Weird question


I'm using a Heart-modified Marantz player and my cover has been removed (don't ask-it's a kid thing).
Inside, by the CD drawer, a label with words to the effect that "the laser emits a harmful beam-avoid direct contact" can be found.
Is this something I need to worry about or is it just a caution? All I'm doing is loading a CD and moving to my easy chair. I'm not sticking my face into the player. Thoughts?
lindisfarne
The name laser is an acronym for "Light Amplicification by Stimulation Emission of Radiation".There are three basic type of lasers, the solid state, the gaseous state and the semiconductor or injection type. There are also 4 classes of laser hazards that range from cannot under normal operating conditions emit a hazardous level of optic radiation to a Class IV which can produce a hazardous direct or diffuse reflection. The primary trauma associated with lasers is thermal in nature and can cause optic burns ranging from corneal to retinal burns. The good news is that the lasers in cd players are relatively benign but can cause eye injuries with direct and repeated exposures. So in other words don't look directly at the laser.
Who says audiophiles are dried up old curmudgeons? Very funny! I say he should look directly at the laser for a long as he can stand it. After he loses his eyesight his hearing will become dominant and finely attuned making his listening experience all the more enjoyable. He will at this point need to upgrade his system though. (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!) Or you could just put the lid back on.
Don't worry about your eyes, the CD player doesn't sit waist high, does it?

Matty