Apple Mac: the future of video starts here

The Apple fans currently have some good ammunition against the PC-heads in the office, with some of the team unleashing Tiger as we speak. And since Monday, fans of white finishes and fruity logos have access to high definition movie trailers too. Available from its trailer site, you can now watch clips from new movies such as Batman Begins, Fantastic Four and Kingdom of Heaven.

For anyone unfamiliar with the hi-def revolution, its basic advantage is that it offers video at a much higher resolution than current standards, such as television and DVD material. Written down that might not sound too exciting, but in action it's a revelation -- think of a bigger jump in quality than DVD over VHS and you'll be somewhere close to the additional detail you'll see with hi-def.

There are loads of programmes being made in the US in hi-def, such asThe Sopranos, 24 and Arrested Development. So good is the quality that actors have complained about how much it shows off each little facial imperfection. A nightmare scenario for Coronation Street then, and perhaps more suited to Hollyoaks, which is already being filmed in HD over here. Any Windows users feeling left out can access hi-def content from here, although Bill Gates will need to pull his finger out as these movie trailers aren't quite as up to date as on Apple's site. -GC