Should You Jump to High-Def DVD This Holiday Season?

High-definition DVD formats will get their first big test this holiday season, as consumer electronics makers hope to get you to shell out some big bucks for the latest generation of hardware. Should you do it? Is it worth spending $400 to $1,000 for the absolute best video quality you can get? Don't pull the trigger just yet. Here are a few things to think about before you plunk down your Visa.

• The Picture's Killer - Everyone who's used a high-def player has raved about the video. If the special someone on your gift list has eagle eyes, he may really appreciate the added detail and clarity that Blu-ray and HD-DVD offer. (Tragically, this is pretty much the only positive of note, so get ready for some drawbacks...)
• You Need an HDTV - There's no point getting a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player unless you've got the rest of the setup, which means an HDTV with an HDMI connection if you want the absolute highest-quality picture.
• You Need a Lot of Cash - The cheapest HD-DVD player still runs about $500 ($400 if you're willing to go with a less reputable seller). The only Blu-ray player on the market runs $800 to $1,000, and Sony's (delayed) player will cost about the same.
• You Need a Lot of Patience - Early reviews of high-def players have been lukewarm at best. There are also major concerns over the DRM schemes in both HD-DVD and Blu-ray players, and you might find your gear crippled down the line if you try to play "unsanctioned" films on it.
• High-Def Movies Cost More - Expect to pay an extra two bucks or so per disc. Also note that "extras" like interviews and featurettes will almost always still be in regular resolution. This may be moot, however. Right now there are only a few dozen discs available for either format. This should get better by December, though.
• The Game Console Factor - If you've got a gamer in the family, remember that the upcoming PS3 will include a Blu-ray drive and Microsoft will soon be releasing an add-on for the Xbox 360 that will play HD-DVD discs. This might be a much less expensive way (the PS3 will be $500 or $600 depending on configuration) to dabble in high-def content and you won't have to wait long to get one.
• That Format War Issue - Like it or not, one of these formats is probably going to go away in a couple of years. Problem is, no one can say which one. Who wants to get stuck with an expensive boat anchor? Not me.

So, should you buy one? That's a decision only you can make for yourself, but I'll tell you one thing: I'm personally sticking with good old DVD for 2007. 

Need more of a primer on Blu-ray and HD-DVD? Click the link and read all about it.