If CR (computed radiography) and DR (direct radiography) were on a reality show today—let's say an American Idol of the medical world—the two would very likely be facing each other in the finals. DR would be the contestant with fresh appeal and a faster tempo. CR would be the contender whose range and abilities show more flexibility but whose style is not necessarily next-generation.

Unlike the American Idol winner who will be chosen by summer and selected more because of popularity than ability, the CR versus DR competition is likely to play out for some time to come and will, in the end, be judged by performance.

The competition between the two modalities is as tough as that among the singers on television. From the technologist's perspective, CR and DR are fairly well matched. Both are digital modalities and offer related advantages. "The advantage of having a digital image, whether CR or DR, is that you have a wider dynamic range and can take advantage of advanced processing tools that can enhance the image. The postprocessing functions are often the same, whether CR or DR. 

So the bottom line is both are winners in this contest. The real contest between these two should be "Cost vs Speed"!