FAQ

If I play a DVD on an HD-ready TV, will the picture be in high definition?
No, the picture will be in standard definition. Only dedicated high definition content (such as a Blu-ray Disc) will give you a high definition picture.
Can I play Blu-ray Discs on my regular DVD player?
No, you need a dedicated Blu-ray player or a PlayStation 3 to play Blu-ray Discs.
Can I play regular DVDs on high definition disc players?
Yes, you can currently play regular DVDs and CDs on all Blu-ray players, including a PlayStation 3 or a BD-Rom drive in your PC. However they will not be displayed in high definition.
Are all digital television signals in high definition?
No, they aren't. Just because the signal is digital does not mean that the broadcast will be in high definition.
Do I need a subscription to high definition TV channels or a high definition set-top box to watch Blu-ray Discs?
No, high definition TV broadcasts and Blu-ray discs are two totally separate things.
What is high definition?
High definition is a technological leap forwards from standard definition i.e. the format in which people currently watch TV shows and films at home. It refers to the far superior picture quality that is achieved by increasing the amount of detail on the screen.
What does HD-ready mean?
The HD-ready label acts as a means of identifying display equipment such as Plasma and LCD TVs that are capable of processing and displaying high-definition signals.
If I have an HD-ready TV. Does that mean that everything I watch on it will be in high definition?
No, this is a common misconception. Only high definition content such as a Blu-ray Disc will appear in high definition on your TV. You also need to have an HDMI cable connecting your player to your HD-ready TV to get a high definition picture.
I've heard of 720p, 1080i and 1080p - what does this refer to?
These numbers refer to the number of lines of vertical resolution on an HD TV - so the higher the number, the better the resolution of your screen. The 'p' stands for progressive scanning and the 'i' stands for interlaced. Progressive frames draw every line, interlace draws every other line in one sweep, then the other lines. Progressive is generally considered to be superior.
What picture quality can Blu-ray support?
Blu-ray can support up to 1080p.