Apple Computer Backs Blu-Ray DVD Format

[akrako1]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20050311/D88OQKAG1.html

Apple Computer Backs Blu-Ray DVD Format
Mar 11, 9:24 AM (ET)

TOKYO (AP) - Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL) is supporting the Blu-ray format for next-generation DVDs, giving it a boost over a rival format known as HD-DVD in the competition over setting a new standard for recording high-definition video and other digital information.

Both technologies promise more storage capacity and enhanced video quality over current DVDs, including the ability to record high-definition video. Both can be used to store movies, games, photos and other digital information.

Apple, which makes Macintosh computers and iPod portable music players, will become a member of the board of directors of the Blu-ray Disc Association, the consortium that supports and promotes the Blu-ray format, it said in a statement.

Other members of the Blu-ray alliance include Japanese electronics makers Sony Corp. (SNE) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Dell Inc. (DELL), Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and The Walt Disney Co.

The rival HD-DVD format is backed by Japan's Toshiba Corp., NEC Corp. (NIPNY) and others.

Backers of Blu-ray say it is superior because it has a higher storage capacity, while supporters of HD-DVD say it is more compatible with current DVD technology and is less costly to make.

The winner of the standards battle stands to gain from patent royalties.

Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., recently introduced high-definition editing capability in its iMovie HD software.

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said consumers who are already creating their own high-definition content want to be able to record it on high-definition DVDs.

"Apple is pleased to join the Blu-ray Disc Association board as part of our efforts to drive consumer adoption of HD," Jobs said in a statement.

[AlecWest]

This BluRay vs. HD-DVD thing is turning into a real format war (Beta vs. VHS, all over again).

Now watch (grin). BluRay will win, they'll market the DVDs, by nobody will buy them because they're too expensive, hehe.

[ViRaL1]

Give Sony time. They're run Blu-Ray into the ground. Just like Beta, MiniDisc, DDCD and so on.

[dcsos]

Funny!!
but on another list which I participate in (THE DVD LIST SERVE)
A Guy from TOSHIBA pointed out that APPLE had previously JOINED the HD-DVD group as well!!
THE PLOT THICKENS!

[dcsos]

re reading the Toshiba guys post...it merely stresses Apple is a member of the "DVD FORUM" (along with TOSHIBA) and that Apple was considering hd-dvd with this forum.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

Give Sony time. They're run Blu-Ray into the ground. Just like Beta, MiniDisc, DDCD and so on.

Don't forget their other "new format" -- UMD, the proprietary format for the PSP that they're trying to push to all the big movie studios. They want them to release movies on it (side by side with DVD releases) for 'on the go' viewing. I can almost guarantee that all of Sony's movie studios will release their titles on it -- it's MiniDisc all over again!
$ony has already said that PS3 games will be Blu-Ray discs, so at least they'll be able to force game developers to use it for about 5 years