Great post on engadget tonight summarizing the background, the issues and the formats. Read it there. Excerpt:
“ Well, as far as HD DVD vs. Blu-ray goes, it looks like we’ve pretty much passed the point of no return now; with each passing day it seems less and less likely that a compromise will be reached on a next-gen format. The ongoing peace talks between the two camps, which have been on-again, off-again for months now, seem to have finally dissolved. It’s disappointing, but however you feel about the fact that the HD DVD and Blu-ray factions squandered countless chances to make it right and come together, it looks like in just a few short months they’re going to be duking it out mano a mano right in our livingrooms. ”
The article ends with “Version 1.0, last updated 9.19.2005 ”, so it should get updated every now and then. And in the comments section, Blu-Ray seems to win with a few miles ahead.