How does high-definition (HD) video compare to standard definition (SD) video?

High-definition video features a much sharper image than standard definition. HD video features a greater image resolution compared to SD video, so basically that means with HD you see a bigger and better picture.

I don’t have an HDTV yet. Should I still get my wedding video shot in HD?

Yes. There are several compelling reasons for getting wedding video shot in HD, and virtually zero reasons not to.

1) You still get a standard definition DVD. You don’t have to choose between one or the other. My clients receive both HD and SD versions of ther videos.

2) Your online highlight video will be in HD. You can enjoy a higher quality highlight video that can be shared with your friends and family.

3) Eventually you will have an HDTV. Needless to say, HD is not going anywhere. Whether it’s in six months or five years, you will eventually have an HDTV. The HDTVs that cost $3,500 a couple of years ago can now be had for about one-third of that price, and that trend will continue.

What is Blu-Ray?

Blu-Ray is the primary delivery format for HD video. Standard definition video is delivered on DVD; High Definition video is delivered on Blu-Ray discs. As you probably know, you’ll need a Blu-Ray player to play Blu-Ray discs. With the demise of its rival format (HD-DVD), Blu-Ray will be the industry standard for the foreseeable future and is a safe investment.

What Blu-Ray player should I buy?

Personally, I own and recommend the Playstation 3. The PS3 is a very versatile machine, capable of playing Blu-Ray discs and functioning as a media center PC in your living room (e.g. surf the web, store music, play a variety of video formats). For quite some time the PS3 was the only logical choice for a Blu-ray player. However, with the recent drop in prices of standalone Blu-Ray players a case can be made for less-costly alternatives if you don’t anticipate taking advantage of the aforementioned PS3 features.

Are their other HD options besides Blu-Ray?

Yes. Apple TV comes to mind if you are a Mac fan, and the Western Digital media player if you are looking for something cheap. With devices such as these, you will need your wedding video delivered in a particular digital format (rather than the aforementioned Blu-Ray disc), so check with your videographer to make sure they can accomodate your needs.

That’s all for now. Feel free to email me with any questions you may have or topics you would like to see addressed.