Make the most of high-def content

Tip 2: Get high-def broadcasts

If you're a serious high-definition user you won't just want to watch movies in the super-detailed new format, you'll want your TV upgraded as well. Luckily both Sky and Telewest have plans to broadcast television programmes in HD with a clear emphasis on documentary, American drama, sport and movies -- the World Cup in high definition is likely to be just as much of an attraction as HD.

Sky's high-definition service has been well publicised, if not for the content it will provide then for the controversy over High-Definition Content Protection (HDCP). HDCP means that Sky's broadcasts are protected from unauthorised copying, and the only way you'll be able to record its programmes is through an official Sky+ box. It also inconvenienced early flatscreen adoptees as their TVs weren't HDCP compatible. Luckily, most televisions released now are 'HD Ready', in other words compatible with Sky -- check out our HDTV guide for more details.

Sky's HD service is the biggest single investment that BSkyB has made since founding the satellite service. Channels will be delivered by the standard minidish, but you'll need to upgrade your digibox to a high-definition model, at a cost of around £400. Then there'll be the increase in subscription cost, expected to be around £10 a month on top of the standard subscription. However, this is all currently unconfirmed.

There will be a number of high-definition channels when Sky HD launches. The service is set to offer high-definition versions of its Sky Sports, Sky Movies, Sky One and Sky Box Office channels, and Artsworld, National Geographic and Discovery Channel will also provide content.

Not much is known about Telewest's HD service, other than that it will offer World Cup matches from the BBC. You'll need one of the company's new TVDrive boxes, which is also Telewest's first hard drive recorder. It's quite a strange combination -- Telewest is somewhat lagging behind the times by only now offering hard drive recording, but it does support the latest high-definition broadcasts. The most enticing part of the service is that the box itself is free, the cost is covered by subscription at either £10 or £15 extra per month, depending on your existing package. The 160GB hard drive will record both standard- and high-definition programmes and, like Sky, you'll need to have a HDCP-compatible television.

In terms of service, Telewest is keeping tight-lipped on what will be available aside from this summer's BBC coverage of the World Cup. We contacted the company to ask for more details but they wouldn't disclose anything -- keep an eye on their website (http://www.telewest.co.uk/html/tv_drive/New_Tabs/how.html) to find out more.

Go to TIP 3 : Play high-def games