# 3 × CD

> music release comprised of three compact discs

**Wikidata**: [Q61747997](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61747997)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/3-cd

## Summary
3 × CD is a music release format consisting of three compact discs (CDs), introduced in 1979 as part of the digital optical disc data storage format. It follows the 2 × CD format and precedes the 4 × CD format, serving as a multi-unit audio release format.

## Key Facts
- Part of the compact disc (CD) data storage format, first introduced in 1979.
- Follows the 2 × CD format and is followed by the 4 × CD format.
- An instance of a multi-unit audio release format.
- Subclass of the compact disc (CD) format.
- Has parts labeled CD1, CD2, and CD3, with references dating to 2019.
- Aliases include "triple CD," "3XCD," and "3 x CD."
- Facet of the triple album concept.
- Different from formats like 2 × CD, 2 × CD + DVD, and CD+Blu-Ray.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a 3 × CD release?
A: A 3 × CD release is a music album distributed across three compact discs, each labeled CD1, CD2, and CD3. It was introduced as part of the compact disc format in 1979.

### Q: How does a 3 × CD release differ from a 2 × CD release?
A: A 3 × CD release contains three discs, while a 2 × CD release contains two. Both formats are part of the multi-unit audio release family.

### Q: Is a 3 × CD release the same as a triple album?
A: Yes, a 3 × CD release is a type of triple album, where the music is distributed across three physical discs.

### Q: What comes after a 3 × CD release?
A: The 4 × CD format follows the 3 × CD release, expanding the number of discs to four.

### Q: What are the parts of a 3 × CD release?
A: A 3 × CD release consists of three labeled parts: CD1, CD2, and CD3, with references dating to 2019.

## Why It Matters
The 3 × CD format played a significant role in the evolution of music distribution, allowing artists to release extensive catalogs on physical media. As digital formats gained prominence, the 3 × CD release became less common but remains a notable milestone in the history of audio storage. It bridges the gap between the 2 × CD and 4 × CD formats, offering a middle ground for albums with substantial content. The format highlights the adaptability of the compact disc as a medium, accommodating larger works while maintaining compatibility with existing playback systems.

## Notable For
- Being a transitional format between 2 × CD and 4 × CD releases.
- Introducing labeled parts (CD1, CD2, CD3) as part of the multi-unit release structure.
- Representing a middle ground for albums requiring more than two but fewer than four discs.
- Part of the compact disc's evolution from a single-disc format to multi-disc releases.
- Distinguishing itself from hybrid formats like 2 × CD + DVD or CD+Blu-Ray.

## Body
### Introduction
The 3 × CD format is a multi-disc music release consisting of three compact discs. It was developed as part of the compact disc (CD) storage format, which debuted in 1979. The format follows the 2 × CD release and precedes the 4 × CD release, serving as an intermediate option for albums with extensive content.

### Structure and Parts
A 3 × CD release is divided into three labeled parts: CD1, CD2, and CD3. These references date back to 2019, indicating the formalization of the labeling system. The format is an instance of a multi-unit audio release, distinguishing it from single-disc releases.

### Relationship to Other Formats
The 3 × CD format is part of a broader family of multi-disc releases, including the 2 × CD and 4 × CD formats. It is also a type of triple album, where the music is distributed across three physical discs. The format differs from hybrid releases like 2 × CD + DVD or CD+Blu-Ray, which combine optical discs with other media.

### Historical Context
The 3 × CD format reflects the compact disc's evolution from a single-disc medium to accommodate larger works. As digital formats became dominant, the need for physical multi-disc releases diminished, but the 3 × CD format remains a notable chapter in audio storage history.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "3 × CD",
  "description": "Music release format consisting of three compact discs.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123456789", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_%C3%97_CD"],
  "additionalType": "MultiUnitAudioReleaseFormat"
}