Fascinated by the mechanics of the studio, Ramone was a pioneer of digital recording who produced what is regarded as the first major commercial release on compact disc, "52nd Street, " which came out on CD in 1982.

WSJ: Grammy-Winning Producer Phil Ramone Dies at 79

Bob, a lot of people are moving toward downloading music, and CD sales are declining, so why this move to promote the compact disc now?

NPR: Marketplace Report: Boosting CD Sales

Like every other maker of compact disc players, Toshiba has also been shelling out money to Philips and Sony, which developed the CD standard in the 1980s.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek