CD Changer

SKA-2000A

Manufactured for Sega by Columbia, the SKA-2000A is a 100 disc CD changer with 2 CD drives, intended for use with karaoke functions. The SKA-2000A is stylistically very similar to the DK Media “Dogasys” DVK-2000P from 1992, also manufactured by Columbia and likely sharing many components.

The CDs inserted are are primarily VCDs branded as BGV, or Background Video. These are intended to be played behind whatever text is onscreen, either the scrolling promotional text or song lyrics. MIDI discs were also available, and contain song data.

Upon booting the Commander, a message will display corresponding to the CD changer status, roughly meaning-

01. Changer not detected (at initial boot)

02.

03.

04. Changer disconnected during operation

Contrary to some belief, the changer is not compatible with Saturn game discs, and is only used for karaoke functions.

There appears to be two variants of the changer, one listed as 23W power consumption and one listed as 28W. Serial numbers I have observed range from 4,000 to 32,000 on the 28W labelled, and 52,000 to 65,000 on the 23W. Assumed production dates seem to overlap. Unknown total production due to the large serial number swings I have seen, though I assume fairly close to 1:1 with Commander production.

I have observed two different laser pickups inside the Prologue CD changer; most commonly the Sony KSS-360A, and rarely the Hitachi HOP-A1. I have not run into any bad lasers inside the CD changer as of yet, though I would suspect this is due to them generally being serviced and replaced as needed during their time of constant use.