One article likened the present war to the SACD vs DVD-A wars. They basically killed each other off because it was too confusing for customers when they went to the store. In fact, you had to look real close to ascertain which was which. At least with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray the DVDs are promently marked. But if you want a Sony Pictures movie you could buy it in regular DVD or Blu-Ray. If you want a Universal Pictures movie you'd have to go with a regular DVD or an HD-DVD. Now, let's take "Superman Returns" and let's say that it comes out in regular DVD, an extended 2 DVD set, a Superbit, a Director's Cut regular DVD, an HD-DVD, a Blue-Ray and the limited edition in a tin box. Which do you choose?
Well, that is exactly what you are going to have to decide, which format you want to watch your movies in, Beta or VHS, casettes or 8-track, 33s or 33s that play at 45.
Yes, the example is ludricrous. But consider that there are at least 3 different versions of Star Wars, Episode IV, and every time I look there's a new edition of Star Gate. Me, I've been waiting for the Laser Disc to DVD version of 'Invaders from Mars." The present DVD copy is inferior.
All of you out there with a lot of money will probably end up buying both machines. Everybody else may end up buying a machine that can do both. You guys that already have the XB360 and the PS3 will probably just add the HD-DVD player and be done with it. Lucky bastards.