Like D-1, D-2 uses 19 mm (¾ inch) tape loaded into three different sized videocassettes to support commercial spot playback as well as long-form programming such as movies.

Although D-2 videocassette housings are nearly identical to their D-1 counterparts, they are not interchangeable due to D-2's metal particle tape formula, needed for its higher recording density.

[5] The D-2 offered read before write or preread functionality, which allowed simultaneous playback and recording on the same transport.

[citation needed] During its early stages, finished episodes of South Park were hastily recorded to D-2 to be sent to Comedy Central for airing in just a few days' time.

[8] D-2 was in widespread use for some ten years, as the computer-based video server (with fewer moving parts and correspondingly greater reliability) became available not long after its release.