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What is High
Definition and why should I be excited about it?
High Definition (also known as hi-def or HD) refers to a breakthrough in audio visual technology allowing for the playback of very high resolution video and superior sound formats. Remember how amazed you were at the step up in quality between VHS and DVD? With Blu-Ray and HD DVD formats, you can look forward to comparable step up in quality from DVD.
 What is Blu-Ray?
Blu-ray or Blu-ray Disc (abbreviated to BD) is the next generation format of in-home entertainment. Developed by Sony, Blu-Ray discs have up to five times the storage capacity of regular DVD discs by holding up to 50GB of data. This huge leap forward in technology allows you enjoy your favourite films in state of the art high definition video and sound.
 What is HD DVD?
HD DVD or High Definition DVD is a high capacity optical disc developed by Toshiba and NEC and an alternative next generation entertainment format to Blu-Ray. With incredible high resolution video and digital sound, your home cinema experience will never be the same again.
Sounds great! What equipment do I need?
Neither Blu-Ray nor HD DVD discs can be played back in a regular DVD player. You will need a special Blu-Ray player (such as a
Sony Playstation 3) or HD DVD player (such as the HD DVD add-on for the
Microsoft Xbox 360) in order to watch these next generation formats. To get the complete high definition experience, you will also need an HD ready television. The resolution of a standard television set is 480 lines whereas an HD ready television can display up to a maximum of 1080 lines (supported by both Blu-Ray and HD DVD) giving you an incredibly sharp, detailed image.
Will I still be able to playback my existing DVD collection?
The great news is that all Blu-Ray and HD DVD players are expected to play back regular DVDs as standard.
Why are some of my favourite films only available on one HD format and not the other?
Each next generation high definition format is supported by different studios: Disney, 20th Century Fox, Warner, Paramount and Sony will all release their films on Blu-Ray Disc whereas Universal, Warner and Paramount will release their films on HD DVD.
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