What is digital video?

The term 'digital video' simply describes video recording, editing and playback technology that employs digital rather than analogue formats. In the same way, the term 'digital audio' is used for recording and playback technologies (such as audio CDs or digital audiotape) that employ digital as opposed to older analogue formats. The acronym ‘DV’ is commonly used in a variety of different ways. Firstly, DV refers to the compression format (DV25) employed to capture, edit and store video footage. DV is also applied to cameras that record using mini-DV tape, compressing footage using the DV25 standard. Finally, DV is used much more generally, to encompass the digital video concept as a whole.

The advantages of digital video over analogue are similar to those offered by digital audio technologies. Digital video footage can be viewed, edited and – copyright restrictions permitting – copied almost endlessly with no loss of quality. Features such as music, titles and special effects are easy to add. By contrast, analogue video production and editing technologies are much more complex, requiring professional expertise to achieve competent results. Digital video can be distributed by various media such as the internet, DVD/CDs and 3G mobile networks.