Its a hard question to ask when both formats are it early stages of life. Ultimately its the corporations that, quite frankly decide whether each format will succeed or fail miserably, People wont buy HD-DVD or Blu-Ray if there is a lack of hardware or HD content. So with that said here is a list i have complied of the major technology consumer corporations that are backing each format. I will be adding to the list as i find out what other major companies but for now these are the confirmed providers for each format.

Blu-Ray

Hardware suppliers

Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philip’s, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK, Thomson

Agreed Film Makers

Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM

HD-DVD

Hardware suppliers

Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Thomson, Microsoft

Agreed Film Makers

Paramount, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema

Another main factor of the format is there capacity

HD-DVD

ROM Single layer: 15GB
ROM Dual layer: 30GB
RW single layer: Not yet available
RW dual layer: Not yet available
Highest test: 45GB
Theoretical limit: 60GB

Blu-Ray

ROM single layer: 23.3 / 25GB
ROM dual layer: 46.6 / 50GB
RW single layer: 23.3 / 25 / 27GB
RW dual layer: 46.6 / 50 / 54GB
Highest test: 100GB
Theoretical limit: 200GB

Both formats use the following codecs:

MPEG-2
Microsoft Video Codec 1 (aka VC1, WMV HD, etc.)
H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC

The final aspect is cost, HD-DVD player are considerably cheaper than Blu-Ray players but the Blu-Ray format has a advantage of the Sony PS3 that comes with a built in high end Blu-Ray player for about £430 whilst Xbox 360 users have to but a drive for an extra £150. The PS3 also comes with a larger hard drive, a built in card reader and HDMI support vital to get the best picture quality when HD is concerned.

So what do you think will win in the HD format battle? well hopefully this article has helped you make up your mind on what you will be backing. Thanks for Reading!