Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD?

Question

Me and My uncle are in a squabble about which is better. I say its the Blu-Ray but he says HD, help us decide, which 1 is better?

Answer 1

Better how?



Video and audio quality are essentially identical. Both store and will output 1080p/24fps video (or lower resolution). Both use the same advanced audio formats.



See the first link for a comparison. Each has areas where it is at least theoretically "better", (e.g. bitrates, storage capacity, mandatory features), but none make a practical difference.



Arguably HD DVD is a more mature and stable hardware platform (Blu-ray has only just adopted the 2nd stage of a 3 stage specification). And lower end HD DVD players (1080i output rather than 1080p ... but you can't tell the difference on most HDTVs) are less expensive than Blu-ray.



But it's pretty much a wash.



I suspect, depending on what each of you mean by "better" you are both right.



See the second link for a NY times article that pretty much sums it up .... both HD DVD and Blu-ray are most likely fated to remain niche formats endorsed by those able to benefit and willing to pay the premium prices associated.

Answer 2

I have both. Supposedley HD DVD's go up to 1080i resolution and Blu-Ray go up to 1080p (slightly better). Visually I can't tell much of a difference and the audio is similar on both as well. So, if deciding between the two, availability is a key question. Right now there are more Blu-ray titles available, they acquired the exclusive rights to Disney films. In fact the number one movie rental company Blockbuster, claims they won't be carrying HD DVD's for rental much longer. That being said, HD also has some dvd's exclusively for their technology and sever HD dvd formats will also play on a regular DVD player. I think both technologies will be around for awhile.

Answer 3

Blu-Ray is better. It has a higher storage capacity and more movie choices. HD-DVD will go away in a year or so as Warner Bros. just joined with Sony in exclusively releasing in Blu Ray format only.