An archaeological excavation near Memphis, Tennessee has turned up what appears to be an ancient audio data storage medium and the device used to convert the stored data into audible frequencies.
The device is powered by alternating electric current. When the device was turned on, the apparent storage medium began to spin and a component of the device, which resembles a robotic arm, moved over the storage medium and began to descend. Fortunately, researchers were able to stop the arm before it made contact with the storage medium and likely damaging the laser lens. Repeated trials of this experiment culminate in similar fashion, i.e., the arm begins a rapid descent toward the storage medium.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates and pal Warren Buffet recently announced that they will give $100 million to anyone who manages to solve the riddle of the ancient CD player.