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.

How Blu-ray Discs Work

Say goodbye to DVD as the top-of-the-line digital storage format -- it pales in comparison to Blu-ray. New blue-laser discs feature unbelievable storage capacity.

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!

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.

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.

How Flexplay DVDs Work

The EZ-D DVD is 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.

How Netflix Works

Close to 10 years after opening its virtual doors, Netflix has nearly 6.8 million subscribers. Learn how Netflix delivers discs and decides which movies to recommend to you.

How Slingbox Works

Most of us don't even consider the possibility of viewing our cable TV, TiVo or DVD player when we're away from home, but Sling Media's “placeshifting” technology allows you to do just that. Learn how the Slingbox does it.

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.

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!

Why are there so many different connectors on my DVD player?

If you recently got a DVD player you might be wondering what all those connectors on the back are for. Don't worry, you don't have to use them all -- a lot of the connectors are actually redundant.

How does a DVD work?

How does a DVD work? How does it store information differently than a compact disk? Find out in this article.