Microsoft and Intel join forces to push HD DVD as industry choice for next-generation optical format
In a joint press release issued Monday, Microsoft and Intel endorsed the HD DVD standard as they path of choice for next-generation DVD drives. HD DVD is supported by the DVD Forum and Toshiba, whereas Sony and others have backed the rival Blu-Ray technology. Both fellow EDN blogger Brian Dipert and I have posted numerous items on the format war – check the end of this post for links.
Ironically, the subject came up at the Powerline Technology Forum on Tuesday – see “Powerline group gathers to talk A/V, BPL, and control.” Intel executive Donald MacDonald was speaking about digital media and content and HomePlug technology, and stressed the need for cooperation in developing interoperable open standards. MacDonald pointed out that the DVD battle was holding back the adoption of HD video and pledged that Intel and Microsoft were going to move the industry forward via support for HD DVD. Lately, article after article in the business and trade press has pointed out how Sony is often its own worst enemy. As I’ve stated many times, Sony needs to stop worrying about royalty revenue that comes from owning IP that gets adopted in a standard and instead concentrate on innovative products. But I don’t see that Intel and Microsoft have that much leverage in influencing the adoption of HD DVD since the major content owners have taken sides as well.
Links:
“Beating the blue-laser blues.”
“HD Stalled.”
“In-Stat’s Kaufhold offers a unique take on high definition DVD.”
“Have the studios tipped their hand in HD DVD?”
“The Sony tax.”
