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From television programs to theatrical movie releases, people spend lots of time watching video communications. Having been a teacher, library media specialist, and college professor, I've had lots of experience using everything from 16mm film to DVD. Although DVD is currently the popular physical format, something smaller, faster, and higher quality will ultimately replace it too. From Blu-ray to HD and 3D, new options are always being pushed by vendors.

Regardless of whether we're discussing film, videotape, or DVD, it's helpful to examine the different categories of video. Read the contents of each of the following on-site links:

Video Producers

As you explore materials available on physical formats, keep in mind that there are both large and small producers. Many of the large studios have specific distributors that handle their video production. Some of these include 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Artisan Home Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, Disney Home Video, MGM Home Entertainment, Miramax Home Video, and Warner Home Video. Producers specifically interested in informational, instructional, and educational video include PBS, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, and A&E Home Video. And large group of producers cater specifically to education such as Environmental Media, Hallmark Entertainment, New Dimension Media, Schlessinger Media, Spoken Arts, Weston Woods Studios. Check Distributors List for Current Children's Notables from ALA's Association for Library Service to Children for ideas. Finally, many small, independent producers create and market their own materials. This is particular true of "how-to" instructional videos. Many of the most popular videos can be found at Amazon or Barnes and Noble and other mainstream online vendors. For titles specific to libraries and education try, vendors such as Library Video.

Videotape to DVD Migration

Something most of you . . . maybe all of you might not know is that in the early 1980s, Annette managed the first video store in Ames, Iowa. That experience made her very aware of the wide range of technologies available as well as the variety of video interests. Back then consumers were dealing with the issue of Beta versus VHS, and a CED technology called the RCA SelectaVision VideoDisc (Before laserdisc) that only lasted a few years. The videodiscs were stored in large cartridges and looked like vinyl records. No one had players so they rented the player along with the videodisc.

Today, the migration from videotape to DVD has gained speed. Rather an purchasing DVDs, many people use services such as Netflix for video rentals. Some people with fast Internet connections are bypassing the DVDs and viewing videos instantly through the Internet.

Besides the technical advantage of durability, DVDs have many more features including bonus video, information, and games. They often contain production documentaries, deleted segments, extra segments, and cast interviews.

In addition, you'll find multiple language, closed captioning, commentary tracks, restored and expanded editions, traditional and widescreen versions, and high quality audio and video. Other features include weblinks and DVD-ROM materials such as games. Many DVDs contain parental controls.

tryWhat is it with those "region codes" on DVD videos? If you do not know what this means, read the off-site article Region Codes - DVD's Dirty Secret (Aug. 2004) from Home Theater About.com.

Interactive DVD

PresidentsThe line between what people think of as computer technology and video technology is blurring. Many DVDs contain interactive elements that can be accessed using the remote control. In addition, many educators are using the interactive aspects on electronic whiteboard devices.

Disney's The American Presidents: Revolution and the New Nation & Expansion and Reform is an award-winning interactive DVD containing stories about US presidents. This series contains DVDs for different time periods in American history.


Online Video Information Resources

Video Review Sources - Although you can find reviews on many websites, it's a good idea to start with some authoriative sites such as

Reviews - Also consider the many online reviews.

Review the reviews. Look for the reviewer information and decide whether they would be a good source.

Guides for Viewing

 

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