The paper examines the potential for developing independent learning skills using the digital language laboratory with particular reference to exploiting the increasingly available resource of digital video. It investigates the potential for recording and editing video clips from online sources and digitalising clips from analogue recordings and reflects on the current status quo regarding the complex copyright regulations in this area. It describes two pilot self-access programmes based on video clips which were undertaken with University College Chester undergraduates this year and reflects on the value of the experience for students in developing a wide range of language skills as well as independent learning skills using their feedback on the experience. (Contains 2 figures.)