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Most of us have a DVD collection, but many wonder what is going to happen as high definition DVDs (HD DVD) become available. Also, some may be asking, why is this new high definition DVD technology better?

HD DVD promises superior picture and audio quality with a greater storage capacity, enabling longer movies to be stored on a single disc. This new technology should be available sometime in late 2005, but may be delayed because of a battle between 2 different formats. Both formats use blue-laser technology which allows for a much higher storage capacity than the traditional 4.5GB that standard DVDs offer. However, Blu-ray technology claims a storage capacity of up to 50GB, while HD DVD format can hold about 30GB.

Do not get confused with terms and definitions. Both Blu-ray and HD DVD are high definition DVD formats. HD DVD decided to use a title that clearly associates it with high definition technology. Blu-ray is named for the blue laser technology, which makes the 10x storage capacity possible.

Both DVD formats have many large companies backing them, which makes it harder for a clear resolution anytime soon. One of the main reasons this battle is causing problems, is that hardware manufacturers that plan on releasing high definition DVD players have to make a risky decision on which format to choose. If they choose the wrong format it could cost them millions of dollars. Take a look back at history and imagine if you chose the Beta-Max format for VCR's - Ouch!

Movie studios claim the main advantage of HD DVD technology is that it is similar to that of standard DVD, which can reduce the time and cost of manufacturing discs and recorders. The main advantage of Blu-ray is increased storage capacity. An extra 20GB is huge, especially to video game companies that would like to include games along with movies.

Back to the original questions. All high definition DVD players will also be able to read your old DVDs - so do not throw them out or try and sell them on eBay. With that said, you will get a much better picture quality with HD DVD only if you have a high definition television. It would not make any sense to go out and buy a new HD DVD player and connect it to a standard analog television. Maybe this is why so many entertainment and computer companies are getting involved - money! If you have not already purchased and HD television then this is one more reason to do so!

It is a known fact that time brings change. Yes, we may be happy with our current entertainment system watching movies on standard DVDs. Remember when you switched from VHS tapes to DVDs? Looking back, I remember many people who thought VHS was "close enough" to DVD quality. They seemed to try and hang on to their old VHS tapes for as long as possible. I assume the same things will happen with the transition to HD DVD. Some will switch quickly and some will resist, but after a few years we will all look back and wonder why any one questioned HD DVD!

Companies supporting the Blu-ray Disc Association
Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Walt Disney, Electronics Arts, Vivendi Universal Games, Sun Microsystems, and Texas Instruments

Companies supporting the HD DVD format
Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Paramount Home Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, HBO, and New Line Cinema

Free DVD Rental Comparison Many are taking advantage of the free DVD rental trial periods. A lot has been written about which company is better and how best to choose between them. Most articles focus on two main points, price and selection, however they leave out one very important factor time!

Online DVD Rentals It started with a company in California named Netflix. The idea was to offer DVD rentals by mail with no late fees. They eventually went public and raised money for more distribution centers. This would allow most customers to receive their movies in one or two days. They attracted the attention of two companies called Blockbuster and Wal-Mart. Let the competition begin!

How to sell DVDs and Video Games on eBay It is very easy to dust off these items and sell them on eBay. You don't even need to take pictures. eBay has made listing DVDs and videos games very easy!

Format Battle Brews Over Next-Gen DVD The DVD Forum is meeting in Seattle this week and one of its goals is the approval of the first commercial version of the HD-DVD blue-laser based disc format aimed at high-definition television and movies.