I agree with naznatips, the two formats are competing for chump change (at least compared to dvd). But recent HD DVD victories like PAramount, Dreamworks and cheap players mean this format war has a long way to go. But if Blu-ray doesnt at the very least force a draw, the PS3 will go the way of the dreamcast. (i think that blu-ray is a shoe-in for a draw at least, im just saying IF it lost, the PS3 is a goner)

Hmmm, the fact remains is that the new HD formats are well ahead of where DVD was at the same point in it's life.

HD DVD player prices are already getting close to the point where people will just buy it instead of a DVD player and once the media prices come down there will be no point in buying DVDs anymore. It's quite possible that the likes of Paramount and Universal might release ALL films as DVD/HD DVD dual format in the future.

PS There is NO difference between feeding a 1080p display 1080i or 1080p from a HD DVD or Blu Ray film. It's a completely lossless conversion.

That's not true at all.  The only difference is that Blu-Ray had a movie sell 100,000 copies faster than ever before.  It takes both formats combined to even get near the market share that DVD had at this point in it's life.  Really all that stuff like this does is draw it out even longer, and make it harder for the consumer to make a decision.  This gives alternate formats even more time to develop.  If one side wins, it will be the one that's cheapest.  I would say at this point that's most likely to be HD DVD.  I still have no confidence in that yet though.  I'm not saying it's impossible for one to win, just unlikely.

Lol, I wonder if KZ3 will return to the thread...

 I lol'd

 You do realize that most sales people are just regular people who fit into at least one of two catagories:
1) The work at a place like Best Buy where there's no commission, don't care what they sell, and generally aren't an expert. 
2) Work at a place like Tweeter, do get commission, and will tell you anything to get you to buy the more expensive 1080p TV.

Ah...let's see what's in store for Xmas. MSRP 199 = probably 150 at Walmart.
And the announced 42" 720p/1080i at walmart for $699, or the 32" for $299-399.

So if I want a 32" just to get into high def for this holiday, probably get the $299 + 150-199 hd dvd player = 500 bucks for high def! Yay.

If i want a bigger TV like say 42", then 699 + 150-199 =

I may toss this on the Christmas list if it gets released by then. I won't bother buying the normal Heroes DVD as I'd rebuy it again at $40 on the hi-def format which costs me the same $80 amount in the end. Plus, after watching the show in 1080i all year, I can't go back to 480.

 That's actually really interesting to know, I never realized that.  I still don't really have an interest to invest in either yet (though Amazon deal did get me considering it for about an hour) but that's good for HD DVD I suppose-- too bad nobody really knows about that to make it worthwhile though.  :-/

Suuuuuuuuuuure it is. You may be able to fool some people, but I know better. I bet all those people buying $1000 LCDs are buying 1080p televisions. Oh wait, no they're not. All those lower market LCDs are 720p. But keep believing anything you want if it makes you feel better in the morning.