December 17th 2005

HP Backs HD-DVD

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HP has joined the HD-DVD promotions group in a move that will see it back both of the next-generation DVD formats.

The support for HD-DVD is not surprising given the fact that HP has moved in the last month to position itself away from Blu-Ray and had even issued an ultimatum about two technologies supported by HD-DVD, but not by the alternative, Sony-backed, format.
Mandatory Managed Copy allows users to copy legally purchased discs onto hard drives for streaming around a home network. HD-DVD also uses an XML-based technology known as iHD, reportedly supported in Windows Vista, for providing interactivity, whereas Blu-Ray uses the rival BD Java.

"By joining the HD-DVD Promotions Group and continuing work with the Blu-Ray Disc Association, HP will be in a better position to assess true development costs and, ultimately, provide the best and most affordable solution for consumers," HP said in a fence-sitting move.

The news comes at an uncomfortable time for HD-DVD with the admission that the launch of the format might be delayed until the end of Q1 next year, bringing it into direct competition with Blu-Ray.