I think the name HD-DVD confuses people. The HD in HD-DVD doesn't mean the same thing as it does with HDTV. HD TV is high definition. HD-DVD is High Density. Basically meaning more data can be stored on it, plus the other snazzy features documented above.

So just because you want to get on the HD bandwagon, you don't have to buy one format or the other. They both support High Definition output.

BTW, the best format doesn't always win, as seen in the VHS/Betamax war.