Why wait for Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD for your hi-def movie viewing needs when you can upscale your DVD collection to 1080p right here, right now? That's high-end hi-fi maker Arcam's argument, at any rate, but it may have a job convincing punters to cough up £1,800 for the privilege.

Yes, its FMJ DV139 DVD Universal Audio player - it'll plays Super Audio CDs and DVD-Audio discs too, as well as CDs and discs containing DiVX files - ships next month at just such a price point. Mind you, as you'd expect from Arcam, the machine contains some impressive-sounding technology.

The ABT1010 upscaling engine can generate broadcast quality results, Arcam claimed, and the machine's ABT102 video de-interlacer is likewise spec'd to meet transmitted TV standards. The unit's casing is designed to prevent outside and internal vibrations affecting the sensitive electronics. The DV139 has a pair of toroidal transformers capable of pumping out audiophile-grade sound.

There's even a built-in video calibration wizard to help users get the best picture.

The DV139 has an HDMI port, along with composite-video and SCART connectors, and stereo audio outputs too. ®

Read our HD TV in the UK guide here