A unique instrument, capable of concurrently recording and evaluating various types of multiplexed holograms, is under development. Details about the hardware specifications of this so-called HOLOMETER are provided. Theoretical considerations on the specific criteria that the holographic media needs to satisfy, as well as an analysis of the diffraction efficiency of thick holographic diffraction gratings, are also presented. Finally, some preliminary results of the recording and evaluation of chalcogenide films, which have recently emerged again as potentially promising holographic data-storage media, are reported.