@kber81:

Actually, the manufacturing process required for Blu-ray discs makes them inherently more expensive for movie production studios than HD-DVD discs (from a cost standpoint, anyway).

"high-res" audio? Come on...
Besides 1,5mbps is like massive in terms of audio, and the compression mostly linearisises the amplifier in the end.

Oh well, some people still even use 96khz 32 bit audio. None of them knows what is means, but hey it sure looks great in specs doesn't it?
Looks like a Lair to me.

@kber81:

I don't know where your numbers are from, but I'm more specifically referring to the initial investment required. HD-DVD discs are the same thickness as DVDs, and it is possible to convert DVD manufacturing equipment into HD-DVD equipment relatively cheaply because of this. Blu-ray discs are a different thickness and require entirely new and considerably more expensive equipment.

Also we should consider people buy more blu-ray movies so costs are even lower when you replicate 200k blu ray discs than 80k hd-dvd discs. Initial investements? Sony makes all blu ray discs. It have nothing to do with movie producers.

I'm banking heavily on HD-DVD winning this. It's still too early to tell but I believe HD-DVD will give the consumer everything they want. Blu-Ray's advantages seem more geared on the market towards tech-heads and technophiles from what I've seen (no offense to those here who are rooting for it).

Just my thoughts on the matter.

@kber81:

Sony does not make all Blu-ray discs. Where did you hear that?

 Hmm, I don't know. I have heard about this somewhere... Care to prove me wrong?

@kber81:

Well, companies like Verbatim produce BD-R discs, for example...

Hmm, It looks like I've mixed some facts up. Anyway, initial costs is something what concern manufacturer. Obviously it affects on the final price of the product but definitely bigger demend on bd keeps costs at least on the HD-DVD level. New HD discs will be more expensive. It's clear at least for me.