If the specs were 100% identical I would buy the HD-DVD because that is currently my preferred platform and I'd want to show my support by buying the title for it.

Get an HDMI->DVI converter for the Crystalio?

The only way to get greyscale correct is with measurement hardware - it's incredibly difficult to do it accurately by eye. It's not unusual for the darkest greys to take on strong colouration until they are calibrated correctly.

Mark