Video Accessories Roundup

Wonder why DVDs have become the movie medium of choice? These incredible discs have at least seven times the storage capacity of CDs -- that's why DVD movies can fit in all those "extras," like deleted scenes, multiple formats and directors’ commentary. Find out how DVDs are configured to hold all that data.

Find out How DVDs Work.

Digital video recorders like TiVo may be the future of television -- set your own TV lineup, record everything at once and skip the ads. And if you've heard the DVR catchphrase -- "Pause live TV!" -- you may be wondering just how such a feat is accomplished. Learn all about digital video recorders.

Learn How DVRs Work.

The VCR is one of those devices that seem simple for the outside -- but what's going on behind the scenes is amazing. 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!

Learn How VCRs Work.

Holographic memory systems offer more storage capacity and faster transfer rates than CDs and DVDs, but they've also been too expensive and complex to mass produce. Learn how the holographic versatile disc (HVD) has improved upon previous methods of holographic storage.

Find out How HVD Works.

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 an unbelievable capacity of 27 to 50 GB -- that’s about five times what you can fit on a DVD. Learn about the techniques that make Blu-ray the next big thing in digital video storage and check out its competition.

Learn about How Blu-ray Discs Work.

For most of us, HDTVs, HDTV-ready TVs, HD receivers and HD programming is more than enough HD tech to digest. So what’s this new addition? What exactly are we trying to “upconvert”? Find out what HD upconverters do and why you might want one.

Learn about How HD Upconverters Work.

When you watch a movie on your TV, you're not always seeing exactly the same movie that played in the theater. In fact, sometimes the differences are pretty drastic. A lot of video formatting is necessary to fit a movie onto a TV screen. Learn about the changes a movie goes through so you can watch it at home.

Find out How Video Formatting Works.

For more information about home theater components, check out these links: