based on quality and price which format for watching movies/t.v. shows is the best, HD-DVD or BLU-RAY?

Answer 1

Audio and video quality are identical (and both output 1080p/24fps). Space differences don't matter ... both hold movies and extras. There are the same number of disks in each format. prices of disks are about the same (but significantly higher than DVDs). Both player formats upscale and play DVDs. Both use BT-709 colour space rather than BT-601 used on DVD (more colours). Both support advanced audio formats that can sound better than DVDs.

Some differences:

- HD DVD players have a standard set of capabilities including complete support for extras (e.g. Pin P, secondary audio, Internet connectivity), while blu-ray players have no set standard and most are sorely crippled in their capacity ... and none have Internet connectivity for online extra content. (Note the lack of these features does not effect playing the movie ... just everything else). Blu-ray owners claim extras don't matter because they can't play most of the special features, so how would they know?

- HD DVD is region free, Blu-ray is not.

- HD DVD players play CDs. Most Blu-ray players don't.

- Blu-ray uses BD-java to program extras, while HD DVD uses much less complex yet more powerful HDi, resulting in generally clunkier interfaces on Blu-ray vs HD DVD.

- Blu-ray has more 'overhead" in the form of digital rights management (DRM).

- Different studios support the two formats so pick based on which has more films you like!

- perhaps most important HD DVD players are less expensive.

Comment on the 1080i vs 1080p capability: Unless you can handle 1080p/24fps native (which potentially allows reduced judder) 1080i and 1080p are indistinguishable on a 1080p display (the display simply deinterlaces the 1080i).

But be warned, DVD is still the king and will be for a long time.

Also consider whether you can benefit from HD disks of either type. If you have a medium to large screen 1080p HDTV with HDMI connectivity you can benefit (if you watch closer than the traditional norm of 10-12 feet), but if you have a 720p HDTV you might not experience much difference (other than some colour improvement and sound (if your sound system allows)) relative to a good upscaling DVD player.

If you decide to buy now the best approach is probably to purchase the least expensive (~$200 with some free disks) HD DVD player (Venture SHD7000 or Toshiba HD-A3) and consider it as an upscaling DVD player that also plays HD DVD disks. Then enjoy your "everything but Blu-ray player".

Answer 2

The picture quality is identical. HD Dvd is a cheaper option but Blue Ray has more space for bonus features.

In my opinion HD DVD is the better value since I don't know anyone who cares about or watches the bonus content.

Both are 1080p
Both can hold a full movie in HD
Blue ray are supposed to be easier damaged due to the thinner protective layer.

I think high def video on demand will ultimately win the format war.

Answer 3

I think 'ares' gave a very smart and truthful answer.

With the video quality being equal, HD-DVD is the winner on the low price. Players are about $200 and some of the studios have gone with HD-DVD format claiming the disks are cheaper to manufacture. (Hollywood is actually very cheap).

Answer 4

blu ray is the best your comparing the product of 5 manufacturers to the product of 2. and it also depends on which hd dvd player the hda3 is only capable of displaying 1080i which is not true hd and that is also why it is cheaper.
go with the blu ray.

Answer 5

Click here for all the latest format war information: http://www.avtruths.com/blurayvshddvd.html

Answer 6

you might as well ask, whats better Coke or Pepsi?
it all comes down to brand loyalty and personal preference.
I'm in the wait and see camp I don't want to choose Betamax