Okay. Let's assume that it is down the road. One week, one month, one year from now. So what has happened? There are at least three questions we should ask ourselves.

1.) How are the other studioes going to make the transition to Blu-ray? Do they have the infrastructure for HD DVD in place still? For both? If not, who is it farmed out to if it is currently done that way by a second party?
2.) Will the Sony - Phillips "evil" axis punish them (those that chose HD DVD) by charging them a premium in licensing fees and if so what will be the repercussion to the studios, writers, actors, and the public?
3.) Because of this, will the studios, Sony - Phillips now charge us a higher price now that there is no competition to Blu-ray?
4.) Is there any future "tech" that will keep the Studios/Sony - Phillips/Blu-ray honest and prevent them from getting becoming sloppy in production and arrogant in pricing?
5.) For those that went to HD DVD will their hardware be supported for a reasonable amount of time after its format "demise?"

Why do I get the feeling that we are being set up for a "cash shit shellacing" and getting our pockets picked? Is it just me? What do all y'all think?

I didn't go to HD DVD, still saving a little to get a B-Ray player. We also need to know everything that begins must end. Same thing happened to vinyl records, audio tapes, CD's and now HD DVD's. We all have to "enjoy" it while it lasts 'til a new stuff comes out to revolutionize again.

The price of the players will come down once they are selling millions of them. Samsung, Sharp, LG, and Panasonic make Blu-Ray players so Sony can't fix the prices. NetFlix rents Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs for the same money as regular DVDs so all I need is the player. I can't see buying movies in either format at this point.

You're right TB but unlike iPods, they were a lot cheaper at the beginning, when they realized they were selling big, they rose the price. At least over here my 30Gb iPod goes aroud $500. Sadly this is the "country" where only wealthy ones can afford such gadgets. PS3's are here around $1500, that's why I need to save a little. I got a real fast PC that virtually runs every last gen game at max detail but want a PS3 not only for the bundled Blu-Ray player but also for a few exclusive games.

I'll keep using dvd's

When the dust settles I'll make a decision what I'm going to do.

Good call Bart. You remember when CD burners first came out. It was catch as catch can as far as compatability.

Thanks Ron. I don't believe it serves any consumer's purpose (or walletski) to rush in or make a hasty decision. First and early second generation h.w. is usually filled with bugs, has compatability issues and costs the consumer lots of glue, time and aggro. No thanks.

bump because I recently saw that even though the HD-DVD format is pretty much officially dead, companies are still producing and selling HD-DVDs, even for new releases.