If you thought home movies had to mean cramped couches, reels of broken film, endless hours of projected slides, or even just VHS, it's time to get with the new, digital picture.

Originally introduced in the mid-1990s, digital video (DV) cameras now dominate sales. In fact, they'll soon account for more than half of all camcorder sales, which totalled $1.5 billion in 2001, according to Consumer Electronics Association estimates. Why? Two simple reasons.

First, digital video delivers quality that's superior to that of analog formats such as VHS, 8mm, or even Hi8 and S-VHS. Second, since both camera and computer manufacturers have adopted the FireWire serial port specification, it's now much faster and easier to transfer video to your computer than it was with analog cameras, and the gear to do so is much more affordable.

At the same time, broadband Internet connections and inexpensive DVD burners make high-quality video much easier to distribute. So, what does that mean for you? You'll spend less for higher-quality video that you can share easily with your family and business associates. If you're considering joining the DV revolution, now is definitely the time.

Of course, you'll need to learn the DV basics before you dive into this tricky new technology. We'll walk you through the tools you'll need, the steps you'll take (shooting footage, transferring it to your computer, then editing and distributing video), and the basics of digital video technology and production. You'll be wowing the family in no time.

Behind the DV technology
You've heard a lot about DV, but read on to find out what it actually is and how it works.

Camera talk
Pick the right hardware for your burgeoning digital video career.

Director's cut
Here's how to get your footage from camera to computer, with all the steps in between.

Distribution deal
So you've shot, transferred, and edited your video. Now what?

The dirt on DVD
Seriously, what is up with DVD-burning formats and compatibility? Unravel the mystery here.

Bonus: digital video glossary
Get definitions for the most common DV terms as well as a few uncommon ones.