Review and analysis of the main properties of the media intended for optical registration and processing of information. Photochromic materials, electro-optical crystals, amorphous semiconductors, magneto-optical materials are considered. Comparison of parameters of known reversible recording materials for optical holography. It is shown that the greatest interest in the optical processing of information are the media for recording phase holograms. Such recording media include electro-optical and amorphous semiconductor materials. Of interest is the development of operational recording environments using the combined action of light and electromagnetic field. The best results in fast processing of information are achieved in ferroelectrics under the action of light and electric field .