Many people predict that digital video CD-ROM's will eventually replace the videotapes at our favorite store:

They can be duplicated for 1/4 amount for tapes

They last many years without degrading (most videotapes are good for about 35-50 viewings).

On the computer, digital video is very space consuming:

25 minutes of good quality video can take up 2 gigabytes.

Each 24-bit color image can take up to 11 MB.

In addition, digital video requires a fast processor to move the information to and from disk. Speed of videos depends on the standard being used.

NTSC

NTSC is the standard used in the US, Japan, Canada and Mexico. NTSC broadcasts 525 lines and 30 frames per second with poorer color than PAL and SECAM.

PAL

PAL is the standard used in Great Britain and most West European countries. PAL broadcasts 625 lines and 25 frames per second with better color than NTSC.

SECAM

SECAM is the standard used in France, Russia, and Middle and Eastern Europe and Africa. Like PAL, SECAM broadcasts 625 lines at 25 frames per second with better color quality than NTSC