High Definition Video

High Definition Video (or HD) is a big source of confusion these days. More HD capable televisions and projectors are sold every year. After all, who doesn't love watching TV shows and movies on a big screen? We've come a long way since the days when the largest televisions available were 25 inch diagonal models. I'll cover some of the details of this new medium, and try no to put you to sleep.

What is HD?

Well, you bought an HD televison, so isn't everything you watch going to be in HD? In short, no. High Definition video has different standards that what we known as standard definition for years. So, if you watch a DVD it looks great right? Sure, but it's still not High Definition. The video is "up-converted" either in your player, or in your television to match the resolution of your TV. This however does not mean that it becomes HD. Like most aspects of life, you can't get something for nothing.

How do you get HD?

Technically, there are two ways. You connect a device that plays back HD video such as a HD camcorder, or disc player, or perhaps even a special cable box or satelite receiver. Standard cable boxes and satelite receivers don't support high definition video. Did you know you can actually receive HD programming over the air for free? Indeed you can, and you need nothing more than an old fasioned TV antenna. Provided you arn't to far from a TV station, you can receive HD programming for free. Do note that TV stations do not broadcast every program in HD.

What about these HD-DVD's and Blu-Ray discs?

Since standard DVD's are not compatible with HD, we needed a new disc format that would contain three or more times and much information that is needed for high definition video. Initially, two formats were released. One actually known as HD-DVD, and the second known as "Blu-Ray. Sadly we were once again in a VHS vs. Beta type battle as we witnessed in the 80's. Recently it seems that the HD-DVD format has lost the battle, and it seems Blu-Ray is the winner.

Are there any other ways to watch HD video?

In fact, most modern computers can display HD video. In recent years, a trend towards wide computer screens has been influenced by this. Your new computer can do double duty as your high definition entertainment center. We have also seen the introduction of devices such as "Apple TV' that allow you to watch online content on your television. And yes, some of this content is in HD. Most believe that in the future we will transition away from disc based formats, and most all video will be delivered online. Time will tell.