The disks that are dual format have DVD on one side and HD-DVD on another, so you can play them in your standard player, just make sure you have the right side facing down

Arrg, I hate format wars!

I think those dual-sided disks with DVD on one side and HD-DVD on the other are the right way to go. I don't know if this is some standard practice, but it's a lot more flexible to the average consumer, especially during the transition period to HD-DVD/Blu-Ray. Does Blu-Ray do anything of this sort?

When Disney enters the battle full-force, the war will get a lot closer.

I think Disney will be a big factor, as well as certain releases such as Star Wars and other big trilogies. Yet, if the big movies don't come out soon, I'm afraid HD-DVD will have too big of a lead. I wonder if Lucas is willing to release on BR if HD-DVD has that many more players. I hate this war but the biggest players are yet to reveal their hands. I'm leaning more towards HD-DVD everyday. I wasn't expecting this though.

i work at circuit city and we have a way bigger selection of bd the hd plus people come in way more for bd just somthing i noticed i also have a bd playrer and it looks amazing

Hey everyone,

I just bought my 1080p LG 37 LCD TV just a few months ago. Ever since, I have been cautious to what format to gamble on.

By all means im no expert, but done a lot of research on both formats to help me choose.

I havent bought one yet, but going to buy the Toshiba EP30 HD DVD Player which has 720p,1080i & 1080p capablities - Selling in the UK not sure about US (unless its named under diff model number).

At the end of the day, the only advantage the blu-ray has over the HD DVD is the disc space. (blu ray 25gb and HD DVD 15gb)

Apart from that, i havent seen no difference, because they both produce 1080p image resolution at maximum.

I thought blu-ray was going to win at first, as they are in all PS3 consoles and Disney are signed to release on blu-ray.

However this format war is very simular to the betamax vs VHS, and VHS won the battle in the end. Not to lower the tone of the discussion - but as well as price/cost, they say the VHS battle was won partially because the adult video industry chose VHS over betamax. And the majority of the adult video industry today have chosen HD DVD over blu-ray.

Another reason for my choice - is The HD DVD discs are region free , which is a huge bonus for UK consumers. The HD DVD movies are a lot cheaper to buy from US than UK. The movies are also released quicker in the US. Blu ray is regioned which forces UK consumers to pay UK prices (which is more than US) and wait longer for movie releases.

I hope this helps the UK member of the website at least.

Cheers