@ sieanr
Hardware wise you are correct the CDTV was based on the Amiga 500 and the CD32 based on the A1200.
However the design and target audience was very different. The CDTV was more aimed at the market the Philips CDi was targetting, offering a multimedia electronics device focussed on things like educational software. The CD32 was focussed at games although it was also backwards compatible with CDTV software. The first 32-bit CD-ROM based game console released in western Europe and North America expandable into a full PC system, it wasn't cheap to build like a Snes.
The CD32 had good potential, if only Commodore weren't in financial problems and if the A1200 model came with a CD drive by default as well.
Pretty much summs it up:
"A federal judge ordered an injunction against Commodore from being allowed to import anything into the United States. Commodore had built up CD32 inventory in their Philippine manufacturing facility for the United States launch, but, being unable to sell the consoles, they remained in the Philippines until the debts owed to the owners of the facility were settled. Commodore declared bankruptcy shortly afterwards, and the CD32 was never officially sold in the United States. "
"Ultimately, Commodore was not able to meet demand for new units because of component supply problems. The success of the CD32 in Europewas not enough to save Commodore, and the bankruptcy of Commodore International in April 1994 caused the CD32 to be discontinued only months after its debut."
During the last few months Commodore dropped it's loss giving PC branch and focussed solely on the Amiga platform, which was of course much to late considering the position they had put themselves into. The Amiga CD32 was considered to be main product able to save Commodore, but as quoted above financial and legal problems stood in the way.
