in effect a 1x DVD rom reads 10.5 MB/s a 1x Blu-ray drive reads 36MB/s by definition a blu-ray drive is about 3 times the read speed of a DVD drive.

Have some arbitrary rotation speed info! For a 12x dvd-drive Approx. 7,070 rpm (DVD-ROM single layer) Approx. 5,180 rpm (DVD-ROM dual layer) is expected. A 2x BD-drive spins at about 1,700RPM.
this means little to nothing on the read speed honestly the read speed is mostly dependant on the disc density and the capability of the drive. By definition a BD-drive reads faster but rotates slower reducing noise.

in perfect honesty the PS3s constant read speed with a 2x BD-drive is slower than a 12x DVD-drives -max- read speed by a little bit. I believe about 40mb/s but it is faster than a DVD-drive minimum read speed by about 15mb/s

Had Sony put a 4x drive in the PS3 the read speed on the PS3 would constantly surpass the 360's read speed.

Edit: Even if Xbox360's read speed for DVD-DL discs like stated above is only 8X even that would exceed a 2x BD drive at max read. This time the difference would be about 72mb/s for Blu-ray and about 90mb/s for DVD-DL however again BD wins over the minimum read speed for an 8x DVD by about 22 mb/s

Edit2: Let mes stress I say even if because I'm almost positive a DVD-DL read speed is about 2/3 of a DVD with a single layer due to reduced rotation speed. However not knowing exact specs for the 360's drive I will not say with 100% certainty.

The thing about the install is that it could've been done once if sony didn't put a limit on gamedata. Frankly, its not that hard to upgrade a ps3 HD and its easy to delete old gamedata so they shouldn't have put a limit.

Secondly, dvd only works for games that can use multiple discs like adventure games,etc. Imagine a racer like GT5 with all its content, how would it be possible for a racer to span multiple discs?

That is a read only drive.

It'll never happen because of cost to produce them.

Urm, he didnt set anything straight.

His assesment is just plain wrong.

First off let me say that its way better to see a movie on Blu Ray then on DVD. But this thread (and video consoles) isn't about movies but games.

Games are getting bigger and more complex, the pinnacle of video gaming on the PS3 console is currently MGS 4. The game is a masterpiece in many ways. Its a game that we all know would take multiple DVD's if it ever goes to the 360. I personally believe it will be a PS3 exclusive forever! But let's pretend the game does make it to the 360 and 360 users are forced to switch disc each act of the game. This would be seen as a negative on the 360... but is it?

Well let's compare!

- 360 users would have to switch disc 4 to 5 times, wasting about 30-45 seconds per switch
- PS3 users have to install new acts 4 times, wasting 1-3 minutes per install

I'm not even counting the 8 minute install needed at the start of the game, but it does seem that a 30-45 sec "switch" is less intrusive then a 3 minute install. I see no reason why this trend isn't followed in other big complex games such as FFXIII. PS3 users arn't complaining and 360 users are even getting the option in the upcoming patches. In the end it comes down to gamer's preferences, so I ask...

What would you prefer?

*MGS 4 install time http://dlb-network.com/2008/06/metal-gear-solid-4-install-time-break-down/

Except flash memory today is much cheaper and far more flexible than ROM memory of the past. DS is a testament to that. Originally PSP touted a higher storage space for games but DS has surpassed it and the games are cheaper to purchase, generally speaking of course.

Okay then if it's wrong prove me wrong. I'm only going from specs on tech sites and from manufacturers. It's not to say the 360 outperforms the PS3 and I'm not going on bias. To be quite truthful the 12x speed might be moot anyway as most 360 games are DL anyway.

Edit: If I'm wrong I'll happily retract my statement and gladly admit to it, but I'm pretty confident in most of what I said. I should note I still give the battle to the 2x blu-ray drive because it reads higher density discs more effeciently as most DVD's need to be dual layer for the more modern games with bigger graphics.