Before You Buy a Blu-ray Disc Player or HD-DVD Player

NOTICE: HD-DVD is now officially discontinued. However, information on HD-DVD, and its comparison to Blu-ray, is still contained in this article because they are still in use and movies are still available.

Blu-ray and HD-DVD both utilize new Blue Laser and video compression technology to achieve high definition video playback on the same size disc as a standard DVD.

Even though the underlying concept of Blu-ray and HD-DVD are the same, the way they are implemented is slightly different, resulting in two incompatible formats (remember VHS vs BETA).

Films are available on Blu-ray and HD-DVD. Prices for titles are $5-or-$10 more than current DVDs.

With HD-DVD now officially discontinued all of the major studios are now releasing their high definition content on Blu-ray Disc. There are now very few releases coming out on HD-DVD. However, there are some great HD-DVD disc bargains on secondary market sources, such as eBAY.

Blu-ray and HD-DVD player manufacturers have included the ability for their units to playback standard DVDs, this is expected to continue. This means your current DVD library is playable on either a Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player.

Also, when playing a standard DVD in a Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player, you can view it at standard resolution or have the player upscale the DVD playback signal to match 720p/1080i, or in some cases, 1080p mode, which will be a better match on compatible HDTVs.

Most Blu-ray and HD-DVD players and, and will be, compatible with standard CDs, however, there are some exceptions. If you require this compatibility, check to see if the official Compact Disc logo is on the front panel of the player, or that you at least ask the salesperson. To make sure, you can sometimes download the user manual from the manufacturer's website ahead of time, or, better yet, bring a CD with with you to the dealer and make sure it plays.

Blu-ray and HD-DVD players have the same connections as a standard DVD player: Composite, S-Video, and Component video outputs, Analog Stereo, Digital Optical, and Digital Coaxial Audio outputs.

Two additional outputs:

1. HDMI, which can transfer high definition video and digital audio to a TV or AV receiver that is equipped with an HDMI or DVI-HDCP input via an adapter.

2. 5.1 channel analog outputs that transfer a decoded surround sound signal to AV receivers that have 5.1 analog inputs.

Blu-ray and HD-DVD players can be connected to any TV that has at least Composite video inputs. However, the only way to access high definition Blu-ray resolution is through the HDMI connection, or Component Video connections.

NOTE: Although high definition resolution can be accessed using Component Video connections of a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player, this is at the movie studios' discretion. In the future, discs may be encoded to limit access to high definition resolution only by the HDMI connection.

As of 2008, HD-DVD players can be found for as low as $99, but are very hard to find, since HD-DVD is now discontiuned, while Blu-ray Players start at $250 and go up to about $1,900. You may also find some remaining Blu-ray/HD-DVD combo players from LG and Samsung.

When you by a player in either format, take into consideration the cost of connection cables, as well as the $5 to $10 dollars more for each new Blu-ray. Also, keep in mind that no more HD-DVD movies are being released.

For more on Blu-ray, check out Carey Bryson, About.com Guide for Kid's TV and Movies: What is Blu-ray and How Will It Impact My Family?

If you are willing to take the plunge, consider a Blu-ray disc player, as HD-DVD is no longer a viable choice going forward. However, another option might be to consider a Blu-ray/HD-DVD combo player, as long as they are available.

Also, instead of waiting, you can enjoy true hi-definition Disc right how with a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player, especially if you have a large screen HDTV or HD-video projector.

However, if you are on a budget or don't wish to risk it now, for less than $150, there are DVD players with 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling capability that narrow the gap between standard DVD and Blu-ray or HD-DVD.