As someone who is not a professional in this field, I see this Features & Benefits argument this way:

If “pixelvision” (fisher price?) offered the most outstanding professional features, but still offered only its basic ultra-low resolution display, who would choose it over a superior resolution picture which may require more effort to tame?

I remember early in the 90’s, when Chrysler Corp.’s advertising campaign would take on every competitor from Honda to BMW by showcasing their cars’ superior “Features” and "options".

Later, once Chrysler began to manufacture cars which stood out on their own, Chrysler’s advertising shifted its focus to the cars themselves.

This current debate comparing DV with HD sounds eerily similar. For those daring few who demand speed, the Indy 500/Formula 1 type racer is the only way to go, even if it requires more skill and effort. For those who demand comfort with plenty of features, the market offers the family mini-van.

Currently the market is in a (temporary) transition phase. In a short time, there will be numerous competitive HD models from many manufacturers, with features galore, and NO ONE will be making this comparison.

Brian

Agreed! I heartily look forward to an HDV Sony PD150 or an HDV Canon XL2, or an HDV JVC DV5000U, or especially an HDV Panasonic DVX100...

HDV Canon XL2 --- perhaps in heaven...