Toshiba is leading HD DVD format group and has Microsoft, Intel and NEC in its side -- but only three movie studios so far.

The battle between these two formats could be decided early -- depending on the specific films that are released at the outset.

If HD DVD debuts with big-name popular titles, and if they can pack a variety of extras in, somehow, it might get an early lead that can't be overtaken even by the larger capacity format. Anyone who builds a sizable film library on one format is going to be reluctant to switch.

But if the quality and name recognition is not there, or if Blu-ray manufacturers minimize or eliminate the price differential, HD DVD could become the Betamax of the new century.

So what's a home entertainment junkie to do?

This is the time for patience.

By Christmas 2006, a check of your local video rental store should decide matters. If the shelves are packed with movies in one particular high-definition format, then that will point to the machine to buy.

Of course, we can always hope that the industry comes to its senses and offers machines that can play either format.

PRODUCT COMPARISON

HD - DVD Manufacturers: Toshiba, Panasonic, Dell Price: $499.00 HD-A1  $799 HD-XA1 Availability: April 2006 Storage: 15 gigabytes single, 30 gigabytes double Supporters: Microsoft, Intel, NEC   BLU-RAY Manufacturers: Samsung, Sony Price: $1,000 BDP-1000a Availability: July 2006 Storage: 25 gigabytes single, 50 gigabytes double Supporters: Major Hollywood studios

Terry Jackson is the home technology columnist for The Miami Herald.