Both sides in the Blu Ray-HD DVD format war are passionate and vocal about their format being better. Here are 5 reasons why HD DVD is the superior format:

1. HD DVD software was ready from the launch of the format. Blu Ray, on the other hand, is still waiting for it's encryption scheme to start being utilized. Also, at launch and for several months after, Sony was incapable of making a dual layer disc. Early Blu Ray discs have less storage capacity than HD DVD.

2. Interactive extra features. HD DVD has alternate audio tracks, like DVD, but on HD DVD they have picture in picture of the commentator overlaid on the screen. Another implementation is picture in picture windows that pop up in certain scenes that contain relevant making of clips. The interactive features of Blu Ray are still missing in action, so this is a big plus for HD DVD.

3. No regional copyright protection. Unlike DVD, an HD DVD player will play any HD DVD disc, from anywhere in the world. This is important because regional distribution rights for movie are awarded on a per region basis. What does it mean for the HD DVD owner? Some of those Blu Ray exclusive titles can be imported on HD DVD. Average cost for import HD DVDs is $32.95 to $35.95, so there is a premium that comes with being able to enjoy them.

4. Cheaper hardware. The cost to buy in is substantially cheaper with HD DVD. $244 for the entry level HD DVD player vs. $488 for the entry level Blu Ray player.

5. Sony hasn't been able to turn their overwhelming advantage in hardware sales (10 to 1 by their account) into software sales that deliver the kill stroke to HD DVD. HD DVD holds a steady 33%-40% share of high definition disc sales, which is more than respectable given the hardware disparity. Toshiba will be releasing their third generation of HD DVD players this September. This shows me that Toshiba doesn't intend to throw in the towel, at least anytime soon.

Obviously there is more to the format war than 5 reasons why one is better than the other. Sit tight, we’ll be talking about Blu Ray vs. HD DVD until one format goes away. Neither format seems capable of delivering the killing stroke, so this could drag on for a while.