Most experts agree, that in a year or so, one of these formats will be gone. But this will delay a new high-definition video disc format of any type from being widely adopted by consumers for that time.
For us, we’re just annoyed that our efforts to rid ourselves of VHS cassettes in favor of DVDs are not yet done and the DVD is already being replaced by a High-Definition cousin.
I agree that one of these formats will die, but unfortunately I think it will take considerably longer than a year to sort out. Currently HD has the edge, but Sony has the capital (and the will) to mount a long and protracted fight. Further, they’ve got both Apple and the PS3 on their side.
IMO, nobody should support either format. At least, not until they are either sufficiently cracked, or until their respective companies cease and desist their anti-consumer behavior.
Good point. But, considering the market pressure, we are predicting within the year, one format will begin to increase its market share. Our personal theory is that once one of the cheaper manufacturers, ie Lite-On or GoVideo, starts innovating with lesser priced high definition players, the market will follow. We think GoVideo helped pave the way for a VHS to DVD transition when it brought down dual units.