Dell, HP Reiterate Support for Blu-Ray
Dell, HP Reiterate Support for Blu-Ray
by , 5:00 PM EDT, September 29th, 2005
On Tuesday, Microsoft and Intel publicly expressed their support for HD-DVD, the latest shot in the battle between that format and Blu-Ray, the one that Apple is behind. Dell and Hewlett-Packard, two of the companies also in the latter camp, on Thursday reiterated their support for Blu-Ray and cited inaccurate statements issued by Microsoft and Intel.
With battle lines drawn months before either next-generation DVD format is expected to ship, the financial stakes in this war grow daily. The prizes include not only the type of drives used in upcoming computers and videogame consoles but also the preferred format for movies, games and other content.
To that end, HP's general manager of personal storage, Maureen Weber, said in a statement: "From a PC end-user perspective, Blu-Ray is a superior format. It offers 67-150% more storage capacity, higher transfer rates, slim-line notebook compatibility, broadband connectivity and a proven interactive layer with BD-Java."
The Blu-Ray Disc Association (BDA) noted in its press release that its discs can hold 50GB of data, 67% more than HD-DVD's standard discs and 150% more than HD-DVD's recordable format. The BDA also touted the ability of Blu-Ray hybrid discs to hold standard- and high-definition versions of a movie as well as the format's use of BD-Java rather than Microsoft's iHD, the interactivity layer that will be used in HD-DVD.
Both of the new DVD formats are backwards compatible with older DVDs, assuming the players include red lasers, and both offer more restrictive copy protection than current DVDs, which saw their protection scheme cracked a few years ago.
Apple came forward with its support of Blu-Ray this past March. Other companies on board with the format include Hitachi, LG Electronics, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Royal Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK, Thomson, Twentieth Century Fox and Disney.
While Blu-Ray has more support among hardware manufacturers, HD-DVD's backers include Paramount Home Entertainment, Warner Home Video and Universal Pictures, which puts a good chunk of the film industry behind that format.
Observer Comments
First, I think Sony, 20th Century Fox, and Disney make up a pretty good chunk of the movie industry as well.
But this is shaping up to be a war not only between consumer electronics vs. MS/Intel, but also BD-Java vs. Microsoft's proprietary but licensed iHD. Does anyone know if BD-Java is an open standard?
QuoteGuest wrote:
I hope the technically superior Blu-Ray wins out over marketing hype.
I used to think that, but this interview brings up some good points:
http://www.tomshardware.com/hardnews/20050927_190208.html
The main point is: Just because each side is making great claims of their tech, what can they actually PRODUCE? Blue-Ray is making a lot of promises that may be possible, but might not see the light of day anytime soon.
I'm not saying that article settles any arguments...it was just interesting food-for-thought.
"The BDA also touted the ability of Blu-Ray hybrid discs to hold standard- and high-definition versions of a movie as well as the format's use of BD-Java rather than Microsoft's iHD, the interactivity layer that will be used in HD-DVD."
Microsoft supporting a system that uses Microsoft? No! I don't believe it. Well I never. Next you'll be telling me that Warner Brothers are in their pocket.
Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.
Recent Headlines - Updated February 13th
- Mon, 9:34 AM
- iObserver - AT&T Begins Process Toward Offering Shared Data
- 9:15 AM
- News - Apple Files Motion to Stop Galaxy Nexus Sales in U.S.
- 8:20 AM
- News - Steve Jobs Given Trustees Award at the Grammys
- Sat, 4:11 PM
- MacOS KenDensed - MacOS KenDensed: iPad 3 Frenzy, Big-time Apple & Steve Jobs, G-Man
- Fri, 8:10 PM
- News - Apple Sues Motorola Mobility in California Over German Case
- 7:54 PM
- Free on iTunes - OnLive Desktop: Windows & Office on Your iPad
- 7:43 PM
- Product News - Apple Rolls Out MacBook Air Configurations for Education
- 6:35 PM
- Just a Peek - Battle Pocket Bulge With The Hint for iPhone
- 6:01 PM
- Rumor - Apple Reportedly Bringing MacBook Air Styling to Pro Line
- 4:50 PM
- Particle Debris - The Hidden Gotchas of Browser Security
- 3:56 PM
- Apple Stock Watch - Analyst: Paying a Dividend Makes Sense for Apple
- 2:58 PM
- Deal Brothers - iMac 27-inch 2.93GHz Intel Quad-Core i7 processor: $1,999
The Mac Observer Reader Specials
TypeStyler 11 is now in the Mac App Store!! -- Special Introductory Price of $59.95!! -- To Buy From The Mac App Store Click Here Now!! Or buy direct
from Strider Software.
Mac RAM Upgrades: MacBook Pro 16GB kits $475, 8GB Kits for $119.99! iMac 16GB RAM Kits (4x 4GB) for $229.99! Mac Pro Memory 32GB Kit for $399.99, 64GB Kit for $889.99! Mac Hard Drives 2TB Seagate SATA II for $249.99! Click Here!
If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Online Poker Mac.
This mac poker and online casino mac site
actually does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!
