How can an XBOX Live WMV encoded video which has 720p/1080i and only 6.5 Megabits per second (VBR) compare to an HD DVD, which has the potential to go up to 1080p and 36.55 Megabits per second? It can, and it turns out there's not as much difference between the two as you might think.

By recording, breaking down, and comparing two clips, one HD DVD and one XBL WMV, Brandon Wirtz and Jake Ludington of eHomeUpgrade.com came to the conclusion that there is really no noticeable difference to the average viewer, actually most viewers, between the two versions if you don't have a 1080p TV that's been correctly calibrated.

What Brandon Wirtz and Jake Ludington mean by calibrated is by a manufacturer technician who accounts for the rooms lighting, viewing distance, and sources to give your TV the optimal picture.

The main difference and the thing to point out is Windows Media Encoded files can't display true blacks because it's calibrated for NTSC color space instead of ATSC color space, and it isn’t noticeable unless someone points it out.

In short, unless you're a true videophile that spent hours calibrating your TV (or paid someone to do it for you), have a 1080p set with true digital running in, and have a theatre-lit room, you probably won't notice, or be able to tell, the difference.