HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray

Has anyone had the opportunity to really test the two formats side by side? I am thinking about replacing my CRT RPTV (540p max resolution) with a LCoS/SXRD/D-ILA RPTV type to get true 1080p. The industry types I speak to seem to think that HD-DVD is going to win but it's too early to call for me. Speaking of the LCoS/SXRD/D-ILA debate, has anyone had the chance to subject those OEMS together? I ask this knowing that Toshiba is supposed to come out with the "SED" technology next year.

Both formats are too young to offer a really good idea of what they are capable of, both on the hardware and the software sides. As an example, it hasn't been possible to accurately compare the two side-by-side because the only Blu-ray player available until just recently was the Samsung, which had a significant problem with its HDMI video output. HD-DVD has certainly had a better year than Blu-ray, but I really don't think anybody can count either format out yet.

I haven't looked closely at any of the LCoS displays out there, but everything I've been hearing gives Sony and their SXRD displays top marks. A co-worker just picked up a 60" SXRD just a few days ago, but I haven't gotten to see it yet.

A freind of mine has the Sony SXRD. Saw it last weekend. I wasn't impressed comparing it to my Mitsubishi DLP. It seemed to have "jagged" edges when changing between scenes on the Pats game. It could be a set up issue with the set though.

Has anybody checked the latest 1080p front projecters? Say Mitsubishi, Optoma, Sony and Panasonic, those 4 just came out lately?
Any user experience?

Kwok

Blu-Ray should fair better once they use more VC-1 codec over mpeg2. This has been hd-dvd's biggest advantage as the software has been very well done with the new compression codec.

Still too early to tell which will win. That said, I recommend hd-dvd due to it's low price and better performance at the moment.

I have both formats (Sony Blu-Ray player, Toshiba HD-A1 and HD-A2). Picture wise, I really can't tell the difference (running them to a Sony SRDX 60" (1080i LCOS set). All three players provide stunning video. Audio wise, running a 990 and a 770 with Mirage speakers (4 HDT-Rs, center HDT-F, 2 OM-5 fronts and Mirage 400 sub and Velodyne 10" sub). Generally, I am more impressed with the Blu-Ray audio. However, some of my HD-DVDs easily rival the Blu-Rays (Batman Begins, for example), which leads me to believe that mastering is a big factor. Running optical cable so not using new DD formats for HD. The HD-A2 does not have 5.1 analog outs so that is not an option for that player. Will keep the HD-A2, however as load times are much faster than with the HD-A1. Very impressed with both technologies, but realize that one will "win out" at some point. Both have excellent upconversion feature. Very happy so far. Had the Samsung Blu-Ray for a while and would not recommend it for a variety of reasons.

Mike