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Get the home video & DVD information about setting up the right technology for you and your family here at HowStuffWorks. Read about Blu-ray technology, DVRs, TiVo, Netflix and more.

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How DVDs Work

It wasn't too long ago that VHS tapes dominated the home video market, but now, DVDs have all but wiped them out. Learn how a DVD player reads a disc, see what to look for when buying a player, and read up on a little DVD history.

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  • How are movies stored on DVD discs?
    How are movies stored on DVD discs?

    Even though the storage capacity of a DVD is huge, the uncompressed video data of a full-length movie would never fit on a DVD. In order to fit a movie on a DVD, you need video compression. See more »

  • How does copy protection on a video tape work?
    How does copy protection on a video tape work?

    How do VHS tapes prevent you from bootlegging a copy of a movie? Find out here! See more »

  • How DVDs Work
    How DVDs Work

    It wasn't too long ago that VHS tapes dominated the home video market, but now, DVDs have all but wiped them out. Learn how a DVD player reads a disc, see what to look for when buying a player, and read up on a little DVD history. See more »

  • How DVR Works
    How DVR Works

    Digital video recorders may be the future of television. If you've heard the DVR catchphrase -- "Pause live TV!" -- you may be wondering just how this is accomplished. Learn all about digital video recorders. See more »

  • How Flexplay DVDs Work
    How Flexplay DVDs Work

    The EZ-D DVD is a disc that automatically blanks itself after a certain period of time. It's a movie rental that takes late fees and return trips to the video store out of the picture. Check out the science at work. See more »

  • How Netflix Works
    How Netflix Works

    The Netflix red envelope has become a staple in the home entertainment market. How did this DVD and streaming entertainment service get started, and what's next? See more »

  • How Slingbox Works
    How Slingbox Works

    Most of us don't even consider the possibility of viewing our cable TV, DVR or DVD player when we're away from home, but with a Slingbox, you can do just that. See more »

  • How TiVo Works
    How TiVo Works

    In 1997, TiVo promised its customers that they wouldn't have to worry about television schedules or learn to program their VCRs. Learn how the typical TiVo set works and what services TiVo provides. See more »

  • How VCRs Work
    How VCRs Work

    How can six hours of video fit on a $2 tape? What happens after you slide that tape into the slot? The VCR may be on the way out, but it's still a mechanical marvel. Take a look inside! See more »

  • Screen Your Skills: Video Projector Buying Guide Quiz
    Screen Your Skills: Video Projector Buying Guide Quiz

    There are a lot of features and specifications associated with video projectors. Do you know enough to choose the projector that's right for you? Check out our quiz to see! See more »

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