Blu-ray is the name of the next optimal DVD format. It represents a huge leap forward in the DVD viewing experience and offers an unprecedented high-definition experience.

High definition is a new standard of TV and video picture quality. It can provide up to 1080 lines of picture, giving much clearer and sharper images when compared to standard definitions with 576 lines.

If you’ve ever seen high-definition (HD) video in HDTV, then you know just how incredibly sharp the picture is and how vivid the colours are. In fact, HD offers five times the amount of detail compared to standard definition. Today’s DVDs do not have the storage capacity to satisfy the requirements of HD. You've made the investment in a new High Definition TV - now make the most of it with High Definition (Blu-Ray) movies. With Blu-Ray discs, you'll see the difference immediately, with crisper images and vivid colours. In fact, Blu-Ray discs give you a picture that's 5 times better than DVD along with up to 7.1 sound channels.

In addition to greater visual and audio quality, the extra storage also means that there is plenty of room for additional content, special features and advanced interactivity.

To experience Hi-Def picture plus sound, you will need a HD-Ready TV and a Hi-Def player such as a Play Station 3 or Blu-ray player. To connect, you simply need one connector-an HDMI cable (think of it as a Hi-Def scart lead) between your Hi-Def player and HD-Ready TV.

Yes, that’s the expectation. The Blu-ray format has received support from the major movie studios as a successor to today’s DVD format. However, the two formats (Blu-ray and DVD) will most likely co-exist for quite some time until HDTV’s become more popular.

Hi-Def does not mean you’ll need to replace your existing DVDs as you will be able to view your DVD collection on the new high definition video players.