LED, LCD and plasma TV: HD TV explained High-definition DVDs

You can now buy many popular films in high-definition format. HD films take up a lot of space, and won’t fit on your average DVD, so a new type of disc has been created with greater capacity.

But if you want to watch a high-definition movie, it doesn't come cheap. Not only do the discs cost more than standard DVDs, you need a special high-definition player and an HD-ready TV.

Rival high-definition DVD formats

Originally, there were two rival high-definition DVD formats: Blu-ray, backed primarily by Sony and HD-DVD, supported by Toshiba among others. 

But when Toshiba decided to withdraw from the battle and stop producing players in early 2008, Blu-ray won the day. 

See the Which? Blu-ray DVD player reviews to find out which models come top in our lab tests.

Blu-ray is the high-definition DVD format

Blu-ray drawbacks

However, Blu-ray players have their drawbacks. On many of the Blu-ray players we've tested, basic features such as 'resume from standby' are missing, they're generally more complex and sluggish, use more power and are pretty noisy. 

Blu-ray players also more expensive than DVD players, but have come down in price considerably in the last few years. They start from around £60.

3D Blu-ray

2010 saw the arrival of 3D Blu-rays, which need to be viewed on 3D televisions. Most of the major manufacturers, including Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic have 3D TVs available, as well as 3D-compatible Blu-ray players. Given the new market for 3D Blu-rays, there is currently a severe lack of compatible content available. As such, it is hard to recommend buying a 3D Blu-ray player at this early stage.

HD-ready TV compatibility

The move to high-definition created a mismatch between new discs and older HD equipment. New high-definition TVs and DVD players are better equipped to cope with the new technology, but older HD-ready TVs may suffer a jerky effect on panning or motion scenes.

HD on games consoles

Microsoft’s Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 already offers HD gaming, and the higher resolution makes a big difference to video games. The console also offers users the option to rent films in high definition. It is not possible to play Blu-ray films on the Xbox 360.

Sony PlayStation 3

The PS3’s games come on Blu-ray discs, and you can also use the PS3 to watch Blu-ray movies. As with the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 users with an internet connection can rent high-definition films directly from the console. 

The Playstation 3 also plays 3D Blu-ray discs

For more information on the Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii, check out the Which? games consoles review.