HD DVD or Blu-Ray players [off topic, kind of]

[Rich Z]

Been thinking about going to a high definition DVD player and figured I would throw this topic out for discussion here.

I am currently using an up-converting Panasonic DVD player to a 50 inch 1080i Panasonic plasma flat screen. Results are pretty good, but I'm thinking maybe the new high definition movies might be even better.

But it appears to be a war going on between the two competing formats (HD-DVD and Blu-Ray) with no clear leader at the moment that I can tell. Seems to be about the same number of movies available from each, but apparently some movie producers are backing one format, and others backing the competition, EXCLUSIVELY. So this could be a real pain in the butt if a particular movie is in the format other than what you have a player for.

I've heard of dual format players, but apparently that is still in it's infancy. Generally I have found a jack of all trades is a master of none, as well, so I'm guessing such a player would not be exceptional in either one of those two formats.

So, anyone else out there following this situation as well and able to provide any input as to their own opinions or experiences?

Going back and replacing all my current SD DVDs with the new format is out. Just did that recently (not completely, yet) going from VHS tape to DVD, so trying to convince Connie that I need to do that will likely get me killed. So I would need to ease into this gradually.......