The technology behind digital multimedia is explained, and some of its specific uses and advantages are outlined. Multimedia is a catch-all term for various technologies. As the reputation for instructional effectiveness of multimedia has grown, the demand for a digital form of multimedia has increased, particularly as the limitations of analog multimedia become more apparent. Essentially, digital video interactive (DVI) forms transform and compress analog information into digital information representing sound and video. The advantages have been accepted for some time, especially in terms of being able to communicate over computers. The technical aspects of compression to digitize video and other facets of production are sketched. Optical data disks (CD-ROM) are the perfect vehicle for distributing applications and DVI files because of their large storage capacity and the fact that files can be played back at a convenient rate. The International Business Machines (IBM) ActionMedia II adapter is used to decompress and play back DVI video and audio. Other options with this adapted and related software are reviewed. With this technology it is possible to deliver useful and instructive applications of digital video on a CD-ROM, for a combination of quality, affordability, and portability. (SLD)