HP to Promote Blu-Ray and HD-DVD Formats

HP, the world’s second largest maker of personal computers, announced that it will promote both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats. The company denounced a recent decision of Blu-ray backers not to enable an interactive iHD technology on Bly-ray discs. Additionally, HP said that as HD DVD was more cost-efficient, the computer supplier would be better positioned.

“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,” said Maureen Weber, general manager, personal storage business, HP.

The decision is the latest sign of a looming “format war” between the competing standards for a new generation of digital video players that can record high-definition films and video games. Blu-Ray and HD-DVD-compatible devices are expected to hit stores worldwide early in the new year.

Friday’s move represents the biggest victory for HD-DVD since Microsoft, the world’s biggest software company, and Intel, the world’s biggest computer chip maker, threw their support behind that format in September.

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