A wealth of Preproduction discs (usually called some flavor of "Demonstration") were properly pressed (as in, not CD-Rs). This page is to help identify the rules followed and broken by the various types of CD-i Preproduction discs - and in the process attempt to categorize or define the editions. We need more research done with these discs (i.e. dumped and datted with redump.org) to come to more exactly conclusions (so some notes are in parenthesis with questionmarks? for speculation).
Additionally, an attempt at a complete list is in progress on the Redump Wiki. Images are sourced from around the web including World of CDi.
Demonstration Disc
"Demonstration Discs" are White label. And (sometimes / always? matches retail - needs research).
Sometimes they break the rule and are Red:
For this ambiguity of changing rules, we note the edition and color of disc label for CD-i preproduction. This disc was also released in a White label variant which is identical other than the color.
Pre-Release Demonstration Disc
These discs are Red are (always?) feature pre-final versions of the software.
For Demonstration Only
Dutch: Uitsluitend Voor Demonstratie Doeleinden
I do not know if these contain final builds of the game, they are possibly the European equivalent of USA's "Demonstration Disc". From what I've noticed, these tend to pop up for sale in Europe, mostly featuring European serial numbers:
However, I've spotted at least this one with a USA serial number (seller was in UK):
And the Dutch style Uitsluitend Voor Demonstratie Doeleinden:
Also bearing the "For Demonstration Only" label ("CD-I Demonstration Disc" is meant to be the title, not the edition?) (albeit different in appearance):
Review & Test
Typically white label:
Preview & Test
(Always?) Silver disc label, similar looking to white label "Review & Test":
Other (Uncommon)
There are a few examples that don't readily fit into any of the above categories:
A. "FPD" and "TESTING - PHASE" are used in some other editions and are not unique to this disc. There's no unique callout about this disc that we could define as it's edition.
B. Similarly, the only identifying feature of this disc is the label color:
C. Unsure if "Sample Disc" is meant to be part of the title, or if it's meant to be the edition:
Preproduction CD-R
CD-R preproduction discs are in a category of their own. They can be limited to a single copy! Sometimes build version and "Beta" or "Alpha" are scribbled on them. Redump.org tends to slap "Beta" label on every and any pre-final CD-R regardless of it's actual build. I prefer to refer to them ambiguously as "Preproduction" if the are not labeled specifically.
Preproduction CD-Rs tend to look like a standard CD-R, but can sometimes have white labels which labels are printed from office computers. If you are unsure if the disc is a CD-R, you can usually tell in the ring codes, which will have a brand name of a popular CD-R company such as "Verbatim" or "TDK" and often include "CD-R" somewhere in the ring. Color can often tell you what you need to know as well, usually properly pressed CD-Roms will be plain old silver (not gold, or aqua).
