Playing high def movies on my computer

[cgutzmer]

What kind of drive do I need to get in order to play high def dvd's on my computer? Will one that does dual layer work?
Thanks
Chris

[jman98]

This is kind of a vague question. Windows HD movies (there actually are some - check Amazon.com for a list) are in 720p resolution and use common DVD dual-layer pressed discs, so just a simple DVD drive is needed for those. If you want to play BluRay or HD-DVD, you will need special drives for both. The Xbox HD-DVD add-on player which sells for about $200 can be made to work via USB cable on a Windows PC. It's reported to work with Windows XP - It may or may not work with Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 and Vista. With the right software (NOT included with the drive - you'll have to go to a BitTorrent network or buy it to get it) you can play HD-DVD movies on your PC. BluRay drives are very expensive for PCs right now. You will also need a special software player for BluRay movies.

[cgutzmer]

Excellent, thank you. Sorry it was kinda vague,I wsnt sure how to ask it without sounding like a complete id10t

I want to play hd movies that I get from netflix on my computer. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!
Chris

[Baldrick]

http://www.netflix.com/Genre?sgid=2442&lnkctr=LhcGenre2442&nfse=Y ? They are HD DVD and you need a HD DVD reader then like the xbox 360 hddvd as jman98 mentions.

[jeet49]

Is your PC ready?

http://www.cyberlink.com/english/support/bdhd_support/diagnosis.jsp

[Krispy Kritter]

You can also get a basic idea for specs from apple: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/guide/hd/recommendations.html

[Nelson37]

If you are talking about HD-DVD movies, requiring HDCP, unless you have a Sony-built Nvidea card, latest info I have seen clearly states that it will NOT work. Apparently the circuitry on the board supports HDCP, but the HDMI connector does NOT. No HD output. This was primarily concerning Windows Blista.