[bobgpsr]

Blu-ray was/is designed for recording 2 hour movies using the MPEG2 video codec with LPCM audio. This required the 50 GB storage size and 48 Mbps transfer rate. A good technical fit for this recording application -- but makes for a non-compatible with DVD production and expensive stamped production process for mass produced two layer 50 GB BD-ROM (hard to get the protective clear coat to be even on the outer part of the disc -- it bunches up).

HD DVD was design for lower cost, mass produced, HD DVD-ROM that can use existing DVD lines with an upgrade that is not outragous. It does required advanced video codecs (VC-1 or AVC) and advanced audio codecs to get a 2 to 3 hr movie to fit on a two layer 30 GB disc.

Each was designed with different constraints -- but each works well at providing 1920x1080p24 movie playback with improved audio. Both use 405 nm blue/violet laser diodes.

To call either a "gimmick" is not valid, IMHO.

BD has won -- but not for technical or even mass market reasons (PS3 users != people have spoken) -- again IMHO.