1996 - DVD technology allows storage of even larger amounts of digital data, which makes possible superior sound and visual performance. DVD-ROM holds computer data that can be read but not overwritten by a DVD-ROM drive hooked up to a computer, such as the DVD-ROM drive shown here. DVD-Video holds video programs and is played in a DVD player and watched on a TV. Other variations on the basic DVD can be written once or rewritten multiple times, or are designed specifically for audio. (© AP Images)