + DVD (a release combining two compact discs with a DVD)
- CD+Blu-Ray (a release combining a compact disc with a Blu-Ray disc)
- CD+DVD (a release combining a compact disc with a DVD)