Blu-ray vs HD DVD: Winner will be known in two years

It was one of those things which was running more on hype than actual consumer interest, and in fact, if you haven’t been paying much attention to it, you wouldn’t know that the battle between the Blu-ray and HD-DVD has begun. When Blu-ray and HD DVD players hit store shelves, it produced more of a “thud” than the “bang” most companies with vested interests were praying for.

Were you hoping for a quick knock-out punch from one of the contenders before deciding to make your purchase? Analysts say you’re in  for a long wait, as it will take about two years, maybe longer, before a clear winner appears as consumers wait for the outcome of the bout and for the prices to drop.
For those of you who don’t have the patience of Job, here are some facts that might help you decide which way way to go:

• The feedback on both formats were so-so although HD DVD received more points.
• Forrester, a market research firm, is placing its bet on Blu-ray although  the pace of domination will bore a snail.
• Blu-ray has Sony, Disney, Apple, and a couple of other big studios in its corner.
• HD DVD is supported by Toshiba, Intel and Microsoft.
• Blu-ray has the movie advantage with Sony, Fox, Disney, and MGM.
• HD DVD has Universal Pictures.
• Warner and Paramount will be support both formats.
• PS3 is expected to boost Blu-ray’s long-term outlook.
• HD DVD is counting on Microsoft $200 HD DVD add-on.

Didn’t help much, huh? Looks like the current-gen DVD has got an extended lease on its shelf life.

Via ARS Technica

It was one of those things which was running more on hype than actual consumer interest, and in fact, if you haven’t been paying much attention to it, you wouldn’t know that the battle between the Blu-ray and HD-DVD has begun. When Blu-ray and HD DVD players hit store shelves, it produced more of a “thud” than the “bang” most companies with vested interests were praying for.

Were you hoping for a quick knock-out punch from one of the contenders before deciding to make your purchase? Analysts say you’re in  for a long wait, as it will take about two years, maybe longer, before a clear winner appears as consumers wait for the outcome of the bout and for the prices to drop.
For those of you who don’t have the patience of Job, here are some facts that might help you decide which way way to go:

• The feedback on both formats were so-so although HD DVD received more points.
• Forrester, a market research firm, is placing its bet on Blu-ray although  the pace of domination will bore a snail.
• Blu-ray has Sony, Disney, Apple, and a couple of other big studios in its corner.
• HD DVD is supported by Toshiba, Intel and Microsoft.
• Blu-ray has the movie advantage with Sony, Fox, Disney, and MGM.
• HD DVD has Universal Pictures.
• Warner and Paramount will be support both formats.
• PS3 is expected to boost Blu-ray’s long-term outlook.
• HD DVD is counting on Microsoft $200 HD DVD add-on.

Didn’t help much, huh? Looks like the current-gen DVD has got an extended lease on its shelf life.

Via ARS Technica