MagicMtnDan
09-28-2005, 12:49 PM
Blu-ray Takes Blow as Intel, MS Go with HD DVD
9/27/2005
The Blu-ray Disc Association took a blow this morning when both Intel and Microsoft announced they would support the HD DVD Promotion Group and its HD DVD format for next-generation DVD technology.
Lead HD DVD companies Toshiba, Sanyo, NEC and Memory-Tech made the announcement out of Tokyo stating: "The participation of the two global leaders in the IT industry will assure enhancement of HD DVD format promotion, bring their technical and marketing expertise to the group, and will contribute to the early market penetration of HD DVD products."
The move by Intel and Microsoft – both of which have remained neutral on next-generation DVD until this point – means impending Intel Viiv consumer electronics chips and PCs running Microsoft's upcoming Windows Vista operating system will come with support for HD DVD. The garnering of HD DVD support is less one for the DVD realm and more one for the PC’s place in the connected home, said In-Stat Principal Analyst Gerry Kaufhold.
“HD DVD has in the specification the ability for a consumer to take the HD DVD movie that they have and rip it on to their PC. It’s called a manage copy,” he said noting that ability could be a big money saver for consumers as the connected home catches on and DVD users look to watch content in different locations through the home.
“If you look at what Microsoft and Intel do, anytime you can support something that will sell more PCs it’s good for Microsoft and Intel. Obviously, Microsoft and Intel want to see PCs used as entertainment devices.”
The decision to side with HD DVD also pits Intel and Microsoft against Blu-ray backers and long-time consumer electronics world kingpins like Sony and Philips.
“This could help HD DVD gain traction in the North American market. The connected digital home approach is primarily being focused in the North American market right now. It probably doesn’t hurt Blu-ray outside of North America,” Kaufhold said.
As of today, the HD DVD format has 110 companies backing it.
9/27/2005
The Blu-ray Disc Association took a blow this morning when both Intel and Microsoft announced they would support the HD DVD Promotion Group and its HD DVD format for next-generation DVD technology.
Lead HD DVD companies Toshiba, Sanyo, NEC and Memory-Tech made the announcement out of Tokyo stating: "The participation of the two global leaders in the IT industry will assure enhancement of HD DVD format promotion, bring their technical and marketing expertise to the group, and will contribute to the early market penetration of HD DVD products."
The move by Intel and Microsoft – both of which have remained neutral on next-generation DVD until this point – means impending Intel Viiv consumer electronics chips and PCs running Microsoft's upcoming Windows Vista operating system will come with support for HD DVD. The garnering of HD DVD support is less one for the DVD realm and more one for the PC’s place in the connected home, said In-Stat Principal Analyst Gerry Kaufhold.
“HD DVD has in the specification the ability for a consumer to take the HD DVD movie that they have and rip it on to their PC. It’s called a manage copy,” he said noting that ability could be a big money saver for consumers as the connected home catches on and DVD users look to watch content in different locations through the home.
“If you look at what Microsoft and Intel do, anytime you can support something that will sell more PCs it’s good for Microsoft and Intel. Obviously, Microsoft and Intel want to see PCs used as entertainment devices.”
The decision to side with HD DVD also pits Intel and Microsoft against Blu-ray backers and long-time consumer electronics world kingpins like Sony and Philips.
“This could help HD DVD gain traction in the North American market. The connected digital home approach is primarily being focused in the North American market right now. It probably doesn’t hurt Blu-ray outside of North America,” Kaufhold said.
As of today, the HD DVD format has 110 companies backing it.