How does the laser access the data on the outer edge of a DVD?

Question

It seems like it would be sitting on the tray, and if the laser is in the center - accessing through the exposed tray opening, then there would be no way it could reach the data on the outside... but obviously, it does.

Answer 1

Take a look at the tray -- there is a slot that is at least 1/2 of the diameter of the disk (usually closest to the player body). The reading optics (laser, lens, etc.) are on a slider that slides along a rail so it can see anything in the slot. Since the slot shows a slice of the disk, from hub to edge, the laser can see all of the data on the disk.