Well, as far as HD DVD vs. Blu-ray goes, it looks like we've pretty much passed the point of no return now; with each passing day it seems less and less likely that a compromise will be reached on a next-gen format. The ongoing peace talks between the two camps seem to have finally dissolved. It's disappointing, but however you feel about the fact that the HD DVD and Blu-ray factions squandered countless chances to make it right and come together, it looks like they're going to be duking it out mano a mano right in our living rooms. There may not be a lot we can do to fight back — apart from refusing to adopt either format out of sheer spite of their pigheadedness.
Current Sales of HD DVD and Blu-ray Players
Blu-ray=48%
HDDVD=52%
Winner: Undecided
*However, the group that came up with these numbers did not include the Blu-ray features of the PS3 or the HD DVD attachment to the XBox 360. Estimates say that the sales of the 360 attachment don't even come close to the success of the PS3.
Movie Studio Support
Blu-ray=Sony Pictures (including MGM/Columbia TriStar), Disney (including Touchstone, Miramax), Fox, Paramount, Warner, Lions Gate
HDDVD=Paramount, Studio Canal, Universal, Warner, the Weinstein Company
Winner: Blu-Ray
*Everyone knows that Disney has complete power over every aspect of the entertainment world, just ask my 6 year old.
Movie Sales
Winner: Blu-Ray... I think
*Seriously, If you can make any sense out this graph let me know. This was the only format comparison I could find on the Net. According to my 6 year-old, the blue line totally kicked the black lines butt.
Bottom Line
When it comes to picture and sound quality, both formats are identical. The driving factor that will choose a winner in this war will be the video game industry. Sony has done a great job in marketing the PS3 to the home theater market. With the 60 gig system, you could entertain guests with family photos, music, or high-def movies (and the kids can play games on it too).
If you want to see how a PS3 could enhance your home theater, come by our showroom today.
Or you can visit us at the home show at the American Center February 22nd through the 25th.
