DVD

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DVD
In one sentenceA shiny plastic disc that stores a movie digitally, popular for watching movies at home before streaming took over.
CategorySoftware
RelatedHome Video

Before movies could be streamed instantly over the internet, people often watched them at home using a small, shiny disc called a DVD.

DVD stands for Digital Video Disc, though as the format grew to store more than just movies, some later called it Digital Versatile Disc instead. Either way, a DVD stores a movie as digital information, etched into the disc, that a DVD player reads using a laser and turns back into picture and sound.

How to use it

  1. Get a grown up's help to buy or borrow a DVD, and to set up a DVD player or a computer with a disc drive.
  2. Open the disc tray and place the DVD in gently, shiny side down.
  3. Close the tray and turn on the player or TV, switching to the right input if needed.
  4. Use the remote to navigate the menu that pops up and select "play movie."
  5. When you are done, use the eject button to safely remove the disc, and put it back in its case.

Fun facts

  • A DVD can hold several hours of video, along with extra features like behind the scenes footage and deleted scenes.
  • DVDs were once such a huge part of Home Video earnings that a hit movie could earn more from DVD sales than it did in theaters.
  • Streaming has replaced most everyday DVD watching, though collectors still buy physical discs for movies they want to own forever.