# ld-decode

> software-defined LaserDisc decoder

**Wikidata**: [Q131451262](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131451262)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ld-decode

## Summary
ld-decode is a software-defined LaserDisc decoder classified as free software. It is available under the GNU General Public License version 3.0 and serves as the foundation for the related software-defined videotape decoder, VHS-Decode.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Free software / Software-defined decoder.
- **Primary Function:** Decodes LaserDiscs via software.
- **License:** GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
- **Source Repository:** https://github.com/happycube/ld-decode
- **Latest Stable Version:** 0.3.2 (released October 24, 2018).
- **Previous Version:** 0.3.1 (released October 20, 2018).
- **Derivative Project:** VHS-Decode (a software-defined videotape decoder).
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: What is ld-decode?
A: ld-decode is a software-defined decoder specifically designed for LaserDiscs. It allows users to process LaserDisc data using software rather than relying solely on dedicated hardware playback decoding.

### Q: Under what license is ld-decode distributed?
A: The software is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. This allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software.

### Q: What is the relationship between ld-decode and VHS-Decode?
A: VHS-Decode is listed as a derivative work of ld-decode. While ld-decode focuses on LaserDiscs, VHS-Decode applies similar software-defined principles to videotape decoding.

### Q: Where can the source code for ld-decode be found?
A: The source code is hosted on GitHub at the repository `happycube/ld-decode`.

## Why It Matters
ld-decode represents a significant advancement in the preservation and archiving of optical disc media. By shifting the decoding process from specialized, aging hardware to a software-defined approach, it offers a modern solution for accessing LaserDisc content. As a free software tool licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0, it ensures that users have the freedom to study and modify the code, promoting long-term sustainability and community-driven improvements.

The project is historically significant for spawning derivative works, most notably VHS-Decode, which extends the software-defined decoding model to videotape formats. This lineage highlights ld-decode's role as a foundational tool in the broader ecosystem of media preservation technology.

## Notable For
- **Software-Defined Processing:** Moving LaserDisc decoding into the software domain.
- **Open Source Licensing:** Utilizing the GPLv3.0 to guarantee user freedoms.
- **Project Lineage:** Acting as the parent project for VHS-Decode.
- **Active Development History:** Multiple stable releases tracked within a four-day window in October 2018.

## Body
### Software Classification
ld-decode is classified as **free software**. This classification implies it is distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and any modified versions. The specific license governing this software is the **GNU General Public License, version 3.0**.

Despite being free software, the project retains a **copyrighted** status. The software is described functionally as a **software-defined LaserDisc decoder**, distinguishing it from hardware-based decoding solutions.

### Development and Release Timeline
The project maintains a public source code repository on **GitHub**. Development milestones include the release of specific stable versions in late 2018:

- **Version 0.3.1:** Released on **October 20, 2018**.
- **Version 0.3.2:** Released on **October 24, 2018**. This version is marked as the preferred stable version.

### Related Technologies
ld-decode is the basis for a known derivative work titled **VHS-Decode**. VHS-Decode is described as a software-defined videotape decoder, sharing the architectural philosophy of ld-decode but applied to magnetic tape formats rather than optical discs.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/happycube/ld-decode/blob/main/LICENSE)
2. [Release 0.3.1. 2018](https://github.com/happycube/ld-decode/releases/tag/v0.3.1)
3. [Release 0.3.2. 2018](https://github.com/happycube/ld-decode/releases/tag/v0.3.2)
4. [Release 7.1.0. 2026](https://github.com/happycube/ld-decode/releases/tag/v7.1.0)
5. [Release 7.2.0. 2026](https://github.com/happycube/ld-decode/releases/tag/v7.2.0)
6. [Release 7.2.1. 2026](https://github.com/happycube/ld-decode/releases/tag/v7.2.1)