Tech Shout!

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has announced that in order to facilitate consumers with the best possible high-definition experience, the company will support the HD-DVD format in addition to the Blu-ray Disc format, and will bond with the HD-DVD Promotions Group.

HP, long-time supporter of Blu-Ray, had earlier given BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association) an ultimatum; that if 2 technologies it considered iessential to PC users - iHD and Mandatory Managed Copy, were not included in Blu-ray’s specifications, the company might actually consider shifting to the Toshiba-led HD-DVD group.

While Mandatory Managed Copy lets users legally copy DVDs and store the digital files on a home network; iHD offers new interactive features and facilitates a more compelling user experience.

The BDA responded by announcing that it would formally adopt only Mandatory Managed Copy at a later stage; moreover the Blu-ray group decided to go ahead with the Java-type option for the format launch.

As regards HP’s latest decision, Maureen Weber, general manager - personal storage business, HP, said, “We’re encouraged that the Blu-ray Disc Association is adopting Mandatory Managed Copy. Because HP wants to deliver the most user-friendly and cost-effective solution to our customers, we have decided to support both formats. 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.”

Incidentally both Mandatory Managed Copy and iHD have already been included into the HD-DVD format. Microsoft too, plans to integrate iHD technology into its new Windows Vista operating system.