The showdown has begun Blu-ray vs. HD DVD and the big question is which one is going to give the knock-out punch and become the chosen one. Everybody wants to know which format is going to win and while the jury is out on that lets talk about the pros and cons of each.

It is important to know what is going on between these two formats,because the two technologies do not work together and it is very unlikely that both formats will survive. So what is the difference between Blu-ray and HD DVD?

Blu-ray:

Pros:

Capacity - 25GB of storage on a single-sided disc

                   50GB of storage on a double-sided disc

Electronics List - The consumer electronics list is longer than the HD DVD list which include Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Pioneer and LG Electronics.

PC Makers - The PC  makers list include Dell, HP, Apple Computer

Video Game Makers - Electronic Arts

Entertainment Companies - Twentieth Century Fox, Vivendi Universal, Walt Disney

Cons:

Price - Blu-ray cost more than HD DVD

HD DVD:

Pros:

Price- HD DVD are cheaper

Electronic List - Sanyo and NEC

Entertainment Companies - HBO, New Line Cinema, Paramount Home Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Warner Home Entertainment

Cons:

Capacity -15GB single-sided disc (barely enough space for a HD movie)

                  30GB double-sided disc

Both Blu-ray and HD DVD use a blue laser to read and write data. The blue has a shorter wavelength and because of this it can pack more information densely on a disc and therefore can hold more information on a single disc. They are both capable of reading the current disc on the market.

Blu-ray derived its name from the technology of the "blue" laser. The disc are coated with a hard protective layer of clear polymer, which makes it scratch resistant. Blu-ray made its initial launch in 2006. The first players cost around $2000 and had a limited amount of features.

Shortly after, Blu-ray made its launch HD DVD made theirs. This gave HD DVD an immediate price advantage. The players sold at a price much lower than the Blu-rays players and the initial prices on the film releases were a little bit less.

Since we do not know yet who the clear winner will be it leaves us consumers confused. Most buyers are not willing to plunk down $800 or more on a 2007 model that may or may not support their favorite movies. So, I guess the waiting will continue until the true winner is announced.