This article explains high definition video recording. Some of you may wonder what HD brings to the table, so here it is. The maximum resolution that a normal DVD can produce is 480i. The resolution of High Definition goes up to either 720p or 1080i, far beyond the capabilities of a standard DVD recorder. The older DVD recorders can not record HDTV broadcasts at full resolution because of this restriction.

High Definition recording is done either on Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD, or on a Hard Drive. Some newer models will combine both technologies, however. Both Blu-Ray discs and HD-DVDs deliver true high definition.

By the way, the name 'Blue-Ray' comes from the fact that the frequency of the laser that reads the disc is so high that it reaches the blue end of the spectrum.

You might have heard about the big battle taking place between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray right now. It's reminiscnet of the old VHS vs. Betamax fight in the '80s. So hoe do you choose between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray?

The choice may affect your purchases for the future as to what type of HD camcorder you buy, what type of discs you use, and so on.

Sony is the producer of Blue-Ray, and this technology used in all of their recorders and players, as well as the new Playstation 3. Not surprisingly, PS3's biggest competitor - the xBox 360, uses HDDVD discs. HDDVD came first, so those who have already taken the plunge will be relieved that prices on HD-DVD discs, recorders, and players are falling rapidly.

Blu-ray discs can hold more data or video than HD DVD counterparts, but they are more expensive. Further muddling your decision is the fact that some Hollywood studios have decided to work with HDDVD (Paramount, Universal and Warner), while others have settled on Blu-Ray (Sony Pictures, MGM/Columbia TriStar, Fox, Warner, and Lions Gate). The quality of both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs varies with the film itself, but titles available on both formats generally have similar video quality.

Of course the dilemma may be moot, soon, as new dual-format players have been announced. So you may not be forced to choose between the two in the end.