Microsoft's and Intel's adherence to the HD-DVD format is a spectacular victory for this format.

The support of these two companies for Toshiba's format could accelerate the adoption of the HD-ROM units in the configuration of future PCs (Toshiba has already announced the plans for a HD-DVD compatible PC), but this doesn't mean that the Blu-Ray format is out of the race.

And that's because the final decision is not for the IT industry to take, the Hollywood tycoons having the power over that: the decisive argument for them is the security. Since Blu-Ray has promised much more features regarding the prevention of the discs' duplication, it's obvious what the movie studios' preferences are.

In this way, we might find out that the software, games and certain movies (produced by the studios which have expressed their support for this format) will be available in HD-DVD format, while the majority of the movies will be exclusively in the Blu-Ray format.

For Microsoft, backing the HD-DVD format is a strategic decision (Sony Play Station 3, Xbox 360's direct competitor, planning to implement Blu-Ray units), but for Intel, this decision could have "side effects". It's important for the processor producer to ensure the success of the VIIV technology and for that task, it needs Microsoft's software, but it would have been better if the company had found a solution like Samsung's. Two weeks ago, Samsung's officials said they will study the possibility of releasing a player that supports both formats, a solution which would surely benefit from the users' support.

Perhaps it would have been wiser if Intel had adopted a similar position, rather than declaring its allegiance to a single format, whose faith hasn't been decided yet.

In conclusion, although the HD-DVD has won two important allies, none of them is "heavy" enough to decisively tip the balance.