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What do I need to enjoy high definition? |
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The most obvious is a high-
definition television (or if your
budget allows, a high-definition
projector). While extremely
expensive only a few short years
ago, prices are now falling rapidly
and you should be able to pick up
a fair-sized machine (around 42
inches) for under £1,000. Several
high-definition channels currently
exist, but again you will need
the right equipment in order to
view them. Companies like Sky
now offer high-definition boxes
that will enable you to watch a
variety of sports, documentary
and film channels in HD. If you’re
interested in high-definition
gaming then your best bet is
either Sony’s PlayStation 3
(which has the benefit of playing
Blu-rays straight out of the box)
or Microsoft’s Xbox 360 (a further
add-on is required to watch
high-definition films).
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What does HD ready mean? |
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HD ready is a term set up by
the EICTA (European Information,
Communications and Consumer
Electronics Technology Industry
Associations). A television needs
to meet specific criteria before it
can receive the logo. The display
engine must be a minimum of
720 physical lines in wide aspect
ratio. DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
and HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface) inputs
must support the relevant copy
protection – in this case HDCP
(High-Bandwidth Digital Content
Protection). HD input must be
received by Analog YPbPr, DVI or
HDMI. All HD-capable input must
be able to accept the following
video formats: 1280x720 at 50
and 60Hz progressive scan
(720p) and 1920x1080 at 50 and
60Hz interlaced (1080i). It’s also
important to note that while a TV
will feature the HD ready logo, it
doesn’t necessarily mean that it
will be able to display the massive
resolution from a high-definition
source, mainly because not all
HDTVs have enough pixels.
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What is HDMI? |
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HDMI stands for High-
Definition Multimedia Interface
and is a licensable audio/video
connector. It connects to a
variety of audio/video devices
that support DRM (Digital Rights
Management) and is able to
support a TV or PC video format.
However, HDMI cables use
surface-mount connectors so
they are not as robust as previous
display connectors.
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What devices currently allow me to watch Blu-rays? |
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As well as several dedicated
players by companies such as
Sony, Samsung, LG and Pioneer,
it’s also possible to watch
Blu-rays on Sony’s PlayStation
3. Criticised by some as being
a Trojan Horse (it currently
represents the lion’s share of Bluray
capable players), it’s perfect
for gamers as it allows them to
enjoy the best of both worlds.
Another option is to use a Blu-ray
disc drive for a PC or laptop.
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What devices currently allow me to watch HD DVDs? |
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Dedicated players form the
bulk of the HD DVD market and
generally tend to be cheaper than
their Blu-ray counterparts. As well
as being able to watch HD DVDs
on a dedicated HD DVD drive for
a PC or laptop, it’s also possible
to watch them on Microsoft’s HD
DVD add-on for its Xbox 360.
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What is Sky HD? |
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Sky HD is an HDTV service
that was first launched by BSkyB
on 22 May 2006. It is available
to residents of the UK and those
living in the Republic of Ireland
and currently consists of 12
channels: BBC HD, Discovery
HD, The History Channel HD,
National Geographic Channel
HD, Sky Arts, Sky Box Office
HD1, Sky Box Office HD2,
Sky Movies HD1, Sky Movies
HD2, Sky One HD, Sky Sports
HD1 and Sky Sports HD2. All
channels are currently available
on subscription, with the
exception of BBC HD, which is
free and Sky Box Office HD1 and
HD2, which are pay-per-view. You
will need a Sky HD Digibox and
an HDTV for viewing purposes.
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