Enjoy movies and TV in great clarity

So you've splashed out on a brand new HD TV and have hooked up the 5.1 surround-sound speaker system. Now all you need is some content to impress the neighbours with. Sky, NTL Telewest and the BBC are all pushing HD in the UK and here’s what they’re offering.

Sky HD currently offers nine high-definition channels, comprising BBC HD, Sky One HD, Sky Box Office HD, Artsworld HD, National Geographic Channel HD, Discovery HD and two Sky Movies HD channels. However, not every programme within some channels has been filmed in HD.

So SD (standard definition) broadcasts will be up-scaled to either 720p or 1080i. The quality is better, but not true HD. The Sky HD receiver offers HDMI and component outputs plus a digital audio output for connecting to surround-sound decoders.

NTL Telewest offers HD broadcasting using content from the BBC and ITV. Its Teleport service boasts high-definition programmes and movies. It uses the TVDrive set-top box that also doubles up as a PVR (personal video recorder) and sports an HDMI socket for connection to an HD-display
The BBC is running HD trial broadcasts that are due to last until 2007.

A limited number of programmes are being broadcast via satellite and cable, but not on Freeview. These include drama, events and documentaries that are broadcast a few hours a day.

Blu movies
Another way to watch HD is to use a Sony Blu-ray device. With HD movies set to launch imminently (see below), a Blu-ray player could be the easiest way to get cinema-clarity blockbusters in the front room. The VGX-XL202 home-entertainment computer comes with a Blu-ray drive and can connect to a compatible HD-ready display via its HDMI output.

Sony’s standalone Blu-ray Disc Rewritable Drive is an upgrade alternative for existing computers, which will also play back HD movies and provide up to 50GB of storage space for files and documents.

One of the most eagerly awaited product launches of next year is the Sony PlayStation 3. This next-generation games console is already whetting the appetite of gamers but its Blu-ray compatibility will be of great appeal to HD fans. Supporting the top resolution of 1080p, the PlayStation 3 will be able to connect to compatible displays via HDMI and has a digital audio output for surround-sound setups. Watch this space.

The HD movie choice
Blu-ray movies will soon be in the shops – here’s our pick of the first wave of HD epics.

Stealth: Some time in the not-too-distant future, the US Navy develops a fighter jet piloted solely by artificial intelligence. While learning manoeuvres from human pilots, the new aircraft develops a mind of its own, creating all sorts of political unrest. Only the human mind can save the world from this robot.

Into the Blue: Jared and Sam are two treasure divers scouring the Bahamas when they come across a wrecked plane full of treasure (and drugs). While Jared and Sam stake their claim for the treasure, the local drug baron hears of their find and wants the narcotic booty for himself.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Nineteen-year-old Emily Rose dies after an exorcism carried out by her local priest. Believing she was possessed by demons and stopping her medication, her priest is accused of homicide. To cover things up, the Archdiocese hires Erin Bruner, a successful, ambitious and agnostic lawyer. The prosecutor is the religious Ethan Thomas. A battle between science and religion rages.

S.W.A.T: When an arrested drug kingpin is transported by an LA Police Department S.W.A.T team into federal custody out of the city, problems arise when the warlord offers $100m to anyone who can free him.

Tears of the Sun: Navy SEAL Bruce Willis and his squadron are forced to choose between duty and their dignity. Do they follow orders and ignore the surrounding conflict, or help and protect a group of innocent refugees? With decision making around every corner, Waters and his crew must make the biggest judgment of their lives.

Hostel: Three backpackers exploring Europe are locked out of their youth hostel in Amsterdam. Told about another hostel in Bratislava where the promise of wonder and merriment awaits, the travellers start to realise the hostel is hiding a dark secret. A horror flick with suspense and gruesome endings.

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