The rapid development of equipment for digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has created a new diagnostic imaging method, the limits of which have not been scientifically determined. Yet through aggressive marketing, the technique is already beginning to permeate radiologic practice. The radiologist requires technical understanding of the instrumentation for informed judgment on clinical applications. DSA depends on the mating of high-resolution image-intensifier and television technology with computerized information manipulation and storage. In this overview, the individual components of the system are analyzed, from the generator to the image intensifier to the television system to the associated computer. By examining the role of each component, the current limitations and the areas of possible future development of DSA can be understood. This provides a basis for dealing with current technology and for evaluating the rapid technological changes that will occur over the next few years.