The CDTV was designed as a high-tech AV device, competing with the CD-i, LaserActive, and Tandy VIS. While Commodore used hardware from the Amiga 500, they intentionally avoided mentioning it, but it didn't take long for people to realize it. However, the incredibly high launch price of $1,000 USD, the fact it used Amiga hardware, and the eventual release of a CD-ROM drive for the Amiga resulted in sales of less than 50,000 units, making it a collector's item.