Microsoft and Intel Choose HD-DVD

Microsoft and Intel today announced their adherence to the HD DVD Promotion Group, which could dramatically change the entire Blu-Ray versus HD-DVD conflict.

Microsoft, which has already signed with Toshiba a cross-licensing agreement, had expressed several times its support for the HD-DVD format. One of the statements made by Bill Gates has even triggered a series of speculations that Xbox 360 might include a HD-DVD unit.

Intel, on the other hand, claims that the HD-DVD technology was chosen because it fits bets the company's vision on digital entertainment.

In fact, the press statement issued by Intel and Microsoft does more than just to announce their support for the HD-DVD format, it also lists all the advantages offered by the format; the comparisons with Blu-Ray were unavoidable.

In Microsoft's vision, the HD-DVD ensures a better quality, a higher capacity (Toshiba was granted approval for the HD-DVD dual layer 30 GB), DVD compatibility and it doesn't require significant investments.

This announcement won't go unnoticed by the BDA (the organization promoting Blu-Ray), a reaction to this being expected soon.